Iowa

You might think all that political activity in places like Iowa, Ohio and Florida would be great news for the local economy. But campaign spending isn't trickling down to the local level.

Iowa's state legislature passed a bill that would crack down on anyone trying to secretly document animal conditions at farming facilities. Animal rights activists are outraged, but the bill's sponsor says it's a necessary measure to protect private property.

The soon to be president of China is visiting the U.S. this week, and today he is in Iowa. It turns out, he's been there before.

All eyes are on Iowa today as caucuses there start Republicans on their quest toward the presidential nomination. What does today mean for the state of Iowa?

A combination of free TV debates and outside money is helping candidates penny-pinch for now.

Presidential candidates and their teams spend a lot of money every four years in Iowa, from pizza delivery to TV ads. But the long-term economic benefits are what really matters to the state.

Poor weather on election day can mean fewer voters at the polls, and bigger expenses for the candidates.

How do Americans feel about all the GOP candidates before next Tuesday? Also, Gallup's most admired people of 2011, and gauging support for the Democrats and the Republicans after the payroll tax cuts showdown.