Alexander expected to drop out of presidential race

Almost 25-thousand Iowans voted in this past Saturday’s Iowa RepublicanParty Straw Poll in Ames — and the outcome may mean the end of the road forat least one candidate. Former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander finished sixth in the Straw Polland is back in Tennessee, where he’s expected to announce his withdrawalfrom the race. During an appearance on N-B-C’s “Meet the Press,” Alexandersaid there was a “powerful force out there” to nominate George W. Bush asthe G.O.P. standardbearer. Former Vice President Dan Quayle has vowed toremain in the race despite an eighth place finish in the Straw Poll.