Does Iowa Straw poll really matter?

The field of GOP candidates are racing to the finish line as the Iowa straw poll is expected to take place at Iowa State University on Saturday.  But before that there will be debate on Friday sponsored by Fox News and the Washington Examiner.  Its been debated whether the outcome of this straw poll really does anything.  Minnesota candidates Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann have been pouding the poltiical pavement.  Mitt Romney has been noticeably absent but has been able to support a campaign financial network from his last run for president in 2008.