Romney May Go It Alone in Iowa Straw Poll

Mitt Romney could have a distinct advantage in August's straw poll in Iowa: He could be only one showing up. ABC reports that with GOP frontrunners Giuliani and McCain passing on the Ames poll, the rest of the field may choose to conserve energy and funds, too. Even the media may pull out—but Romney is hanging in.

The Ames straw poll has traditionally been a warm-up for the Iowa caucuses in January. But with the two big guns bowing out, campaign managers are dismissing a contest that wouldn't test their candidates mettle. Romney, running near the head of the pack himself, will feel the pressure to win huge if he's the only one hustling voters. (More Mitt Romney stories.)