Iowa caucus, 1976

With no incumbent in office, both parties were left wide open for competition in the 1976 caucuses. Several Democrats came to the caucuses but a little known Southern Baptist, Jimmy Carter, came out of hiding and campaigned heavily in Iowa. He ended up capturing 27.7 percent of the vote, the highest among five candidates. Soon, an outpouring of media coverage on Carter emerged.

The campaign

Jimmy Carter a little known governor from the south started to campaign in the state. In a poll it showed Carter increasing his polling against Congressman Morris Udall who was leading in the state 30% to 12% but then little over a week Carter began to take off 38% to Udall 21%. The Iowa caucus had little media coverage but after the 1976 election more people began to pay attention to it. Carter mostly focus on blue collar workers and famers in the state. Morris focus on labor unions. The battle became increasingly tough for Carter he had little money and no media coverage like the other candidates did. He spent all the time he could in the state.

Results

Uncommitted won 14,508 votes 37% to Carter 10,764 votes 27% Udall dropped to 5th place with only 6%. Birch Bayh a senator got 5,148 13%. After the results the media swormed Carter after his upset win he now had the big MO to continue and would win the nomination and then the election for president.