Straw Poll: Fun For Activists, Essential For Candidates

AMES, Iowa (AP) _ As many as 40,000 Republicans joined Saturday for a high-profile straw poll featuring barbecue, music, speeches and a chance to winnow the GOP's field of presidential candidates.

Saturday, August 11th 2007, 8:23 pm

By: News On 6

AMES, Iowa (AP) _ As many as 40,000 Republicans joined Saturday for a high-profile straw poll featuring barbecue, music, speeches and a chance to winnow the GOP's field of presidential candidates.

The results were delayed by more than an hour, which the Republican Party of Iowa blamed on ``machine difficulties.'' At least one machine, about 1,500 votes, had to be counted by hand, and took far longer than party officials had expected.

``That's what they've been doing this whole time, but they clearly misjudged how long this would take,'' GOP spokeswoman Mary Tiffany said.

The situation may have added fuel to the fire of some Ron Paul supporters who had sought to block voting at the event because of the machines. They filed a federal lawsuit on the constitutionality of the voting process this week, and argued that the vote-counting machines, made by Diebold Election Systems, had fundamental weaknesses.

A federal judge in Des Moines refused to grant an injunction on Friday. The matter was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, which on Saturday morning upheld the ruling.

The machines, the plaintiffs argued, are the same type that California's secretary of state placed rigorous security conditions on last week.

The grounds around Iowa State University's basketball arena took on a carnival atmosphere on the steamy day as candidates erected huge air-conditioned tents where they courted activists with food, prizes and plenty of rhetoric.

The National Rifle Association, anti-abortion groups and other organizations also were on hand to capture a slice of the spotlight.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback matched each other with neighboring tents and catered barbecue for supporters bused in from throughout the state. Romney was joined by his wife, Ann, and their five sons.

``We've come to recognized that this is the heartland,'' Ann Romney told a sea of supporters clad in yellow ``Team Mitt'' shirts. ``We are doing this as a family.''

Across the grounds, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee served fruit and joined his pickup band _ Capitol Offense _ for some rocking numbers on the hot, humid day.

``We're going to play again this afternoon whether you want us to or not,'' said Huckabee, gripping his bass guitar. ``The Bible says those that endure to the end shall be saved. We'll see how many of you last until later this afternoon.''

Mary Tiffany, spokesman for the state Republican Party, said about 40,000 people were expected at an event that could raise more than $1 million for the party. For their $35 ticket _ and an ID proving they were Iowans _ activists could cast a ballot throughout the day for their favorite presidential candidate.

Candidates consider the straw poll a vital chance to demonstrate support that could help them this winter when Iowans hold precinct caucuses, an event that leads off the presidential nominating process.

For some candidates, a poor showing could prompt them to drop out of the race.

Although candidates often covered ticket costs and delivered many supporters to Ames, some people said they remained undecided.

Jessica Taylor, of Waterloo, was looking for a candidate. She sported a shirt saying ``Christian, American, heterosexual, pro-gun, conservative. Any questions?''

``We're still open,'' she said. ``We're looking at Huckabee.''

The scale of the spectacle was so immense _ event organizers planned for the arrival of 375 buses _ that even Iowa Democratic Chairman Scott Brennan decided to take a look. State Democrats don't hold anything similar, arguing the event is more about raising money than selecting candidates.

``They don't really mean anything,'' said Brennan. ``But they put on quite a show.''

Romney, who has spent months campaigning in Iowa and organizing for the straw poll, is expected to win.

``We're going to send a message to the entire nation,'' said Romney.

Big-name rivals John McCain and Rudy Giuliani opted to skip the event, but their names are on the ballot. Former Sen. Fred Thompson, a likely candidate who will make his first trip to Iowa in less than a week, also will be on the ballot.

McCain, campaigning in Milton, N.H., called the straw poll ``a great way to raise money for the Iowa Republican Party'' and said he doesn't criticized it.

``But I think I can do my campaign and me personally better by being here in New Hampshire, talking to people, having the town hall meetings, and responding to their questions and concerns,'' he said.

Voting security has been tight. Before voting, activists must show ID and tickets, both of which were scanned to ensure they hadn't been used before. Stealing a page from the Iraqis, those casting ballots dipped their thumbs in purplish indelible ink to make sure they couldn't vote again.

State auditor David Vaudt was overseeing the count.

``I think we have probably one of the most secure voting areas that anyone has,'' said Vaudt.