GOP tradition lives on: Ames Iowa Straw Poll planned for August

“The Central Committee recognizes the straw poll fundraiser is not only an important organizing event for Iowa Republicans, but also provides the only opportunity during the Iowa Caucus process where candidates can speak to tens of thousands of voters in a single event,” Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.

Only one Republican non-incumbent has won the straw poll and gone on to occupy the Oval Office: George W. Bush in 2000.

CNN