Republicans press the flesh in presidential campaign

There are half a dozen presidential candidates campaigning in Iowa today. In Indianola, Republican presidential candidate Gary Bauer prepared to orderthe $4.95 meatloaf special at the Crouse Cafe. When asked how he waspreparing for the Iowa Republican Party’s Straw Poll on August 14th, Bauersaid he was eating meatloaf all over Iowa at dozens of small events.Bauer said the strawpoll would NOT be a “do or die” event for his candidacy.A few blocks away, Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes arrived atIndianola’s public library to meet with two dozen supporters.Keyes has scheduled 33 town meetings between now and the Iowa RepublicanParty Straw Poll on August 14th.At mid-day in Des Moines, Republican prsidential candidate Elizabeth Dolesaid it was the media has hyped-up the importance of next week’s Straw Poll.Dole said it’s not a “do or die” event for her campaign. Others in therace, candidates Lamar Alexander and Steve Forbes, have unleashed televisionads. Dole has no plans to place radio or t-v ads this early in thecampaign.Dole strolled through a cafeteria in the city’s second-tallest building,then she spoke to the noon-time crowd. Steve Forbes, Pat Buchanan and OrrinHatch are also campaigning in Iowa today.