Note : The candidate thanked her supporters , saying the vote ` ` sent a message '' Candidates earlier announced their bid for nonbinding votes at the convention in Ames , Iowa . The Iowa straw poll is the first major gathering of Republicans in the first caucus state . The top three finishers tend to do well in subsequent contests .
NEW : The congresswoman thanks her supporters , saying the vote `` sent a message '' Candidates earlier made their pitches for nonbinding votes at the event in Ames , Iowa . The Iowa straw poll is the first major gathering of Republicans in the first caucus state . The top three finishers tend to do well in subsequent contests .