Iowa caucuses: Critical first contest hours away

In the Iowa caucuses, those who beat expectations get a boost in positive attention and those who don’t “get the opposite”, says John Wilkerson, professor of political science. “I’m running for president of the United States”.

Democratic voters divide themselves into groups based on their preferred candidate but the Republican caucus process is more like a traditional ballot.

How many voters show up Monday night makes a difference.

A caucus is different than a primary.

Furthermore, the Associated Press reports that Monday night’s caucuses are highly anticipated despite the weather, which has the forecast of an initial snowfall that may or may not prevent Iowans to vote. If it’s closer to 2008’s 239,000, Vermont Sen.

But Cruz has refused to concede defeat in the crunch caucus, which will be a key indicator of who will become the Republican candidate to stand for president.

Supporters of each candidate or party leaders will have an opportunity to speak and try to convince attendees to support their candidate.

Sanders held a major lead in the first-time voters, 62 to 35 percent. Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kauffmann is expecting record turnout. The poll anticipates a big surge in turnout for the caucus. But it also means anything else is a bust – and could leave him limping out of the Hawkeye State into New Hampshire, where Trump is also in the lead. Ted Cruz of Texas at 24 percent, Sen.

“I guess the bars let out early”, Cruz said before wondering who was yelling.

Cruz has spent the closing days of the Iowa campaign focused intensely on Marco Rubio, trying to ensure the Florida senator doesn’t inch into second place. But where? SC?

He has a strong appeal among Iowa’s religious community.

Rubio strategist Todd Harris said the Iowa goal is to end up behind the flamboyant Trump and the highly organized Cruz.

On the Democratic side, Bing predicts a tough battle for Hillary Clinton.

Rubio’s rise in the poll is attributable to a dramatic increase in weak conservative and moderate voters. But organization doesn’t work without enthusiasm.

He said he was confident of taking New Hampshire and many other contests down the road.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is polling a distant third, but many of his supporters will be forced to ultimately choose between Sanders and Clinton, potentially swinging the final result.

This matters for Democrats.

Sanders’ showing depends heavily on first-time caucus-goers, a hard number to predict. Republican turnout in the last two caucuses was around 120,000, but Democrats got almost twice that many in 2008. The state’s 30 Republican delegates are awarded proportionally based on the stateside vote. You’re from Iowa. Are you afraid of snow?

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