Des Moines Register did a breakdown of candidate investments in Iowa

[rinsd]

Copyright 2007, Des Moines Register and Tribune Company

Democratic candidates for president have wagered vastly more on Iowa than their Republican counterparts, a sign the state's caucuses are seen as more pivotal to the Democratic nomination.

Consider this: John Edwards and Barack Obama each has more staff in Iowa than all of the Republican caucus campaigns combined, with Hillary Clinton close behind.

Even the Democratic field's lesser-known candidates have built caucus organizations several times the size of some of the best-known Republicans' operations, according to a review of several criteria by The Des Moines Register.

The Republican national front-runner, Rudy Giuliani, spent 62 consecutive days away from Iowa before returning last week.



More at the link - http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071024/NEWS09/710240377/-1/politics&lead=1

[DU9598]

1. RPI

This will have significant impacts in the coming years on the Republican Party of Iowa. The RPI has for years remained competitive with the IDP because of money they bring in through the caucus system. This is great news for the IDP.

[CK_John]

2. This the last great yr for the Iowa caucus. It will be a totally different system in 2012. n/t

[mohc]

3. What makes this so surprising to me

is the Republican caucus should be far more competitive than the Democratic caucus. Romney has shown strength in Iowa, but certainly nothing insurmountable. The Democratic caucus in Iowa, much like the national race, is essentially a 3 way race, with Clinton having a smaller lead here than nationally. But for the Republicans it would seem a perfect venue for someone like Huckabee or McCain to try and make more of an impact. Are they writing off Iowa?

[DURHAM D]

6. Huckabee's lack of presence in Iowa is surprising.

It seems to me that he really needs to front load his campaign. He won't win N.H. (or likely come in better than 4th) no matter what so he should go for broke in Iowa.

Do you know the numbers on party affiliation in Iowa?

[DURHAM D]

4. That is really interesting.

I don't believe I have ever seen a published analysis of that type before. I would love to see the same stats on N.H. and S. Carolina but I doubt if anyone has gone to the trouble. I am fascinated by resource management in a national campaign.

Ya kinda have to chuckle at the paid Obama staff numbers because I keep reading on the D.U. that the Obama effort is all "volunteers". Also, Hillary is supposed to have the "big Clinton political machine" (meaning all paid staff - no heart) - staff size tells a different story. It also suggests that their internal polling is showing her with the same lead that the public polls are showing.

It also looks like Hillary is leaving some of her funds in the bank which means she can respond better and shift resources if the primary calendar shifts.

I see Hillary is behind in counties visited. I assume that will change dramatically in the next two months. Part of the objective is to keep a campaign "fresh" so pace is everything.

Thanks again. Go Hil!

[Alamom]

5. This is very interesting. Thank you. nm

[cuke]

7. Proof that DK isn't running for president

[PatSeg]

8. That's odd

Why is he avoiding Iowa?

[rinsd]

9. This would seem to be right up his alley.