The battle for Iowa is finally here as caucus goers prepare to cast the first votes of the 2016 presidential election tonight in the Hawkeye state. According to the Associated Press, over $200 million has been spent on advertising by both Democrats and Republicans leading up to the official kick of tonight's vote count.
Republicans
Donald Trump broke out with the lead among Republicans over the weekend, edging out Senator Ted Cruz just days after the final GOP presidential debate before the caucuses get underway. Senator Marco Rubio is expected to have a good showing tonight in addition to Dr. Ben Carson, who has been in the state for months locking up home schoolers and evangelical voters. As Guy reported over the weekend from the highly respected Des Moines Register poll:
Since last DMR #Iowa poll:
Trump +6 (28)
Cruz -2 (23)
Rubio +3 (15)
Carson -1 (10)
(Paul, Christie flat; Jeb -2 to 2% support)
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) January 30, 2016Nearly 50 percent of caucus goers have said they may change their mind before making a final decision later tonight, putting Iowa up for grabs.
Democrats
As new revelations surrounding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private server to host top secret, classified information continue to drip with scandal and as her trust numbers continue to plummet with Democrats around the country, Senator Bernie Sanders is surging in the Hawkeye State and making the Clinton campaign very nervous.
While Clinton pulls in a few hundred voters at campaign events and is ahead in the polls, Sanders has been pulling in thousands, including many college students who aren't necessarily counted in polling.
Weather
Winter weather is always a factor for turnout during the Iowa caucuses and tonight's contest is no exception. Snow is expected throughout the state and a winter storm warning has been issued, putting candidates who are favored with longtime caucus goers, rather than first-time, at an advantage.
Stay tuned to Townhall for the latest updates and results tonight.