Iowa Straw Poll

Iowa GOP Votes to Cancel Straw Poll

The Iowa Straw Poll had been a popular event for Republican activists in Iowa since 1979. It features music, food, and a fair-like atmosphere. It was a major fundraiser for the state Republican party, which would sell thousands of tickets, and a chance for presidential candidates to establish themselves as early frontrunners or for underdogs to gain traction.

iowa straw poll

Jeb Bush Passes on Iowa Straw Poll

A spokesperson for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told the Des Moines Register that Bush will opt out of the broadly criticized Iowa Straw Poll and focus on the Feb 1 Iowa caucuses, instead.

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu