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his nationwide grassroots has done everything possible there (CallIowa, MailIowa, 13500 DVDs, ran their own radio ads, bought $10,000 in tickets to hand out and got a CA lawyer to spring for another $5000 in tickets; that’s 428 tickets we bought for RP that he didn’t spend a dime on, we recruited them, we sold them, we bought those tickets!).

That pretty much is the key to the Ames Iowa straw poll. Who can afford the tickets for their supporters to vote with and then get them to the event, some via hired buses, etc will have a huge advantage in the poll.

This year McCain, Rudy and Thompson aren’t in it thus the money side favors Romney only. So don’t count him out as of yet.

In 1999 Bush won the event, Forbes came in second and spent more money than Bush and Dole was third. Shortly after Ames the field begin to winnow with Alexander, Quayle, Dole and Buchanan all getting out. Smith has quit the GOP earlier and Kasich bailed in July.

This year McCain, Rudy and Thompson aren’t in it thus the money side favors Romney only. So don’t count him out as of yet.

Romney pulled back on his money, apparently including tickets and buses. RP has all those college kids right in Ames.

It's still Romney's to lose though. After all his effort there and his supposed lock on Iowa, his campaign is in serious trouble if anyone else comes close to him. It could be fatal if he loses.

I think he'll win it handily though. The buzz will be about who takes second and third, especially if they are second-tier candidates.

That pretty much is the key to the Ames Iowa straw poll. Who can afford the tickets for their supporters to vote with and then get them to the event, some via hired buses, etc will have a huge advantage in the poll.

We just have to get them up from their hangovers from the Ronstock concert the night before and wheel them through the doors! We have quite a number of activists going in-state.

“Ronstock will be a part of the celebration of Congressman Ron Paul’s message of freedom before the Iowa Straw Poll. Ronstock will be held at the Bali Satay House on August 10th, 2007 (the day before the big day) from 6:00-10:00PM! The Bali Satay House is the largest live music club in the college town. It is located in the campustown area of Ames, Iowa. Everyone is welcome (all ages). No cover. More details to be released soon!”

Gee, free rock-n-roll party for RP near campus. I'm sure those college kids aren't going to want to attend some nasty party at their favorite club. LOL.