It is Caucus Day in Iowa — the first formal vote of Election ‘08 and the long race for the White House. If the Democrats’ complicated caucus procedure looks like a square dance, the Republicans’ is pretty straightforward — show up; vote.

But the GOP contest this year has been anything but a straight shot. Mitt Romney has spent big with no guarantee of a win. Mike Huckabee has grown big on a shoestring. National poll leader Ruby Giuliani is a no-show.

It’s turmoil time in the GOP — but also time to decide.

This hour On Point: Iowa Republicans speak up on where they stand — and why — on Caucus Day.

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

James Lynch, political reporter for the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Dennis Goldford, professor of politics and international relations at Drake University.

Eve Doi, will caucus for Mitt Romney.

John Scheppler, will caucus for Mike Huckabee.

Don McDowell, undeclared.

And so at last, it’s all about Iowa, at least tonight, as Iowa voters line up in party caucuses for the first real votes of the ‘08 presidential campaign. In an extraordinary wide-open election season, candidates have thrown horse shoes and flipped burgers, cocked shotguns and kissed babies.

Now, Iowa stands to deliver a first verdict.

We are all about Iowa today, too — bringing Iowans to the microphone to tell us what they’ve learned about politicking, about the men and woman who would lead the nation.

This hour On Point: Iowa Democrats tell all on Caucus Day ‘08.

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Anne Kornblut, national correspondent for the Washington Post, reporting from Des Moines, Iowa.

Dennis Goldford, professor of politics and international relations at Drake University.

Ira Lacher, will caucus for Barack Obama.

Sean Larson, will caucus for John Edwards.

Nancylee Ziese, will caucus for Hillary Clinton.