The coffee bean caucus
Originally published on CNN
Iowa City, Iowa (CNN) -- While the campaigns and the political press have their eyes on the latest state tracking polls, there's an unofficial poll being conducted at a local restaurant in this bustling university town.
The Hamburg Inn, a family-owned restaurant renowned for its breakfasts, is sponsoring a "coffee bean caucus" from January 7 - 17. Patrons can take a coffee bean out of a mug on the front counter and place it in the jar of their pick for president. A row of jars for each of the nine Democratic candidates, along with one for President Bush and one labeled "undecided," are lined up with a sign saying "Vote Here."
An unofficial tally shows Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry and "undecided" tied for the lead. President Bush and Howard Dean are not far behind. Results will be announced on Sunday.
Steve Fugate, manager of Hamburg Inn, says they made sure to put the beans in glass jars so no one could be accused of stuffing the jars. He says they will count the beans in public to avoid any charges of bias.
If the latest state polls showing the race tightening are on track, this is one stop the campaigns may want to add to their list.
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