English/Nat In carnival tents filled with free food and music, Republican presidential candidates courted Iowa voters on Saturday in an informal poll that could reshape the GOP field. The nine presidential candidates are hoping for a strong finish in the non-binding straw poll. Outside the convention hall where thousands are expected to vote, the hopefuls have set up tents offering cold drinks, hot food and live bands. Front-runner, Texas governor George W. Bush, and eight other White House hopefuls, poured (m) millions of dollars and spent hundreds of hours in this initial caucus state to test the potency of their political operations. One candidate, Senator John McCain of Arizona, called the non-binding poll a "sham" and refused to go. Any Iowa resident with a ticket can vote. Tickets cost 25 dollars each, but the campaign teams will buy them for anybody who asks. While many in Iowa will be spending time at the State Fair, candidates like Elizabeth Dole are hoping to distract the voters with personal appearances. Dole traditionally draws crowds stocked with the young, and professional women. Saturday's poll was a test for her of whether they were serious political supporters. For Bush, the Iowa outing was an opportunity to solidify his lead. A confident Bush, introducing his wife Laura as "the next first lady of the United States," told supporters that the Republican party is ready to welcome new faces and voices. SOUNDBITE: (English) "I'm running because I want our political party to match a conservative mind with a compassionate heart." SUPER CAPTION: G.W. Bush, Texas Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Bush and millionaire conservative Steve Forbes spent the most money, raising expectations of a battle for first place. Forbes hopes to prove that he can convert his money, message and work into an impressive number of votes. Political analysts predict if Forbes can not get the votes in this money-driven straw poll, questions are certain to be asked about his prospects down the line. Former Vice President Dan Quayle set his expectations low for Saturday, but knew that finishing behind lesser-known conservatives would cause political trouble. Dole and Lamar Alexander needed strong showings to remain as viable potential alternatives to Bush. Television commentator Pat Buchanan, Washington activist Gary Bauer, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, radio broadcaster Alan Keyes and Quayle have struggled to emerge as the strongest social conservative candidate. Iowa voters seemed enthusiastic about the straw poll, but seemed to hedge their bets on who they would be casting a vote for. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We've never been here before, we are here to learn about it. We are kind of excited. Its a great day in Iowa." SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop SOUNDBITE: (English) "And I'm just kinda down here trying to get a feel for all of them and see which one I do want to vote for." SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop SOUNDBITE: (English) "We plan on seeing all the candidates, which I think its an excellent opportunity to do that." SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop There's only one catch to this poll - not only is it unscientific, it's also unpredictable. Not once has the straw poll winner gone on to win the party nomination. But the stakes are high because it's seen as a test of the candidates' vote-getting power. But for those who dont do well, it could be the beginning of the end. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/3b2513445dcbd8c09f0701665e861d5d Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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