Live from the straw poll

AMES, Iowa -- The straw poll is revving up here at the Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University. This is not just a vote, it is a carnival of politics, featuring inflatable playground equipment for kids, painted buses, barbecue, bluegrass bands, troops of sign-waving supporters marching around and shouting their candidates' names.

It's going to be a blazing hot day, about 95 degrees. Everybody's already chugging bottled water -- and, Sam Brownback hopes, making a run for his air conditioned tent. (It really doesn't feel that much cooler inside.)

Mitt Romney's campaign is gearing up for a big day. All five of Romney's sons are here with their wives and kids, and more than 100 relatives have flown in from all over the country to help out.

The candidates are scheduled to begin speaking inside the Coliseum at 12:24 p.m. Voting goes on all day, and the result will be announced at 7 p.m. Central time.