Here's some unsolicited advice for Rudy Giuliani: Either get into Iowa and go balls to the wall until the caucuses or skip it all together. If you want to come in and tip toe around the state, talking like a candidate but not really acting like one then if I were you I would save myself the trouble and just skip the state altogether. There is no upside to being a part time kandidate in Iowa and here's why: It's a caucus state, not a primary state. I've talked about this several times. Turning out for a caucus is not the same as turning out for a primary. Kandidates need motivated supporters in addition to putting forth a massive staff effort leading up to the caucuses to identify and train caucus attendees. This task will be especially important for Rudy because he should attract more non-traditional caucus attendees who are unfamiliar or intimidated with the process. Why do so many pundits, media and analysts put so much stock in the straw poll? Because it is the best indicator of organizational success. The straw poll is the world's best caucus dress rehearsal. I don't think Rudy will be able to successfully turn out to the caucuses if his campaign won't participate in the straw poll.

Labels: caucus, Rudy_Giuliani