Iowa straw poll voters discuss Pawlenty and Bachmann

Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty
Republican presidential candidates Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty pose for a photo before the start of the Iowa GOP/Fox News Debate at the CY Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011.
Charlie Neibergall/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Saturday's Iowa straw poll will be a critical test for the two Minnesotans running for President. More than any other candidates, Rep. Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty have built their strategies around Iowa, and its first-in-the nation caucuses next year.

Even though the straw poll carries no legal weight, it provides an early indication of organizational strength and popularity with party stalwarts.

Mark Greenfield and Vicki Crawford are both veteran straw poll participants. Mark Greenfield lives in Jewell, about 20 miles north of Ames. He's a real estate agent and he's supporting Pawlenty. Vicki Crawford lives in the Des Moines suburb of Granger. She home schools the youngest of her two children, and she's supporting Bachmann.

They spoke with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.

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