Iowa State Center Grounds Transform into Political Center

Grounds around the Iowa State Center, the site of tonight's Iowa GOP Fox News debate and Saturday's Straw Poll, transformed into the center of the Republican universe.

“This is the center of the political universe for the next three days,” said Jim Dau, a representative with the AARP. “It's an amazing experience for any political junkie.”

Dau, of Virginia, worked with two other AARP employees, taping together signs for candidate surrogates who would stand in the Spin Room during the debate Thursday to speak with media seeking clarification on candidate statements.

Media are not allowed to cover the debate from CY Stephens Auditorium where the debate will take place and will instead watch the event from the Hilton Coliseum, the site of Saturday's Straw Poll.

More than 200 seats had been set up for media on the floor of Hilton Coliseum and about 1,000 members of the media had been credentialed for the debate and Saturday's Straw Poll.

Party Time, of Ames, began setting up tents around Iowa State Center 12 a.m. Thursday. They were responsible for Herman Cain's tent and tents for several special interest groups.

Tote Randall, 49, Party Time manager, said in previous Straw Polls candidates asked them to set up tents directly, but this time special interest groups were making the requests.

The Party Time crew planned to be finished about 7 p.m., just an hour before the start of the debate. The group needed equipment from the Iowa Speedway in Newton, where the company typically sets up about 35 tents.