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Republicans await Iowa straw poll Republicans await Iowa straw poll
(about 4 hours later)
Republican US presidential hopefuls are in the state of Iowa for straw polls which could help determine the outcome of the 2008 primary election. Republican US presidential hopefuls are in the state of Iowa for straw polls which could help determine who will be the party's candidate next year.
Tens of thousands of Iowa Republicans are expected at the day-long event in the town of Ames, to hear speeches and vote for their chosen candidate. Tens of thousands of Iowa Republicans were expected at the day-long event in the town of Ames, to hear speeches and vote for their chosen candidate.
Massachusetts ex-Governor Mitt Romney is expected to win, with top rivals Rudy Giuliani and John McCain absent. Massachusetts ex-Governor Mitt Romney is expected to win, as top rivals Rudy Giuliani and John McCain are absent.
Correspondents say the poll could force the end of some weaker campaigns. Correspondents say the poll could force weaker candidates to drop out.
Candidates like former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Congressman Duncan Hunter could leave the presidential race if they fail to make an impact at the polls.Candidates like former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Congressman Duncan Hunter could leave the presidential race if they fail to make an impact at the polls.
Million-dollar bonanzaMillion-dollar bonanza
Mr Romney and his rivals are renting hundreds of buses to bring their supporters to the event, at the Iowa State University campus. Mr Romney and his rivals are renting hundreds of buses to take their supporters to the event, at the Iowa State University campus.
Mike Huckabee is one candidate hoping for a bounce at the pollsBut Mr Giuliani and Senator McCain decided not to take part in the bonanza, in which candidates can spend several million dollars on transport and tickets.Mike Huckabee is one candidate hoping for a bounce at the pollsBut Mr Giuliani and Senator McCain decided not to take part in the bonanza, in which candidates can spend several million dollars on transport and tickets.
Actor and former senator Fred Thompson, who has not yet formerly launched his campaign, was also unable to participate.Actor and former senator Fred Thompson, who has not yet formerly launched his campaign, was also unable to participate.
Middle-ranking candidates like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator Sam Brownback will hope to boost their campaigns and keep Mr Romney in check.Middle-ranking candidates like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator Sam Brownback will hope to boost their campaigns and keep Mr Romney in check.
The latest opinion poll in the state gave the former Massachusetts governor a 16 percentage point lead over Mr Giuliani.The latest opinion poll in the state gave the former Massachusetts governor a 16 percentage point lead over Mr Giuliani.
"It's a great way to measure who are the folks that have the character and vision and the organisation and the fundraising capacity, all the elements it takes to win the presidency," Mr Romney said in a video on his campaign website."It's a great way to measure who are the folks that have the character and vision and the organisation and the fundraising capacity, all the elements it takes to win the presidency," Mr Romney said in a video on his campaign website.