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 . But these days , political observers and members of the media take his straw poll wins for granted . 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 .
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 .