Rankings
From Iowa Independent Factbook
Iowa 2012 GOP Presidential Power Rankings: Time is not on their side
by Staff report | 11.07.2011 | 10:00 am
On caucus night, which is only 57 days away, it comes down to momentum and organization — who has it, who has honed it and who is ready to exploit it.
Iowa 2012 GOP Presidential Power Rankings: The caucus race is not getting any clearer
by Staff report | 10.17.2011 | 1:00 pm
A major disconnect is underway that makes it difficult to know exactly how the caucuses would play out if they were held tonight. That is, the candidates who are surging in polling are those who aren't spending time in Iowa, a state that values its grassroots, retail politics.
Iowa 2012 GOP Presidential Power Rankings: Remain seated until the ride comes to a full stop
by Staff report | 10.03.2011 | 8:30 am
There is little doubt of the continued fluidity within the GOP field, and Iowa -- as home to fiscal and social conservatives searching for an ideal candidate -- remains one of the best places to ride the roller coaster into the 2012 presidential election.
Iowa 2012 GOP Presidential Power Rankings: It’s time to get your ground game on
by Staff report | 09.20.2011 | 10:00 am
The Republican field hasn't significantly shifted in terms of rankings placement since our last edition, which belies the fact that individual percentages for candidates continue to shift dramatically. What can be said with a reasonable amount of certainty is that there is no clear and current GOP frontrunner in Iowa.
Iowa 2012 GOP Presidential Power Rankings: Could the newcomer’s shake-up be shook-up?
by Staff report | 08.29.2011 | 11:00 am
If there has been a single thread that has connected the previous 11 editions of The Iowa Independent's Power Rankings, it has been an overall feeling of discontent among Republicans as activists in the state search for someone who represents their views and that they believe also stands a good chance of unseating Democratic incumbent Barack Obama.
Contents |
The Iowa Independent's Power Rankings
Updated: 23 May 2011
1. 
Tim Pawlenty
2. 
Michele Bachmann
3. 
Herman Cain
2012 GOP Power Rankings
During November 2007, in the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses, The Iowa Independent unveiled its Democratic and Republican Power Rankings. In 2011 we continue and build on that tradition.
Perspectives have been culled from our staff members, additional state political reporters, party activists, academics, elected officials, political consultants and other insiders to create these rankings. While unscientific, the ranks provide insights that cannot be garnered in traditional polling or from any one pundit as to a candidate’s organizational strength in the Hawkeye State.
All those invited to participate are asked to answer one question:
“If the Iowa caucus was held tonight, what would be the results?”
The rankings provide a snapshot in time based on educated guesses and “gut instincts.” Campaigns are evaluated based on personal perceptions and input from others as to the quality of shoe-leather activity, ability to motivate possible caucus attendees and second-choice support.
Join our Panel
We have few requirements for the individuals who serve on as members of our Power Rankings panel. First and foremost, they must be Iowans. Second, they must be politically active -- either as a general political party activist or following the campaigns in some professional role (journalist, academic, consultant, etc.) Third, panelists have to be willing to share their observations about the ground game in Iowa.
If you'd like to participate, send an email with some information about yourself.
