We will get the first indications later of who will challenge Barack Obama for the US presidency as Republican caucuses take place in Iowa. Three contenders, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum, lead the pack ahead of the vote.

Jonny Dymond takes a look at the three candidates.

Simon Conway, British journalist and Talk Show Host on WHO Radio in Iowa says that Iowa has a habit of "delivering surprises". When asked by Sarah if he thinks the Republican candidates can be characterised as odd, he responds that it is "very unfair" to describe them in this way.

He does concede though that the Presidential election will be a challenge for any republican candidate as he views Barack Obama as a "brilliant candidate", and it is a "big ask" for anyone to beat him.

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