Keokuk, IA – Democrats and Republicans from across Iowa held caucuses on Saturday, Jan. 23. They selected delegates to county conventions and worked on their party platforms.
The Lee County Republicans decided to do something else during their meeting. They held a straw poll in the race for Governor of Iowa.
Lee County Republican Party Co-Chairman Matt Green says 92 people took part at three caucus sites.
Former Governor Terry Branstad led the way with roughly 43% of the vote.
Green says that was not a surprise. He says Lee County was a stronghold during his time in the governor's mansion.
The rest of the results saw Bob Vander Plaats in 2nd, State Rep. Rod Roberts in 3rd, and State Rep. Christopher Rants in 4th.
Green says he was surprised at how well Roberts did in finishing just behind Vander Plaats. Vander Plaats has run for Iowa Governor several times.
A spokeswoman for the Iowa Republican Party says a few counties held straw polls during the Jan. 23 caucus. She says the party is not reporting results as it will remain neutral in the race.