One thing is for sure, Saturday’s straw poll in Ames, Iowa will bring together candidates and lots and lots of calories.
Besides entertainment, the tradition is that presidential hopefuls provide the crowds with chow. Yeas & Nays took a look at the menu to see what the Republicans are dishing out to supporters:
Michele Bachmann – Besides entertaining the kids with a petting zoo, folks can chow down on some barbeque and, more importantly, funnel cakes, when they visit the Minnesota congresswoman’s tent. The average caloric count of a 6-inch inch diameter funnel cake is 285 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Herman Cain – It’s not surprising what the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO is choosing to serve on Saturday: Godfather’s Pizza — with a side of Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor and bassist will perform at Cain’s booth, where pizza will be doled out. According to the company’s nutritional information, a piece of pepperoni pizza from a large pie is 330 calories.
Tim Pawlenty – T-Paw is pulling out all stops to get attention this weekend in Iowa. The former Minnesota governor plans to serve barbeque from Famous Dave’s AND Dairy Queen Blizzards, also with a whopping side of Huckabee (he is making the rounds). That barbeque pulled pork sandwich is 440 calories, while a dangerously delicious small Oreo Dairy Queen Blizzard comes in at 550 calories.
Rick Santorum – The former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator is taking a more folksy route. He’ll be giving out homemade peach preserves that he’s dubbed “Pennsylvania Presidential Peach Preserves,” made from peaches from back home. Santorum’s tent will also be getting a serving of, you guessed it, Huckabee. While we don’t know how sugary Santorum’s homemade batch of jam is, a tablespoon of the Smucker’s variety is 60 calories.
Thaddeus McCotter – This long-shot candidate — who answered Thursday night’s debate questions via internet live-stream — plans to dole out Blue Bunny Ice Cream at his tent on Saturday. The company’s BIG vanilla ice cream sandwich has 230 calories.
Ron Paul – The Republican Congressman’s campaign will be giving out food, but did not provide specifics before deadline.
Candidates Jon Huntsman, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich will not be present at Saturday’s straw poll in Ames, but will be on the ballot.
