Republicans focus on Ames straw poll

Republican presidential candidates are placing increased emphasis on a topflight finish in the August 14th Iowa Republican Party Strawpoll. Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan says the “Grim Reaper” awaitsfor candidates who do not finish in the top three. Buchanan is competingwith five other candidates for the votes of conservative voters, butBuchanan claims to be emerging as the “concensus candidate” forconservatives.Buchanan is waging his third campaign for the presidency. Republicanpresidential candidate Lamar Alexander is embarking on a 60 county tour ofIowa in advance of the strawpoll — and Alexander says he’s competing to winthe strawpoll.