Home

10%

Political circus

By Liz Martin

Every four years, a political circus rolls through Iowa as politicians vie for a chance at the Presidency. The Iowa Straw Poll attracts voters from across the state, and candidates spend months shaking hands and delivering stump speeches in the hope that it will land them a spot on the ballot and in the White House.

Political circus

Sen. Joe Biden sips coffee as he listens to a question during a campaign stop with three weeks left before the 2008 Iowa caucus.

Republican Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann exits her bus after she was announced as the winner of the 2011 Iowa Straw Poll.

A supporter holds photos of Republican presidential candidate John McCain (also at left) and running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008.

Ann Romney introduces her husband, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, at a rally in Dubuqu the weekend before the 2008 election.

Ken Spranger of Bettendorf listens as Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum speaks at the Iowa Straw Poll in Ames, 2011.

An Obama campaign volunteer holds a sign reminding people to vote before President Barack Obama's campaign event in Mount Vernon, 2012.

President Barack Obama is photographed by an audience member as he greets supporters at a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, 2012.

Obama rally, Dubuque, 2012

Romney rally, Dubuque, 2012

David Evers of Wahpeton, North Dakota, shows his patriotic bow tie during the Clinton caucus night party in Des Moines, 2016.

Footnotes

Images copyright The Gazette. Please inquire for licensing.

FootNotes

Images copyright The Gazette. Please inquire for licensing.

© 2026 Liz Martin

October 15^th, 2020

October 15^th, 2020

Architecture & Home

October 6^th, 2020

October 3^rd, 2020

October 3^rd, 2020

Outtakes and detours

December 13^th, 2016

Loading, please hold on.