For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2015

Contact: Charlie Szold

Four Venues Submit Straw Poll Bids

DES MOINES - Four venues have submitted proposals to host the 2015 Republican Party of Iowa Straw poll. 

The straw poll began in 1979 and has been held in every open Republican presidential cycle since. It has grown to be one of the largest grassroots political events in the country.

The four potential venues are: The Republican Party of Iowa’s Straw Poll Committee will now consider the bids and make a recommendation to the State Central Committee for the location of the 2015 Iowa Straw Poll. There is no set date for a final decision.

The members of the committee are:
  • Jeff Kaufmann, Chairman
  • Cody Hoefert, Co-Chair
  • Trudy Caviness, Wapello County
  • Chelle Adkins, Black Hawk County
  • Jamie Johnson, Webster County
  • Gary Nystrom, Boone County
  • Steve Scheffler, National Committeeman
Statement from Chairman Jeff Kaufmann: “We appreciate the many venues across Iowa that considered hosting the straw poll and those that eventually submitted official bids. The straw poll is one of the largest grassroots events of the presidential cycle and an incredible opportunity for Iowans to meet presidential candidates face to face, and for the candidates to meet tens of thousands of likely caucus goers."
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For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2015

Contact: Charlie Szold

Bids for Straw Poll Location Due on Thursday, Feb. 12

DES MOINES - The Republican Party of Iowa will be accepting straw poll venue bids for another two weeks, with the final deadline on Thursday, February 12th.

The Iowa straw poll is one of the most popular grassroots event of the presidential primary process. Tens of thousands of Iowans have attended this August event since it was first held in 1979. Past winners include George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Mitt Romney. 

Venue proposals should be able to accommodate large crowds and have ample parking. Any questions regarding the bidding process should be submitted directly to Chad Olsen, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, at chad@iowagop.org.

Bids should include venue details, capacity, and estimated cost.

Statement from Chad Olsen: "The Iowa Straw Poll is an Iowa tradition important to activists throughout the state. The Straw Poll Committee will consider any venue that can comfortably host the expected crowd. We look forward to hosting a successful and vibrant event."
 
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