Candidates flock to Iowa ahead of debate, Ames Straw Poll

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) will touch down in Iowa on Wednesday, the day before a GOP presidential debate, while Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has no scheduled appearances, a big flip from the recent norm in the early caucus state.

{mosads}But for Wednesday, her campaign has announced no public events, and did not respond to repeated requests for comment on her plans. Her day could include prep time for Thursday night’s Republican presidential debate, which she is scheduled to attend. She is set to stop by the Iowa State Fair on Friday and then be at the straw poll on Saturday.

Romney, on the other hand, has spent almost no time in Iowa and is not participating in Saturday’s straw poll, although he will be on the ballot. He has instead focused on states that vote later in the primary process and solidifying his strong lead in New Hampshire, where he owns a home and has spent much of his time.

According to Iowa GOP sources, many Republicans who plan to attend Saturday’s straw poll are still undecided on their candidate, which is highly unusual this close to the event. That makes Thursday’s debate even more important, as it is the largest event ahead of the straw poll itself.

But just because he is skipping the straw poll doesn’t mean Romney has written off the state entirely. His Wednesday schedule includes a business roundtable and a fundraiser for the Polk County Republican Party. He will appear at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday morning and participate in the GOP debate that evening.

The straw poll is the first major test of presidential candidates’ organizations in the early caucus state, and might be their last chance to prove they can be serious contenders.

With Texas Gov. Rick Perry expecting to get into the race soon — there have been reports of a major announcement on Saturday and that the governor will be in Iowa on Sunday — Bachmann needs a strong showing in the straw poll. If she fails to win a poll that neither Perry nor Romney is participating in, it will be viewed as a disappointing performance.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) also needs a strong showing in the straw poll — he has spent more time in Iowa than any other candidate except former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), but has failed to gain in the polls.

Pawlenty has six scheduled rallies around the state on Wednesday, will participate in Thursday’s debate and plans to attend the Iowa State Fair on Friday.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) could also do well in Ames — he has a record of strong straw-poll performances. Paul has four appearances around the state Wednesday with his son, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and will be at the debate. He will also be at the state fair on Friday.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) is also scheduled to participate in Thursday’s debate, which will be the first in which he’s participated this cycle. He does not plan to campaign in Iowa, however. He has said his opposition to ethanol production credits makes the state unwinnable for him.