Ames, Iowa (CNN) – Need an early indication that Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota could do very well at Saturday’s GOP presidential straw poll in Ames, Iowa?
Here’s one: A source close to the Bachmann campaign tells CNN the campaign has handed out 4,000 tickets to supporters. (Remember, at this straw poll campaigns are allowed to bus their supporters in to the event and pay the $30 ticket fee to allow them to vote. Of course, everyone who casts a ballot in the straw poll needs to prove that they are an Iowa resident or go to school in the state.)
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the last straw poll four years ago with just over 4,500 votes. While Romney is on the ballot this time around, he’s far from Ames, campaigning in New Hampshire on Saturday.
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas is also expected to place well at the straw poll. A source close to the longtime congressman from Texas tells CNN the campaign has moved a couple of thousand tickets to supporters. Paul came in fifth in 2007.
As for overall turnout, from the size of the crowds it will be a surprise if this year’s vote doesn’t surpass the less than 15,000 who cast ballots in 2007. The vote count tally four years ago was way down from the nearly 24,000 who cast ballots in the 1999 straw poll.
Seems like the one who spends more money spent will gleen the most votes. What kind of
poll set up is that? On the face of things its presented as a debate where the canidates pre buy votes,am I wrong??
IT IS OVER BACHMANN
Try as she may, but with Rick Perry's entrance into the GOP Presidential race, this is now the beginning of the end for both Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty's 2012 presidential ambitions.
BACHMANN'S LAST HOORAH . . .
Expect Michele to finish in the top three of Iowa's straw poll. However, with Rick Perry's entrance in to the race, also expect:
(a.) – Pawlenty to be out by 1-October-2011;
(b.) – Cain and Gingrich to be out by 1-November-2011;
(c.) – Santorum to be out by 1-January-2012;
(d.) – Bachmann and Ron Paul to be out of the race by 15-February-2012
Yes, you heard it here first. It will be a two man race between Perry and Romney all the way into May 2012.
"Of course, everyone who casts a ballot in the straw poll needs to prove that they are an Iowa resident or go to school in the state.)"
Iowa has schools? Who knew?
As if we needed more proof that the GOP simply buys votes.
When it comes to rights, Republicans say corporations are people. But when it comes to the responsibilities of personhood – like paying taxes, being sued for negligence or criminal manslaughter, that sort of thing – their response is "Are you crazy? We're talking about corporations here, not people."
"go to school in the state.)"
Parents from outside of Iowa, send their kids to Iowa for an education?
Where all the Mississippi colleges full?
Bachmann getting a supporter? She claims to have a titanium spine, but now cajones too?
She paid for and handed out over 4000 tickets so they could vote for her -- hmmm, wonder how much she'll pay for each vote in the Presidential Race. Anybody need a few extra dollars? Your votes will be bought. Oh, she got 4600+, so it looks like only a little over 600 people were idiot enough to pay their own way – ha ha ha ha ha
They pay to bring in supporters to vote for them? How meaningless is that then?
I'm belived that bachman will be great for presdient 2012 also she will be face against obama. Untied state amercian will mock out of obama presdient so I belived that obama are keep blame on mildeast syrina. Other country. Obama are not good his job
Oh, so that is how it happens – they BUS them in from all over the country. And if you have the MONEY to do that, you get a BIGGER crowd there. I knew it could not be over 4,000 people in IA alone that would vote for Bachmann!!!