 McCain also won the endorsement of the influential "Des Moines Register" in Iowa, which surprised even McCain because he had not focused many resources on the state, and because of his opposition to federal subsidies for ethanol—a favorite issue of Iowan farmers.By a few days before Christmas, there were multiple press reports of a "McCain surge", with poll numbers improving both in early states—including Iowa—and nationwide.The New Hampshire resurgence was further confirmed by Romney now changing the focus of his criticisms from Giuliani to McCain.