The Iowa Republican straw poll, a closely-watched but often flawed test of presidential candidates’ mettle, will be in Boone, Iowa, August 8.
The straw poll traditionally attracted thousands of activists from around the nation’s first caucus state. Its chief value is usually to show who’s strong and who’s not.
Winning isn’t necessary a huge boost – in 2011, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., topped the straw poll, but her campaign quickly went nowhere. She wound up finishing last among major candidates with 5 percent in Iowa’s 2012 caucus.
In 1999, though, then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush had a big win over businessman Steve Forbes. Elizabeth Dole was third, a surprisingly good showing, but dropped out the race two months later.
“Iowa’s agricultural background has always captured the national imagination, and we feel the Central Iowa Expo will help us showcase this heritage,” Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said. “This venue also allows us to keep ticket prices affordable, ensuring families from across Iowa can participate in this one-of-a-kind event."
This year’s event will be at the Central Iowa Expo, after half hour from Des Moines.
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