One candidate called Saturday’s Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll a “Festivalof Democracy.” Forbes-land was the most extensive and expensive playground, complete with achildren’s carnival and a boulevard of vendors. One “bestseller” was apostcard picturing a naked Bill Clinton being disciplined by his wife,Hillary. Vendor George Durazzo (durr-AH-zoh) called the card “timely andtopical.”10-year-old Hallie Beeler of Peru, Iowa, went to Ames with a notepad, hopingto get the autographs of all the candidates and famous folks. CandidateLamar Alexander gave Hallie her first “John Hancock.”Free food was a big draw — Iowa State University student Bret Immel ofAnkeny sampled the barbeque with his fraternity brothers — but had to eatand run before the voting started.While the Straw Poll hoopla of free food and entertainment dominated theearly afternoon, by four o’clock Saturday Hilton Colesium was filled to therafters. Fire officials closed the arena, denying some people access tohear speeches from all nine candidates. Pat Buchanan finished fifth in theStraw Poll voting. Here’s the finish1. Texas Governor George W. Bush2. Magazine publisher Steve Forbes3. Former American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole4. Conservative activist Gary Bauer5. Television commentator Pat Buchanan6. Former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander7. Former U.N. Ambassador Alan Keyes8. Former Vice President Dan Quayle9. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch10. Arizona Senator John McCain (refused to participate, called poll sham)11. Ohio Congressman John Kasich (dropped out of G.O.P. race in July)12. Bob Smith (left Republican party in July. Joined U-S Taxpayers Party)
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