Straw Poll in Iowa a Big Test for Bachmann, Pawlenty [AUDIO]

AMES, IOWA - Republicans in Iowa will head to Ames this Saturday to participate in a straw poll.

College of St. Benedict and St. John's University Political Science Professor Kay Wohlsborn says for candidates like former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty it could be a make-or-break poll.

Pawlenty says he doesn't have to win the poll, but he does need to have a strong showing.  He's been spending a lot of time and money in Iowa over the past several months.

Meanwhile, Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is expecting to win the straw poll.  Anything less would be a major disappointment for her campaign.

Saturday's event is just a poll, the bigger event comes on February 6th when Iowa holds the first caucus in the nation.