The straw poll in Ames this weekend is a fundraiser for the Iowa RepublicanParty, but it’s also going to pump a hefty sum into the Ames economy.Ames Chamber of Commerce director David Maahs says the event will bring inan estimated two million dollars to Ames merchants.Maahs says another benefit is the national publicity the straw poll brings.Maahs say the city is used to dealing with these events so it won’t be muchof a problem to meet the needs of those attending the straw poll.
