Candidate says G-O-P is biased

A candidate who calls herself the first African-American woman to run forthe republican presidential nomination says she is upset that she is notbeing allowed into the G-O-P straw poll in Ames. Angel Rocker saysrepublican leaders are keeping her out of next month’s event.It is not unprecedented for candidates to be left out of the straw poll. TheG-O-P has some standards, such as the amount of money raised, whenconsidering who to let participate. Rocker says she won’t take path ofBob Smith who left the republican party after becoming disatisfied.Rocker says the republicans need a candidate with her background.Rocker lives in Florida and is a school guidance counselor. She plans tomake a trip to Iowa next month to start campaigning. The executive director of the Iowa Republican Party disputes claims that theparty has been biased against Rocker. G-O-P executive director Dee Stewartsays Rocker is not a viable candidate. Stewart says they have a slate ofgood candidates for the straw poll in Ames.The straw poll is a fundraiser for the Iowa republican party. Some politicalexperts and candidates say the straw poll will be an important early measureof the candidates.