Six candidates bid for Iowa straw poll; Gingrich sits it out

Republican presidential candidates last night bid on plots of land in Iowa to host supporters for the Ames Straw Poll--an annual test of organization and strength in the nation's first caucus state.

The breakdown of candidates who did and didn't show up to pony up cash--an "entry fee" of sorts for the Aug. 13, 2011, event--offered a clear picture of who will make Iowa a priority for their 2012 campaigns.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's campaign declined to bid on a plot. That decision prompted reporters to ask Gingrich whether he still plans to be a candidate by the time of the Iowa caucus.

"Sure, of course," Gingrich told reporters, downplaying the Iowa caucus. "These things happen over and over. They fascinate the media. They have no long-term historic meaning." Gingrich confirmed he does plan to participate in the Iowa caucus.

Gingrich spokesman R.C. Hammond told the Des Moines Register that the campaign is still deciding whether to participate in the straw poll. "We're not going to have the type of financial resources some others will have," Hammond said, citing a desire to focus on ideas for the actual caucus, not on the amenities the campaign might supply on the straw poll grounds.

Gingrich has suffered a series of blows to his campaign, which just this week included the loss of his top fundraisers.

As expected, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman also did not bid on plots. Both candidates had previously stated they do not intend to compete in the Iowa caucuses, yet they do plan to debate there. Romney and Huntsman have both indicated they would like to divert funds and energy to different early voting states.

The following candidates tendered bids on plots: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann; businessman Herman Cain; Texas Rep. Ron Paul; former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum; and one candidate who has yet to declare his candidacy, Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter.

As we've reported, the virtually unknown congressman has been trying to insert himself into the 2012 dialogue ahead of making any public announcements about his plans.

(Photo of Gingrich: Nick Wass/AP)