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The 'straw poll' has been a traditional tool to stoke
grassroots enthusiasm ahead of the Iowa Caucus - typically the
first major statewide event to select a national candidate for
both major parties.
"Our grassroots are important and I think that means that
tradition is important,” Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the
Republican Party of Iowa, said after a unanimous vote endorsing
the ballot.
Some Republican leaders have warned that the party could hurt
itself with a prolonged and contentious selection process but
the national party this week endorsed the informal, Iowa Straw
poll.
Mitt Romney, the Republican U.S. presidential nominee in 2012,
told a meeting of donors on Friday he is considering another
White House bid in 2016.
The statement came as top party donors line up behind former
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who said in December he would actively
explore a presidential run.
More than a dozen other possible serious contenders could still
run, including former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and New
Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
(Writing by Patrick Rucker in Washington; editing by Andrew Hay)
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