Every four years, tens of thousands of Iowans trek through brutal February weather to libraries, living rooms and school gyms. There they hash out issues, hear presidential pitches and vote on their party's nominee and platform planks. The results of these caucuses, traditionally the first test of candidate strength, can boost, set back or sometimes even kill a campaign. More than ever, candidates here face two states in one. You're going to find a microcosm of America in some of the urban areas.
People worry about school safety along with teacher salaries and class sizes.
We don't want to hear about kids taking guns into the schools. Iowa's farm economy is struggling with falling exports and income, but it is still the No. 1 producer of corn and hogs and No. 1 in manufacturing growth. Already, Iowa is in the top 10 nationally for growth in immigrants. Candidates are handling Iowa's idiosyncrasies in different ways. Dole stresses her commitment to fighting illegal drugs, specifically a methamphetamine scourge Iowans are worried about.