Search

The article examines the state of the U.S. Republican Party presidential contest as of January 2012. The Republican race is shaped by two things, including the solid performance of presidential candidate Mitt Romney as a front-runner. Romney won in Iowa against a much less formidable field than in 2008. It is noted that the caucus in Iowa underscored the huge challenges faced by the opponents of Romney.

The article discusses the influx of immigrants in Perry, Iowa. The demographic changes in the town started when Iowa Beef Packers began to recruit immigrant labor at the meatpacking plant. The plant's current owner, Tyson Foods, also continued the tradition. Majority of the people in Perry are Latinos. The demographic changes in the town resulted to culture conflicts. Also, immigration is expected to become an issue in the 2012 election.

The article focuses on U.S. presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's campaign in Iowa. It reports that some media polls show Gingrich leading in Iowa. Some noted personalities remark on Gingrich's campaign organization in the state which include Pottawattamie County Republican Party chairman Jeff Jorgensen, presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's daughter Sarah Huckabee, and Iowa Republican operative Steve Grubbs.

The article focuses on the political strategy of Massachusetts Governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for Iowa. It notes that Romney spent six days in the state during his visits from July to November 2011, a drop from the 22 days spent in 2007. It adds that Romney is following the strategy of not competing in contests where his victory is not guaranteed. Such strategy allows Romney to allocate his resources and deprives his opponents the right to brag.

The article takes a look at the Iowa caucus, exploring the reasons for its weakening clout in the nominating process for both parties' contenders in the U.S. presidential elections. It notes that the traditional role of the Iowa caucus, viewed as the first challenge which every presidential hopeful seeking his party's nomination must go through, is facing several tests to its relevance and legitimacy. Cited are eventual nominees who opted to bypass the state.

The article views that there is no sure bet for the first place in the Ames Straw Poll on the ground in Iowa. Veterans think that the popularity of Republican Michele Bachmann would not result to victory despite her political advantages. Others predict that Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul will translate their political experiences into strong finishes. The pageantry and precision demanded of the candidates are reflected by the Center for Public Integrity's description of the 1999 straw poll.