Jeb Bush to pass on Iowa GOP straw poll for Georgia event

In this photo taken April 28, 2015, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When Hillary Rodham Clinton takes the stage at fundraisers thrown by a group that wants to elect her president, she’s not a White House candidate. She’s a “special guest.” When Jeb Bush fundraises for a group preparing to run major parts of his all-but-certain presidential campaign, he doesn’t personally ask for money. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo) In this photo taken April 28, 2015, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When Hillary Rodham Clinton takes the stage at fundraisers thrown by a group that wants to elect her president, she’s not a White House candidate. She’s a “special guest.” When Jeb Bush fundraises for a group preparing to run major parts of his all-but-certain presidential campaign, he doesn’t personally ask for money. (AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

By Associated Press May 12, 2015 1 min read

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Republican Jeb Bush won’t be at the Iowa Republican Party’s presidential straw poll this summer, skipping the fixture of the political calendar for a competing event in Georgia.

Bush spokesman Tim Miller says Bush will instead attend the RedState Gathering, an annual four-day forum featuring conservative figures and speakers in Atlanta.

Bush’s decision is a disappointment for state GOP officials, who have fought to keep the Aug. 8 event alive and relevant.

Critics complain the straw poll rewards candidates who pay for their supporters’ tickets to the event and unfairly gives Iowa two early tests of presidential strength, along with its lead-off caucuses.

Bush has not yet declared his candidacy for the White House, but is widely expected to do so this summer.