World & Nation

Scenes from the state fair: Republicans in Iowa

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks from the Des Moines Register's "soapbox."

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks from the Des Moines Register’s “soapbox.”   (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

Share

A look at some of the activity at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines as Republicans jockey for support in the key nominating state, days before the Straw Poll vote in Ames.

Rep. Ron Paul

Texas Rep. Ron Paul waits to be interviewed by Fox News Channel‘s Carl Cameron.   (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

The Iowa Pork Tent -- a regular stop for the Republican candidates at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa Pork Tent -- a regular stop for the Republican candidates at the Iowa State Fair.  (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times)

Tim Pawlenty

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty chats with fairgoers after flipping pork at a booth.   (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is mobbed by reporters and supporters after arriving at the State Fair on her “One Nation” bus.   (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

Palin hugs a fairgoer as she makes the rounds of the State Fair Friday.

Palin hugs a fairgoer as she makes the rounds of the State Fair Friday.  (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times)

Palin inspects a bag handed to her by a supporter at the Iowa State Fair Friday.

Palin inspects a bag handed to her by a supporter at the Iowa State Fair Friday.  (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times)

Unofficial voting

Fairgoers put a kernel of corn in the jar of the presidential candidate they support.  (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

Day at the fair

A cloudless sky greeted fairgoers Friday, one day before the key Straw Poll vote in Ames.  (James Oliphant / Los Angeles Times)

Michele Bachmann takes her turn at the soabpox Friday afternoon.

Michele Bachmann takes her turn at the soabpox Friday afternoon.  (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

Pure butter

And there it is -- the world famous Butter Cow.  (Seema Mehta / Los Angeles Times)

World & Nation

More From the Los Angeles Times