Des Moines

Anguished indecision ahead of Republican caucus

Flying across Iowa, the flat fields of corn stretch way into the distance until the handful of tower blocks which mark the centre of Des Moines suddenly loom into view.

In just two months, the Midwest state will, for a short time, become the most important one in the union.

Just three days after the New Year begins, the state's Republicans will gather in caucus to decide who they would like to see challenge Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States.

Yet two months out - what is happening here reflects the state of the Republican party nationally.

There is no clear frontrunner, no obvious winner from a wide and determined field.

The most recent opinion poll - conducted by the respected local paper, the Des Moines Register puts two candidates clearly in front, Herman Cain and Mitt Romney.