A POPULIST MESSAGE HITS HOME.

Iowa's party caucuses next February 8 will provide the first test of popularity for the countless candidates (there seem to be at least sixteen real or prospective entrants so far), and the long and expensive campaigns for a few votes constitute a major economic boost and cultural fillip for a state otherwise in desperate decline. The crowd lined up for registration and jammed into the narrow ballroom, which seemed too constricted for any dance more expansive than a fox trot, even when empty. A local comedian took the stage and delivered topical oneliners, performed magic tricks with audience participation.