Romney wins Iowa Republican Straw Poll

[IGotWorms 4,058]

AMES, Iowa – When the Republican Straw Poll results were announced tonight, Mitt Romney had this to say: “I’m pleased as punch that I won!”

 

He was, of course, expecting to win. He ordered up more buses and barbecue than any other Republicans presidential candidates. But still, winning 4,516 votes here – 32 percent of the total votes cast – is a significant achievement in organization and strength.

 

“I’ll tell you, I’ll take winning over losing any day,” Mr. Romney told reporters shortly after the results were announced. “This is just the boost I need.”

 

Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, was singing a similar tune tonight. His second-place showing – 2,587 votes or 18 percent – was perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening. It was a pleasant one for Mr. Huckabee.

 

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08...eased-as-punch/

 

 

I wanted to post this to see what the right leaning geeks think about this. I know, I know, Ron Paul should have won. But what do you think about this win for Romney? Does it make him a viable candidate for the Republicans? And how about Huckabee's showing? Does it mean he has a chance?

 

Discuss.

[IndyTom 0]

Since Guiliani, McCain, and Thompson did not even participate, the straw voters rewarded those who came to Iowa.

 

In short - this means nothing.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

Why didn't they participate? Is it because they knew they wouldn't win, or are they just focusing their resources elsewhere because it isn't important?

[IndyTom 0]

Why didn't they participate? Is it because they knew they wouldn't win, or are they just focusing their resources elsewhere because it isn't important?

 

From what I have read, the "on the record" excuse it that they wanted to focus on the January primaries. The "off the record" excuse, from what I have read, is that they were not polling as high as Romney. So, for these guys, its easier to save face and not show up (I guess) than to show up, knowing you are going to lose. Though Iowa is non-binding, it is still symbolic. I thought those two should have made an appearance anyway.

 

As for Fred Thompson, since he hasn't formally tossed his hat into the ring, he didn't appear either - though he was in Iowa recently.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

So its not really meaningless that Romney won, since Guiliani and McCain didn't participate to spare themselves from looking bad for losing, right?

 

I think its interesting that Romney won because of how the right wing is not so certain that he is a bona-fide conservative. Here is a guy who used to support abortion rights, gay rights, etc., and has only recently changed his mind on those issues. I didn't think he would be able to convince the base that his conversion was genuine, and yet he has apparently done just that in Iowa. Its pretty interesting, really.

[BLS 314]

I was there today. I drove down from MN this morning at 5am.

 

I'm still up...on 2hrs of sleep, but I'm about done.

 

Romney has been campaigning in Iowa for 2 years, and must have spent MILLIONS on this. It was ridiculous how many people he bought straw poll tickets for, and how many people he paid to have bused in. I knew at 8am this morning he was going to win by a mile.

 

Ron Paul only campaigned in Iowa for about 5 days this week, and to come up with over 1,000 votes (compared to Mitt's 4k+) is not bad.

 

It was pretty intense. And a great learning experience.

 

I had no misconceptions though...NOBODY was going to win today but Romney....it was bought and paid for LONG ago. It was very impressive....even his 'tent area' looked like a freaking rock concert. Lights, multiple HUGE big screen TV's, a GREAT band, even freaking inflatable slides and jungle gyms for the kids.

 

It was obvious he wanted to win and had spared no expense. I was really surprised that he didn't destroy everybody...(but I did notice people with Romney shirts were in the Ron Paul tent listening to Dr. Paul).

[Sparkling Wiggles 0]

I was there today. I drove down from MN this morning at 5am.

 

I'm still up...on 2hrs of sleep, but I'm about done.

 

Romney has been campaigning in Iowa for 2 years, and must have spent MILLIONS on this. It was ridiculous how many people he bought straw poll tickets for, and how many people he paid to have bused in. I knew at 8am this morning he was going to win by a mile.

 

Ron Paul only campaigned in Iowa for about 5 days this week, and to come up with over 1,000 votes (compared to Mitt's 4k+) is not bad.

 

It was pretty intense. And a great learning experience.

 

I had no misconceptions though...NOBODY was going to win today but Romney....it was bought and paid for LONG ago. It was very impressive....even his 'tent area' looked like a freaking rock concert. Lights, multiple HUGE big screen TV's, a GREAT band, even freaking inflatable slides and jungle gyms for the kids.

 

It was obvious he wanted to win and had spared no expense. I was really surprised that he didn't destroy everybody...(but I did notice people with Romney shirts were in the Ron Paul tent listening to Dr. Paul).

 

Uh oh. No geek has gotten this involved in the political process since Fervid sang hippie peace songs in front of seven people at a Kucinich rally.

 

 

I'm skeered.

[Franknbeans 46]

I heart Huckabee

[Rude Rick 0]

Huckabee 2nd...a Jesus thumper in every sense...this proves how out of touch repugs are with the country.

[IGotWorms 4,058]

I actually like Huckabee. He is definitely a jesus freak and that is not something I dig, but on the other hand he seems like a very sincere candidate. That is what I want out of this next election--a president that will not turn out to be a liar and a thief. I'd much prefer a democrat, given my liberal leanings, but I could settle for a guy like Huckabee.

 

And BLS: Thanks for the insight on the straw poll. I think its awesome that you are that involved. If more people gave a shat, things would probably be running a little more smoothly in this country.

[Rude Rick 0]

I actually like Huckabee. He is definitely a jesus freak and that is not something I dig, but on the other hand he seems like a very sincere candidate. That is what I want out of this next election--a president that will not turn out to be a liar and a thief. I'd much prefer a democrat, given my liberal leanings, but I could settle for a guy like Huckabee.

 

I beg to differ. In 2000...I thought Bush was a great guy...the kind of guy you can have a beer with...we all know how that turned out.

 

Huckabee rubs me the same way.