Straw Poll Takes on State Fair-Like Feel

Great party planners say atmosphere is everything, and here at the Straw Poll in Ames, that couldn’t be more true.

Thousands of people, many decked out in their favorite GOP garb, mill around the state fair-like grounds, snatching up political swag, snagging free eats and grabbing a spot in line to cast their vote for the next presidential wannabe.

There are games to be played, tents to be explored and speeches to be heard.

Herman Cain took the stage in his own tent, complete with free Godfather’s Pizza slices for everyone -- he's the company's founder -- to let everyone know that no matter the results of the Straw Poll, he’s in it for the long haul.

Ron Paul told the crowd in his tent that the United States in is a “terrible mess.” To which his supporters chanted, “Ron was right! Ron was right!”

But talking from the stump isn’t the only way the message of change is getting out around here. People of all ages -- kids and seniors alike -- have volunteered to hand out literature at every turn, some for the sake of informing, some for the sake of stirring up support for one candidate or another.

Either way, the day is young and the votes will continue to come in until 4 p.m. Until then, it’s best to just grab a place in the food line, whether it be the peach preserves made by the Santorum family, or a pork chop courtesy of Tim Pawlenty, and just wait to see what happens.