Support rural Americans.

[Frustratedlady]

5. One thing I think it does is give the candidates an audience that keeps them on their toes.

Iowans (many) take that 1st status pretty seriously and ask some great questions. It gives the candidates a forum to gain confidence and build their campaign to be a well-oiled machine or get out because it's too much stress.

I've seen candidates grow in those few months to be better speakers and find out if their ideas are going to float or fall flat. Granted, it's a money-maker for some businesses in Iowa, but not as expensive for the candidates as some other states. Obama liked it because it was close to home.

Besides, we get hit with a lot of ads so others don't have to. Just sayin'.