Results From The Ames Straw Poll

As expected, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won Saturday's GOP Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa. Romney, the son of the late former Michigan Governor and 1968 GOP Presidential candidate George W. Romney, spent truckloads of money and spent a lot of time in the state, and it obviously paid off.

In my opinion, the one who benefited most from this poll is the one who fell in second, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Huckabee did not have much money, and no buses to transport those who are his supporters to the poll to vote, a crucial part of the straw vote. He "did it with so few resources this really was feeding the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves", as he said in his own words after a strong second place showing. He now considers himself up in the top tier, and I see no reason to argue with him.

Another strong showing was that of Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo. He placed in fourth, but he is considered on the lower tier by many pundits and does not really have a lot of money, so this showing certainly could be considered strong. His fourth place tally reflects how strong his conservative message is, not just on illegal immigration and culture change, but on a wide variety of issues.

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson polled the highest of those that did not actively participate. It might be a reflection that he would likely be the strongest of the three who were not involved, himself, Giuliani, and McCain, who should now be considered a mid-tier candidate.

Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and California Congressman Duncan Hunter both had mediocre showings. Afterward, Tommy Thompson withdrew from the race (story upcoming). However, Hunter said he would continue in the race. He may be jockeying for a Cabinet post. He is another great candidate, tough on illegal immigration and amnesty, strong on national defense, and knows the dangers lurking with China, as well as supportive of American jobs. He is a good, all-around conservative. I hope to see him in a future Cabinet.

Here are the final results:

Mitt Romney
4516 31.5%
Mike Huckabee
2587 18.1%
Sam Brownback
2192 15.3%
Tom Tancredo
1961 13.7%
Ron Paul
1305 9.1%
Tommy Thompson
1039 7.3%
Fred Thompson
203 1.4%
Rudy Giuliani
183 1.3%
Duncan Hunter
174 1.2%
John McCain
101 1.0%
John Cox
41 0.1%

14,302 Total Votes
26,000 Total Tickets Sold