But party officials believe the unscripted quality of the convention will generate badly needed exposure for a field of little-known candidates.

The Republican primary is regarded as a free-for-all among little-known candidates that will likely end in a runoff.

On the next roll call, the convention unanimously accepted Polk, who became the first dark horse, or little-known, presidential candidate.

Also, a little-known candidate who does well in the early caucuses or primaries has a chance to attract financial support, and organise a strong campaign.

Opposition parties boycotted the election, leaving only one, little-known candidate against him on the ballot.

The Republicans have fielded two little-known candidates.

George McDermott, a little-known candidate, took 3.9 percent.

Instead, the race has drawn five little-known candidates, only one of whom has run statewide before.

There's been no little-known candidate come out of Iowa and win the nomination since Carter.

The 52-year-old leader defeated 40 little-known candidates in the voting earlier this month.