New Polls Show Romney Leads in Iowa

ABC News(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- Six days before the Iowa caucuses, Republican presidential candidates revved up the offensive as new polls showed Mitt Romney once again leading the pack and Newt Gingrich dropping sharply in popularity.

Twenty-five percent of likely GOP voters in a new CNN/Time/ORC International Poll picked the former Massachusetts governor as the candidate of choice. Ron Paul’s support jumped to 22 percent while Rick Santorum has more than tripled his support since early December to 16 percent. Gingrich, who topped the poll earlier this month with 33 percent of approval, plunged to 14 percent, significantly below Santorum.

The poll shows a similar picture in New Hampshire, which will hold the nation’s first primary a week after the Iowa caucuses.

Romney leads in that state with 44 percent of the vote, followed by Paul at 17 percent and Gingrich at 16 percent.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Survey Reveals More Iowa Companies Optimistic About Job Growth

(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- More Iowa companies are feeling optimistic about job growth in the next quarter, according to a newly released survey conducted by Hamilton Hiring.

The Des Moines Register reports that 47 percent of small and medium-sized Iowa companies are optimistic about industry growth during the first three months of 2012 -- up 40 percent from companies’ optimism in 2011’s fourth quarter.

The study surveyed 5,000 businesses across Iowa and found that state businesses continue to rely on contract labor during unpredictable economic times.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Des Moines Schools Show Largest Enrollment Increase in Iowa

(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- Enrollment is up at Des Moines Public Schools, according to figures released Tuesday by the Iowa Department of Education that show that the city’s schools had the largest increase in student enrollment in the state for the 2011-12 school year.

The Des Moines Register reports that Des Moines Public Schools saw an increase in enrollment of 571 students in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11.

The overall enrollment in Iowa’s K-12 grades declined slightly by 280 students compared to numbers from the 2010-11 school year.

Other school districts that rounded out the top five for enrollment increases were Iowa City (442), Waukee (431), Ankeny (312) and Pleasant Valley (176).

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Occupy Des Moines to Protest at Iowa Caucuses Political Events

(DES MOINES) -- Starting on Tuesday, Occupy Des Moines will hold the First in the Nation Caucus Occupation until Jan 3.

According to their website, the protesters say the occupation is to highlight corporate greed of the moneyed "1 percent." Hundreds of protesters are expected at political events in the city throughout the week ahead of the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucuses.  

"This winter, presidential campaign headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa and political events throughout the state will be occupied. Occupy Des Moines will not interfere with or disrupt caucus voting on Jan 3. We are not targeting voters," said the group.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Iowa Caucus Hits Final Stretch

(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- With just days to go before the Iowa caucus, Republican candidates are taking their campaigns to the Hawkeye State hunting for votes.

Rick Santorum will start it off hunting for pheasants with some Iowa politicos in Adel, Iowa. Rep. Michele Bachmann will resume her 99-county bus tour on Tuesday. And Texas Gov. Rick Perry will visit a series of small towns hoping to boost his campaign.

Newt Gingrich continues to top the polls, though his lead over Mitt Romney has narrowed in recent weeks. In Gallup's latest tracking poll, Gingrich was only three percentage points ahead of the former Massachusetts governor, considerably narrower than the 15-point lead he enjoyed in early December.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio