Eight things you may not know about the Iowa caucuses

The Iowa caucus is the first major event in the nomination process of both parties. It’s viewed as a bellwether indication of the support of various candidates simply because it’s the first major test. Iowa's position holding the first major primary event of the year has been threatened in various ways by other states, particularly this election cycle when New Hampshire discussed moving its primaries into December after Nevada planned on inserting its caucuses into January (Nevada later relented and moved back to February 4).

Residents listen as Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, campaigns at Elly's Tea and Coffee House in Muscatine, Iowa, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.