Bush's win in the Iowa primary set off speculation that the mainstream Republicans would not line up behind Reagan.

Before the caucus, it was generally assumed that Reagan would win in Iowa. He had assembled a large staff there and spent a great deal of time there himself. However, he refused to debate his Republican rivals, since his campaign manager felt that would provide exposure to candidates who would cut into the conservative Republican base. Bush, who had just outperformed expectations in straw polls in Maine and Florida, collected just over a million dollars which he used in his Iowa campaign. The other challengers - Baker, Dole, Connally, and Crane - all spent long hours in the state. Baker and Connally had the most limited organization and ran a heavy media campaign. Anderson concentrated his efforts on New Hampshire.

Voters went to the polls in the snow on caucus day, but even so it was the highest turnout up to that time in a presidential caucus.

Bush's unexpected victory indicated that his strategy of meeting as many voters as possible was working. Reagan, who had used more informal meetings and speeches rather than walking down the streets and speaking with voters, continued with his approach. He did agree to meet with his opponents in a debate in New Hampshire, a major (and ultimately rewarding) change in strategy. The candidate hurt the most was Sen. Dole, who had been expected to do well as a Senator from a farming state. His campaign lagged after

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Bush's win in the Iowa primary set off speculation that the mainstream Republicans would not line up behind Reagan.

Before the caucus, it was generally assumed that Reagan would win in Iowa. He had assembled a large staff there and spent a great deal of time there himself. However, he refused to debate his Republican rivals, since his campaign manager felt that would provide exposure to candidates who would cut into the conservative Republican base. Bush, who had just outperformed expectations in straw polls in Maine and Florida, collected just over a million dollars which he used in his Iowa campaign. The other challengers - Baker, Dole, Connally, and Crane - all spent long hours in the state. Baker and Connally had the most limited organization and ran a heavy media campaign. Anderson concentrated his efforts on New Hampshire.

Voters went to the polls in the snow on caucus day, but even so it was the highest turnout up to that time in a presidential caucus.

Bush's unexpected victory indicated that his strategy of meeting as many voters as possible was working. Reagan, who had used more informal meetings and speeches rather than walking down the streets and speaking with voters, continued with his approach. He did agree to meet with his opponents in a debate in New Hampshire, a major (and ultimately rewarding) change in strategy. The candidate hurt the most was Sen. Dole, who had been expected to do well as a Senator from a farming state. His campaign lagged afterwards.

New York Times 2/19 to 23/1980

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