By, Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
The Straw Poll gives Iowa voters a big responsibility to cast the first vote for the possible next president of the United States.
While this event doesn't necessarily lock–in a Republican candidate, it's a very critical segue for the future of not only our country, but the Siouxland area in particular.
It's not the end all, say all. It's not even a perfect predictor of Iowa strength. It's the Iowa Straw Poll and local experts say it's only the beginning.
"Today just helps whittle the field down a little bit. Get a sense of who's got the Character, the strength, in some cases, the money to push forward. To beat Barack Obama," said Brian Rosener, Chair of the Woodbury County Republican Party.
And while it's a chance for Republican candidates to introduce themselves to the nation, it's also a chance for many Siouxlanders to be the face of the nation.
"Very few places in the nation where they have the chance to meet the candidates 1 on 1, face to face, in coffee shops, in hotel rooms, like we do here in Iowa," said Rosener.
And with the Iowa Caucus right around the corner, it'll be yet another opportunity to get up close and personal with quite possibly the next president of the United States.
And while meeting the candidates is important, so are the issues. And surprisingly jobs and the economy aren't the only things taking center stage this time around.
