I'll be updating this thread periodically with news regarding the Ames Straw Poll. Please post stories relates to it and the preceding date here. Feel free to make bets on who will place where in here also.
The Big DatesJuly 23 - Iowa GOP finalizes Ballot
Bachmann
Cain
Gingrich
Huntsman
McCotter
Pawlenty
Paul
Romney
Santorum
August 11 - Debate
A joint venture between the Iowa GOP, Washington Examiner, and Fox News, which will air the debate live. Located in the CY Stephens Auditorium at the Iowa State Center in Ames, Iowa, the debate will start at 8pm CST. Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Jon Huntsman, and I believe Newt Gingrich have all accepted invitations. If I miss a news story, let me know.
The nine candidates invited to the strawpoll (see above) have all been invited to the debate. Additional candidates can participate in the debate if they meet all of these requirements:
August 13 - Straw Poll
Iowa Straw Poll Speaking Schedule:
Noon- Program Begins
12:15- Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn delivers remarks
12:20- Governor Terry Branstad delivers remarks
12:30- Chairman Strawn welcomes all candidates on stage (press shot)
12:40- Senator Rick Santorum delivers remarks
1:00- Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds delivers remarks
1:15- Congressman Ron Paul delivers remarks
1:40- Congressman Steve King delivers remarks
1:50- Governor Tim Pawlenty delivers remarks
2:10- Senator Chuck Grassley delivers remarks
2:20- Congresswoman Michele Bachmann delivers remarks
2:40- Congressman Tom Latham delivers remarks
2:50- Congressman Thaddeus McCotter delivers remarks
3:15- Herman Cain delivers remarks
Some general Notes...
-To be held at the Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University's campus.
-Mitt Romney is skipping the Straw Poll, presumably to focus on New Hampshire.
-Newt Gingrich indicated in late June that due to his campaigns financial woes, he will not directly participate (see note in Booths). From what I understand, he will likely still be on the ballot despite his statements, though he won't know for another few days.
-Youth who will be able to cast a vote in the November 2012 presidential election will be allowed to vote in the straw poll.
-Straw Poll tickets will cost $30, down by $5 from 2007.
The booths, which were
in the news late last month when they were being auctioned, panned out like so...
-Ron Paul was the highest bidder for a lot for $31,000.00
-McCotter bought a lot for $18,000.00, he was the second highest bidder
-Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain where the next highest bidders, with each getting a lot for $17,000.00.
-Rick Santorum spent $15,000.00 for his lot.
-Pawlenty ended up spending $15,000.00 for a less desirable lot.
-Newt Gingrich was represented at the meeting but did not bid.