Mitt Romney has Commanding Lead over Republican Presidential Hopefuls at the Iowa Caucus

The Iowa Caucus will be the first caucus of the Election Year on January 3, 2008. "The modern definition describes caucuses as a process of political party members gathering to make policy decisions and to select candidates." This is important to the Republicans since President George Bush has served two consecutive terms he ca not run for President again. The Iowa Caucuses occur every two years but "the caucuses that coincide with presidential elections are better attended and receive more media attention." More emphasis will be placed on the Iowa Caucus because it starts early in the election year and all eyes will be on the state. The Caucus could turn an early Presidential hopeful favorite into a candidate with little chance to win the nomination. It could also propel a more unknown candidate into being a leading one.

Several polls have been used in Iowa to get a sense of how Iowans will vote in the Republican Caucus. The University of Iowa poll from October 17th-24th shows Mitt Romney with a commanding 36% lead. Tied for second are Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee with 13% each. They were followed closely by Fred Thompson with 11%. John McCain was fifth with 6%. The Strategic Vision Poll October 12-14 had Mitt Romney leading with 27%, Rudy Giuliani was second with 13%, Mike Huckabee was third with 12%, Fred Thompson was fourth with 10% and John McCain was fifth with 5%.The Rasmussen Poll October 10-14th had Mitt Romney leading with 25%, followed by Fred Thompson with 19%, Mike Huckabee with 18%, Rudy Giuliani in forth with 13% and John McCain with 6%. The Des Moines Register Poll of October 1-3 had Mitt Romney leading with 29%, Fred Thompson with 18%, Mike Huckabee in third with 12%, Rudy Giuliani with 11% and John McCain with 7%. The Insider Advantage Poll of October 2nd had Mitt Romney leading with 24% followed by Rudy Giuliani with 16%, Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee were tied with 13% each, and John McCain had 10%. (Source Data used from RealClear Politics.com)