Reply #7: a straw poll is an unofficial vote [View All]

[Orangepeel]

If there is a straw poll, delegates to the convention (which is in December) will vote on who they are, at that moment, supporting.

It won't have any binding significance at all (of course, neither do the Iowa caucuses). It won't have any effect on Florida's primary vote, which will be on March 9.

There is a fuss, because it will be press. Lots of press. Florida's straw poll helped both Carter and Clinton get momentum and the outcome will be reported like a harbinger of how the candidates will do in the upcoming primaries.

The DNC doesn't want it because it might throw a wrench into things relative to what they want the outcome to be, and, it will force the candidates to spend time and money in Florida competing for delegates to the convention. Even though it is not binding at all, candidates are afraid of the bad press and the implications for the primaries(e.g., "________ loses Florida straw poll!")

Many Floridians want it because it will force the candidates to spend time and money here. What's so special about Iowa anyway? It will also make a lot more people attend our convention, which will be good for us.