Changes

The '''Ames Straw Poll''', known more widely as the '''Iowa Straw Poll''', is the most prominent [[Republican]] presidential [[straw poll]]. The Straw Poll, sponsored by the Iowa GOP, is held at [[Iowa State University]] the August before any Republican presidential primary. Although the straw poll is a non-formal political activity, it has been used as a measuring stick of the viability of candidates presidential bid. The Ames Straw Poll,  which charges $35 for each admission, also acts as a fund raising event for the Iowa Republican party. Voting is open to all party affiliations<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=3460114&page=1</ref>.  

The '''Ames Straw Poll''', known more widely as the '''Iowa Straw Poll''', is the most prominent [[Republican]] presidential [[straw poll]]. The Straw Poll, sponsored by the Iowa GOP, is held at [[Iowa State University]] the August before any Republican presidential primary. Although the straw poll is a non-formal political activity, it has been used as a measuring stick of the viability of candidates presidential bid. The Ames Straw Poll,  which charges $35 for each admission, also acts as a fund raising event for the Iowa Republican party. Voting is open to all party affiliations<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=3460114&page=1</ref>.  

   

   

Because of the significance of the straw poll, primary candidates have spent large sums of money purchasing pre-paid ballots for supporters. In 2004, [[Steve Forbes]]and [[George W. Bush]] each spent over $2 million on tickets and activities for the Iowa Straw Poll<ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE6D91039F936A2575BC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print</ref>.  

Because of the significance of the straw poll, primary candidates have spent large sums of money purchasing pre-paid ballots for supporters. In 2004, [[Steve Forbes]] and [[George W. Bush]] each spent over $2 million on tickets and activities for the Iowa Straw Poll<ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE6D91039F936A2575BC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print</ref>.  

==2007 Iowa Straw Poll==  

==2007 Iowa Straw Poll==