Dan Nicholson, of the State Central Committee, said the Iowa Straw Poll is a good way to test a candidate’s ability to organize their campaign staffs. A candidate’s performance in the straw poll can help move them up or down in the polls, he said.

People from all over the country came to show their support for their respective candidates. Two volunteers, a father and son, came as far as Arkansas and California.

Jim Martin, resident of Eureka Springs, Ark., said he had come to Iowa to show his support for Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas.

“I’ve never seen a man like that in the political system,” he said.

Josh Martin, resident of Oakland, Calif., and Jim’s son, also made the trip to Iowa.

However, not all in attendance of the straw poll were sure of whom they were going to vote for. Sam and Jessica Stagg, both of Ames, said they weren’t even sure if they would vote Republican in the upcoming election.

Jessica said it was nice to have all the candidates in one area so they could learn about what each stands for.

“We want to be informed, so that’s why we’re here,” Sam said.

Sam said he was also impressed by the booths representing bipartisan issues, such as health care and education.

Each candidate participating in the straw poll was given an area for their supporters to hang out, but there were also other tents supporting candidates who haven’t declared running for president. A tent for Alan Keyes and Fred Thompson were set up outside of Hilton Coliseum.

“There is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel for some of the candidates,” said Zachariah Gordon, of Urbandale.

Gordon said the results help decide who will continue and help those who finish on top get more money.

“It is very well organized and well done as a whole,” said Susan Fulster, lab technician for the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine Department. “Every issue was covered by the candidates.”

She said she wasn’t disappointed about Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani deciding not to attend.

Fulster said she was pleased with the number of events.

“There was a lot of entertainment and plenty for the kids to do which wasn’t there before,” she said.

There also were tents for the National Rifle Association, the Livestrong Foundation, the Iowa Christian Alliance and the Iowa Right to Life Committee, among others.