Straw poll should be replaced

Can Iowa Republicans resist the draw of straw?

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says his team hasn't made a decision on reviving the August Iowa Straw Poll in Ames. That's the barbecue-sauced, pre-caucus circus where many a presidential wannabe of the past broke the bank to buy and win a fake vote. It draws lots of media attention, much of which, as of late, is focused on what a sham it is.

In recent days, Kaufmann has told reporters that it's likely the GOP will have a summer event. It's just not certain what it will look like, or whether it will have a straw poll component. Options remain open. Top Republicans will meet this month or next to talk it over.

So far, since Kaufmann took over at RPI, he's made all the right moves when it comes to the caucuses. Recently, Kaufmann, other top party officials and the state central committee signed a pledge vowing to remain neutral and not back candidates during the caucus cycle. If they stick to it, it could help restore the principle of party officials acting as evenhanded referees presiding over a fair caucus process. It was tarnished during the 2012 campaign when officials endorsed candidates and took jobs with campaigns.

Doing away with the straw poll would be another good step in projecting the idea that it's the caucuses and their important role in picking a president that matters most to Iowans. More important than raking in bucks from cash-strapped campaigns for the privilege of pitching a giant tent in Ames.

That doesn't mean Republicans can't have a big summer event, or a series of events. It just means jettisoning the fake vote that's been overemphasized as meaningful, to the point of losing candidates ending their campaigns months before the actual caucuses.

In fact, instead of buying their phony votes, it might be nice if presidential hopefuls spent some time on stage answering real voters' questions on a variety of issues. We all know from watching the 2014 campaign how big-money outside groups can commandeer an election and its issues agenda. Iowa Republicans should build something this summer that's the opposite of that, something that puts Iowans and their concerns front and center. If they raise some money from selling tickets and bric-a-brac, swell. Heck, if you've gotta have tents and barbecue, go ahead. Just add some meat, lose the fakery.

I fear, however, despite the political wisdom of guys such as Kaufmann and Gov. Terry Branstad, who said in 2012 that the straw poll should be scrapped, the draw of straw will be too irresistible. Too many folks within the party will see dollar signs and a chance for their favorite candidate to gain some sort of advantage by winning a phony election. Consult President Michele Bachmann, the 2011 winner, for the second opinion on that one. Skipping the poll actually has become a smart strategy, keeping powder dry for the main event.

And if protecting and sustaining the caucuses and the grass roots politicking they've come to stand for are the real goals, unplugging the poll is necessary. It was fun, but it got out of hand. In an era of SuperPACs, dark money and plastic authenticity, it's time Iowa Republicans get real.

' Comments: (319) 398-8452; todd.dorman@thegazette.com