word in iowa is that the conservative is upset McCain and Giuliani wont be participating in the straw poll,and this would hurt them badly...

Romney has a 10 points lead in Iowa and after the straw poll i expect this lead to grow with huge media attention for Mitt.

Huckabee can be a darkhorse tomorrow.

Romney will crush the field by an astronomical margin.

I would guess that at least one of the three you mentioned -- Thompson, Brownback, or Huckabee -- will turn in a strong enough second place showing to build at least a little more momentum.  

Romney has pulled up his poll numbers mainly by spending $9 million of his own money, but I still have to think that a social conservative with stronger credentials might still pick up some steam.  If two of the above three get out, there would at least be some more consolidation of the social conservative vote.

Who's my money on?  I dunno.  If I had to guess, I would say Brownback.  Even though Huckabee has turned in good showings at the debates, he's been pounded for raising taxes as governor of Arkansas.
I seriously doubt that Ron Paul turns in much of a showing.

The Iowa GOP hates Ron Paul... There's been animosity between the two for awhile.  Ever since some of the first debates, they obviously didn't get along.  I don't expect him to "Breakout" so to speak.

Thommy Thompson is putting his whole campaign into Iowa, but I doubt he's really gotten anywhere.  As soon as this turns out bad for him... Expect him to drop out soon after.  

If I think anyone is going to get something out of a straw poll where McCain and Giulliani are sitting out... I would guess Huckabee.  He seems real, can throw a joke around well.  People are having him as the prospected strong VP type.  

I'd hate to see Tommy Thompson drop out. I was looking forward to the verbal sparring between the candidate who hates ferrets and the candidate who wears a dead ferret on his head.

On the Huckabee versus Brownback battle, my money is on Brownback. I think he's much angrier and meaner. Angry and mean sells to the Republican base.

Huckabee is a little too kind and gentle for the right wing. He's way too soft: I don't think he would order the National Guard to shoot Mexicans.