Some of the 50 party faithfuls already had a favorite pick for Indiana governor when they walked into the Knightstown Community High School auditorium.
But with such a crowded Republican field, plenty of precinct committeepeople walked in undecided, hopeful they might find some answers.
By the time the race’s first straw poll Saturday morning wrapped, there was a winner: Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, with 19 votes.
Former Attorney General Curtis Hill came in second with 16 votes; followed by U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, eight; Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden, three; and Indianapolis mother Jamie Reitenour, one. Former Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers was unavailable.
The straw poll was less about predicting the upcoming election than giving precinct officials a chance to learn more about the candidates, figure out who they like the most and report back to the people they represent.
For some, clarity was elusive.
“It maybe made it harder,” said Jay Davis, a precinct official from Henry County.
The attendees also voted on a Presidential nominee: former President Donald Trump won 35 votes, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley won 12.