With Iowa Republicans holding a straw poll next Saturday in Ames, some of the underdog candidates look to generate excitement and set expectations for the contest.
Over the years, some candidates have used the event to gather momentum for their presidential bids, but a few White House hopefuls -- such as Lamar Alexander in 1999 and Tommy Thompson in 2007 -- pulled the plugs on their campaigns after a poor showing in Ames.
While former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota has a lot riding on the straw poll, this week he walked back his previous statements that he merely needs to do better in the event than he did in polls.
The Ames straw poll is an important benchmark in the process of electing our next president, and I'm confident our campaign will show we have built a strong foundation in preparation for the caucus, said Pawlenty.
While Pawlenty may be banking on a solid campaign organization to help him score points in Ames, he is also falling back on an old strategy for Ames -- food and entertainment. The Pawlenty campaign will have a tent at the straw poll where theyll be serving food from Famous Daves BBQ and following it up with Blizzards from Dairy Queen and listening to music from Grammy-nominated Christian worship band Sonicflood and Iowa-based folk rock band the Nadas.
"I am excited Sonicflood and the Nadas are joining us for this fun and important day," Pawlenty said. "I'm looking forward to enjoying an afternoon of great music and food with family, friends and supporters. I know what a commitment it is for our supporters to spend the day at the straw poll and we want to make it fun and enjoyable.
Earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota announced that her team will have country music legend Randy Travis perform.
While some of the campaign teams plan entertainment and meals for the event, other candidates started lowering expectations for how they will perform in Ames. Only businessman Herman Cain, a favorite of the tea party movement, looks to raise expectations, noting this week that he hopes to finish in the top three in the straw poll.
Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania told ABC News that he will be happy finishing in the top five in Ames. Despite trying to lower expectations, Santorum has spent most of the last two weeks crossing the state, trying to whip up support for his underdog campaign. On Thursday Santorum released a video offering a humorously epic take on the tour his family has made of Iowa -- all with the familiar sounds of German composer Carl Orffs O Fortuna from Carmina Burana in the background.
"I love my family more than anything in the world, and this road trip has been wonderful," said Santorum. "I thought this commercial would be funny and help bring a flood of memories back to any mom or dad who has packed up the car and hit the open road with the whole family.Anything worth loving with all your heart requires much patience, and that's definitely true for your family. Iowans have shown a refreshing level of love and hospitality toward me, my family and my message. Hopefully, they and the rest of the country will enjoy this ad and relate to it."
Appearing on Fox News on Thursday night, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose campaign has struggled this summer, started downplaying the straw poll. Gingrich, who has been active in Iowa in recent weeks, said that he is more intent on winning delegates than straw polls, and he will keep his powder dry, focusing "recourses" on other events.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
