DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is pushing to end the state’s often-criticized Republican straw poll, but other GOP leaders say the event may still go on next year. The poll is traditionally held in Ames the summer before a contested presidential caucus. Branstad said Monday that it could diminish the state’s kickoff caucuses.

First held in 1979, the Iowa Straw poll has grown from a county GOP fundraiser stop to a large event. The poll draws a small percentage of caucus attendees. It’s one early test of campaign organization. Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kauffman said he expects the board that governs the party to vote next month on whether to hold a straw poll in August.

Kaufmann said he thinks there’s interest in continuing the tradition.