A "key test" for GOP nomination

by Clifford F. Thies

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman edged Texas Congressman Ron Paul in the Iowa Straw Poll, 4,823 to 4,671. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty finished a distant third, with 2,293. Following these three were (in order): Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Rick Perry (in a write-in effort) and Mitt Romney.

Clearly, Bachman and Paul were the big winners in the straw poll. Mustering nearly 5,000 people to the poll is an indicator of hard core support, Bachmann with mainly the social conservatives and Paul with a great many libertarian conservatives. But, it is not clear whether the showing will translate for either candidate into broader appeal.

From VOA "Bachmann Wins Key Iowa Test Vote, as Perry Announces Candidacy":

Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann won a key test vote Saturday in the U.S. state of Iowa... She is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and favorite of conservative Tea Party activists seeking lower taxes and a smaller U.S. government.

Nearly 17,000 people took part in the voting in the city of Ames, Iowa.

Finishing third, Pawlenty is in political no man's land. This may be a good enough showing to remain in the race until the Iowa Caucus. Finishing sixth when he was one of only five names on the ballot, does not exactly bode well for Romney. Perry was pretty savvy to hold back his announcement until after this straw poll was conducted.

Sidenotes; In her platform presentation at the straw poll, Bachmann said she was pro-life and will make sure you get to keep the fruit of your labor. Was she merely repeating herself?

Former Governor Gary Johnson didn't even make the cut for Thursday's televised debate. Bummer!!

UPDATE! Breaking news this morning... Reported by Fox News and various media. Tim Pawlenty has decided to drop out of the race.