McCain's visits to Iowa baffle GOP strategists

[TeamJordan23]

McCain's visits to Iowa baffle GOP strategists

By THOMAS BEAUMONT

Some Republican strategists say they are puzzled why their party's presidential nominee, John McCain, has made so many public appearances in Iowa in the past month.

McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, plan to tag-team in the state this weekend. McCain is making his fourth campaign visit to Iowa in five weeks on Sunday, and Palin is making a two-city swing today.

Some GOP observers with experience in Iowa and national politics are dismayed that the campaign is spending so much time here. Others say McCain must see something competitive for the ticket that few others do, in a state where polls show Democrat Barack Obama leading.

"I am puzzled by the decision because it seems to me the most precious resource presidential and vice presidential candidates have is their time," said Joe Gaylord, former executive director of the Iowa Republican Party and top adviser to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. "And their appearances in Iowa, while perhaps inspirational to the base, might be better spent in other states now.

"I can't believe that they would spend any time in Iowa at all," Gaylord added.

No opinion polls of likely voters in Iowa taken since Obama and McCain clinched their party nominations have shown McCain ahead.

The Des Moines Register's Iowa Poll in September, taken in the days immediately following the Republican National Convention, showed Obama ahead by 12 percentage points.

Continue Reading: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20081025/NEWS09/810250332/-1/SPORTS09

[goclark]

1. Huum, maybe Rove can answer this one for us

His elves must be busy there.

[underpants]

14. That is reasonable to assume

McCain could simply be giving some plausibility to a sudden flip in Iowa

[Ikonoklast]

2. He's being 'mavricky'.

The guy has never listened to sage advice before, why start now?

I think he enjoys crashing and burning things.

[Smuckies]

3. We have

Iowa locked up. Strange move.

[Overseas]

4. He sees white people. //nt

[Democat]

5. Maybe McCain is visiting a secret second wife and family in Iowa?

On the Road With John McCain? :rofl:

[skooooo]

6. Hey don't criticize the man!

If he wants to spend the next 10 days in Iowa, I think he should!

:rofl:

[Frustratedlady]

8. Hey, I beg your pardon. Don't send that crap to Iowa...

we have our own animals, we don't need the Repiglican kind.

[skooooo]

12. LOL

Not going to sacrifice for the greater good?? Well, who would want to look at McCain's angry face for that long. I can't blame you.

[iiibbb]

7. He wanders around the country like he wanders around a stage.

[FLyellowdog]

9. He saw a poll that said "O Iowa" and thought it said "Ohio"?

[nc4bo]

10. Da base, da base. Stand UP against taxes, Stand UP for victory in Iraq, Stand UP against pork

barrel spending.....STAND UP AND FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT.

[jacksonian]

11. best theory i've heard

Palin starting her 2012 run.

[Thrill]

13. Time they can't be spending in NC and VA !!

[ZoltarSpeaks]

15. He's still wandering and looking for Mr. Puddles

Mister Puuuuuuuuuddles...... I have snausages for you!