After Iowa, questions grow about Occupy’s impact

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Protests in Iowa before the Republican caucuses show the Occupy Wall Street movement isn’t dead yet, but they also raise questions about whether the group will ever become a powerful political force.

The weeklong Occupy the Caucuses protest had little impact on Tuesday’s vote.

The demonstrations featured smaller-than-expected crowds, a varied message that was mostly ignored by candidates and aggressive tactics that seemed to limit their appeal among the general public.

Dozens of activists were arrested for trespassing, and the group interrupted candidates on several occasions.

Occupy organizers are pledging to stage more protests in New Hampshire and South Carolina as the presidential nomination process moves on to those states.