Forbes holds his own in Iowa

Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes attracted huge crowds during last weekend’s campaign swing through Iowa. Is Forbes on a roll? Public opinion polls in Iowa show Forbes running a credible second to republican rival George W. Bush. Iowa Republican Party executive director Dee Stewart says there’s virtually no conservative in the party who doesn’t think Forbes is a vital part of the conservative movement, although they don’t all agree Forbes should be President. Forbes has assembled a team of experienced staffers, like former Iowa Republican party chairman Steve Grubbs — listed as a senior policy advisor. Grubss says Forbes will have a good ground and air game.Forbes plans a barrage of radio and television advertising to tout his ideas, like the flat tax. Iowa State University political science professor Steffen Schimdt, however, doesn’t think its those sort of ideological issues which motivate Forbes to run for the presidency.