When is a presidential straw poll about something bigger than the presidency? I’m Newt Gingrich, more in a moment.

The Iowa straw poll is legendary in presidential politics. It’s a pure beauty contest, but lots of candidates take it as seriously as Election Day. And some have good reason. A strong showing in the Iowa straw poll – which is August 11th this year, in Ames – can show the candidate has the organization to win the caucus in January.

But this year, my plan is to make the Iowa straw poll about more than free chicken lunches and party politics.

That’s why I’ve recruited a group of experienced leaders to head-up a series of workshops at the Iowa Straw Poll this year.

The workshops will be solutions-focused and collaborative. One will focus on “green conservatism” – how incentives, entrepreneurs and markets can help achieve our environment goals far faster than regulation, litigation and big government.

Another will focus on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease by taking advantage of the coming explosion in new scientific knowledge.

And another will propose a positive solution to controlling illegal immigration by enforcing the law now.

The challenges that face America are far bigger than the presidency. So what are you waiting for? Join me in Ames on August 11, or go to AmericanSolutions.com to find out how you can participate.

I’m Newt Gingrich, and together we can win the future.