Iowa GOP votes to continue straw poll

by Elise Viebeck - 01/10/15 1:28 PM ET

Iowa Republicans have chosen to continue their presidential straw poll despite criticism that the event is a distraction during the campaign cycle.

The state GOP’s central committee voted unanimously on Saturday to continue the event, a political tradition since 1979 that helps shape Republican presidential primaries.

{mosads}This year’s event will be held in August.

Supporters said it will show which GOP campaigns are strongest and help to rally conservative base voters.

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“In 2014, through extreme heat and cold, Iowans worked to elect the strongest Republican delegation we’ve sent to Washington in years. These are the same voters and volunteers who make our First-in-the-Nation Caucuses so special and who have traditionally made the August straw poll such an exciting experience,” said committee chairman Jeff Kaufmann in a statement.

“The Central Committee recognizes the straw poll fundraiser is not only an important organizing event for Iowa Republicans, but also provides the only opportunity during the Iowa Caucus process where candidates can speak to tens of thousands of voters in a single event.”

Detractors, including some influential state and national Republicans, argue the straw poll highlights longshot candidates and put more viable politicians on the sidelines.

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