Politics

Iowa GOP Caucus a Mixed Bag for Romney as Santorum Surges

WASHINGTON (AP) — It didn’t take a final tally in the Iowa GOP caucus to conclude that two good things, and one bad thing, happened to Mitt Romney.

The former Massachusetts governor was assured late Tuesday of nothing worse than a close second-place finish, with a first spot possible, once all votes are counted.

Romney said from the start that Iowa was a bad political fit for him, and he focused his early campaign efforts on New Hampshire. While he made a big Iowa push at the end, his campaign can argue that he beat expectations.

Meanwhile Tuesday, Iowa was unkind to the two rivals that many GOP strategists saw as having the best backgrounds to sustain a long-term threat to Romney: former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

That’s the good news for Romney. He now heads to the friendly turf of New Hampshire, which votes next Tuesday, with no opponent who clearly can match his fundraising and organizing prowess.

But even if Romney edges out former Sen. Rick Santorum in the final Iowa count, it’s easy to argue his showing was unimpressive. Romney was drawing one-quarter of the vote. That’s precisely the lackluster level he has pulled month after month, in poll after poll of Republicans.

It’s also the same percentage Romney got when he finished a deeply disappointing second in the 2008 Iowa caucus. Campaign veterans say Romney must find a way to excite more conservatives if he is to beat President Barack Obama in November.

“If Romney was unable to move the needle even an inch from four years ago,” despite heavy spending on his behalf, “it is hard to argue he has brought new people in or expanded the base of support,” said former Obama campaign and White House aide Jen Psaki.

Some Republican consultants, however, see the glass as half full for Romney.

“Romney is in the driver’s seat in New Hampshire,” said Terry Nelson, who advised Tim Pawlenty before he left the presidential race. “Iowa produced no serious candidate to derail him.”

Nelson said it “will be very hard” for Santorum, who languished at the back of the pack until the final days, to raise the money and build the organization he will need to compete in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida and beyond.

Another GOP consultant, Matt Mackowiak, said Santorum and third-place finisher Ron Paul cannot match Romney’s resources. “Romney had a great night,” he said.

Democrats were less impressed. Matt Bennett of the group Third Way called it a mixed bag for Romney. Santorum and Paul, he said, are “the two demonstrably least-electable candidates in this field since Donald Trump fired himself.”

But Romney’s inability to build a big plurality is problem, Bennett said. “Challengers to incumbent presidents cannot get merely polite applause or grudging support from their own base if they hope to win general elections,” he said.

Santorum now must show whether he can be the long-sought conservative alternative to Romney. It won’t be easy.

Santorum, 53, badly lost his 2006 bid for a third Senate term from Pennsylvania. Despite his impressive closing kick in Iowa, he’s largely unknown beyond circles that closely follow politics.

Paul, 76, is seen more as a libertarian crusader than a potential president. He recently said he doesn’t envision himself as president.

Democrats were hoping for a slow and difficult start for Romney. They want to see him battered, and bled of money, for as long as possible before the summer nominating conventions.

Iowa’s result will leave both parties with plenty of disappointments.

__

EDITOR’S NOTE — Charles Babington covers national politics for The Associated Press.

Comments (170)

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  • GETLIFE
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:05am

    With the media protecting Romney, we need to seriously look elsewhere.

    Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:28am

      Imagine the true independent voter. The one who is still honestly considering Obama and some Republican. Remember, these voters are capable of voting for Obama! Why would they ever be attracted to (rich, bland, RNC poster child) Romney instead???

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:49am

      The good news??? The Bots don’t have (bragging rights) this fine morning
      Let the whining begin…….

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:02am

      @GetLife
      They won’t…Romney cannot beat Obama….Though they are similar… 

      Who do you support? 

      @Republicorp

      Whining? We leave that to you! Ron Paul did great and will continue to finish in the top! 

      You still supporting Obama? 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:16am

      Answered you below, OKIE, but I don’t see all my comments up yet.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:31am

      OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE taking bets……

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Simonne
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:35am

      They are not protecting Mitt. I’m a Fox viewer & they like Newt, many of them like to bash Mitt. Just because they can‘t find loads of dirt on him doesn’t mean they love him. Newt has lots bagagge & Paul is a racist among other things. Santorum seems to be pretty clean cut but he hasn’t been vetted yet & he did lose his re-election by a large margin.

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:04am

      @Republicorp

      Sure, I love to win…. 

      You didn’t answer, you still supporting Obama? Hahaha

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:16am

      SIMONNE,
      Right! I wasn’t really thinking Fox, I meant the progressive msm.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:29am

      OKIE FROM MUSKOGEE I hope he is Jimmy Carter II ……one term
      I think we have that much in common …

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:38am

      @Republicorp

      Definitely!!! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:51am

      .
      Obama will be re-elected, so I really don’t know why we paid so much attention to this dog and pony show………

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:08am

      I would like to thank the dumba@@ Iowan voters who gave us a Liberal in second place and a RiNO in first place.

      Johm McCain all over again. Thanks Iowa!

      Return to the Constitution or die. Ron Paul 2012

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • Jack Jones 99
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:11am

      Are you kidding me. Have you listened to Rush, Hannity, Beck or Levin lately? They seem to be in the anybody but Romney csmp.

      Report Post »  
    • dukielouie
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:28am

      So let me get this straight. I have spent 3 years reading the 5000 year leap,starting a 912/tea party,gettting involved in local politics and vetting candidates to be told that Romney is the only one electable! Give me a break as disgruntled Republican I am to listen to the talking points from the RNC and Fox news. What was the point of reading the constitution.As a former worker on campaigns the hacks have done a good job of fooling the people. Has anyone asked the questions about Sustainable development policies that Romney put in place in Mass? What about Un Agenda 21? Lost of Sea Treaty? What about the other candidates? Why doesn’t the media or talk show hosts bring this up? Why is left to the grassroots to ask these questions. Newt got leverage from getting on the calls with coordinators and pretending he would get rid of all of this agenda. Ask him about Adam Toffler’s book The Third Wave?Wake up folks the Bush’s and the fake conservatives are bring us down the raod to Global America.

      Report Post »  
    • TheWholeTruth
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:32am

      The good news is that the voting in the caucus doesn’t count anyway. That’s NOT how they decide who gets the delegates. Sorry, to burst your bubbles but it’s true. That was just another straw poll for all intents and purposes. You see, Ron Paul is crazy.. yeah, crazy like a fox. He understood how it all worked and he made sure his volunteers stuck around after the voting to make sure that they were nominated as delegates to the county’s Republican convention. That’s right. The winners don’t automatically get them.

      And besides, the MSM said Iowa wasn’t important anyway and even the Governor said we should concentrate on the 2nd and 3rd place winners. The ball is still in play and it looks like RP has just pulled off a bootleg. TA TA

      Report Post »  
    • escape_from_socialism
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:36am

      @Jack Jones
      “Are you kidding me. Have you listened to Rush, Hannity, Beck or Levin lately? They seem to be in the anybody but Romney csmp.”
      I have listen and Savage too, and they all going anybody but Paul. On and On.
      Thanks to those idiots with microphones, protecting Romney, sheeple thinks he is OK. He is not. He will continue the same destructing path like bush and obama. He will sign any garbage, congress put on his desk. Who in the hell thinks this guy will cut anything?

      Report Post »  
    • TheWholeTruth
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:41am

      SIMONNE .. Paul’s a racist? Can you show me where he’s ever said anything to make you believe that? And please don’t bring up those 20 year old news letters. Just because he‘s letter head was up there doesn’t mean he knew nor agreed with what was written there. I’m sure the blaze has had articles up that said things that Glenn did not support as well. I’m sure they took them down too when he found out. That happens when you have numerous people writing for you and besides. They pulled that out during the last election and it was handily debunked. Get a new spin.

      Address the ‘racist’ slur, it would seem that a racist wouldn’t vote to have MLK day a national holiday. But that’s the only non-Constitutional bill Paul voted FOR. Yeah and the fact that he takes 25% of the non-white vote sure does sound like he’s a racist. The fact that in the early 70‘s a mixed race couple came to the hospital where Paul worked and the woman was being ignored and the police called on her husband for ’harassing’ the nurse trying to get her care, Ron came by, treated the woman who soon delivered a still born child and then didn’t even charge that couple! Yeah.. sure racism sure reared it’s ugly head that night.. but it wasn’t from Ron Paul.

      Please quit letting the media program you with propaganda. Research before you simply swallow the kool-aid

      Report Post »  
    • Noonien_Soong
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:51am

      @SpankDaMonkey Obama will not be re-elected this year, this time or ever. The only reason he may get re-elected would be a four dog night In the morning in the middle of the Sahara.
      Besides Obama thrives on dogs and pony’s cause he likes that kind of liberal entertainment.

      Report Post » Noonien_Soong  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:53am

      @TheWholeTruth
      I’ve been thinking the same thing.
      The other thing I though of was that Huckabee won Iowa in 2008 then went nowhere. It will be real sweet if that happens again.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:03am

      .
      @Noonien_Soong

      Hate to tell ya the White Guilt vote, along with the Free Lunch Crowd will re-elect Obama again…..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:17am

      FOX wants Romney and they carry a lot of sway. 75% of Republicans reject Rino Romney but Gingrich and Santorum will split the vote so Romney can win . Get ready to hold your nose when you vote…and lose to Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • Watchingtheweasels
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:50am

      Speaking of the media, it’s interesting to note the over the past 6 weeks or so GBTV has beaten on Perry (deservedly), Gingrich (deservedly), Paul (undeservedly). Romney, furthest to the left of the top tier, has fully escaped such wrath.

      Report Post »  
    • CaliforniaD
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:51am

      The media has NOT been supporting Romney. For 6 years I‘ve been following Romney DAILY with Google alerts on his name and I’ve found his media coverage has been 90% negative. An anti-Romney prejudice pervades the media. Romney is the all around most capable GOP candidate and should be much more respected as a remarkable leader and not snidely and ignorantly rejected. I think all this continuing anti-Romney hype led to Obama‘s election in 2008 and will lead to Obama’s re-election in 2012. I guess America is destined to fall and anti-Romney prejudice is a key factor why.

      Report Post »  
    • ccr
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 9:22am

      haha………..are you kidding!?!?! All of the conservative radio talkers (most, sorry) have FLIPFLOPPED on Romney this time and look like BIG hypocrites…just like the ones they rag on all of the time. They are promoting anyone but Romney…….going through them like some women do shoes! Fox is part of that team, too! Chris Matthews now spend most of his time bashing Mitt, while you do find SOME that are fairer on the other networks.

      My POINT is………..it‘s NOT a shock that The Blaze SPINS Mitt’s win in Iowa this way!!!!!!!!!!! The Blaze is such a disappointment in honest, reporting. They twist and spin to manipulate the readers just as Beck complains about the rest of the media.

      Mitt is the BEST intellectually prepared, MOST organized (makes the VA ballot beyond the mark required as in TN as well! Don’t know about other states at the moment), MOST disciplined candidate (doesn’t take the petty, snarky remarks (and lies/distortions) heard from Santorum in the debates…..not touching on Newt’s loose mouth and apologies since January…..AND BEST EXPERIENCE to know how the gov’t needs to get out of the crippling interference in the job market/economy.

      Obama would LOVE to rip into Gingrich……..and he’d have the MOST fodder with him! (No wonder Newt wanted to stay positive!!) Santorum has no game……..except in Iowa……..and the “one of us” religion call was sent out just in time for him to nearly win! (I guess bigotry

      Report Post »  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 10:18am

      We already had a candidate who could have taken Romney and gone on to defeat Barry Soetoro (aka Barack Obama)…but unfortunately, Glenn didn’t see him as being conservative enough (being a Reagan Conservative isn’t enough?). That person is Newt Gingrich.
      Santorum is good, but doesn’t have the backing yet.
      DO YOU WANT FOUR MORE YEARS OF DESPERATION? VOTE ROMNEY!

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 10:49am

      @GETLIFE I can assure you we will never be interested in Santorum.

      Report Post »  
  • christianUSA
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:00am

    Opinion: this is sad showing: 1 that this state gets to make such disapportional impact on the primaries, one for population, and two first money drained 2 that in such critical year so few voted. 3 it was decided by under 130,000 ssoo few Since the primaries are so important this time it seems majority people in that state not care a bit about our country or Liberty which seems very sad. 4 with so few voting it may also be skewed by most voting being party elite.

    Report Post »  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:42am

      Im not crazy about any of our candidates, but any one of them would be way way better than what we have at the moment, i will support our nominee no matter who it is…..

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:52am

      I wish I could Paperboy, but I can’t decide if I want to steer the country towards fascism or communism. Niether set well with me.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:50am

      It’s like this, Romney is by FAR the worst, next is Newt. If we have to vote in the general for either one, the car will stay pointed at the cliff, just going slower than it is now. Any of the others are far more acceptable, and will truly start steering away from the cliff.

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 10:31am

      Iowa doesn’t sway the voters the way you think. Next week, it’ll be New Hampshire and after that something else, and Iowa will be forgotten as the media continues to convince the voters who they should be voting for (a progressive of course…that‘s why they’re against Santorum, Gingrich, Bachmann, and helped Barry sucessfully destroy Cain). The person who wins Iowa has very seldom been the person who goes on to win the candidacy anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • christianUSA
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:46pm

      Opinion: some try to say this state primary does not greatly effect the election but think; by a mere 25k votes difference, many likely party elite, eliminates many candidates before most regular people even get a chance to vote their opinion! In this first primary many candidates because of financial / loss of bandwagon support for example like Bachmann drop out; my point is not about Bachmann; also people vote by skewed party polls also create a skewing bandwagon effect ending in the elite dogs tails waging the peoples votes by even taking away the choices of these many other candidates! Think why does the party insists on this state and the order of state primary vote and has punished states like Florida that the people try to move up their date!

      Report Post »  
  • hargisP
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:53am

    Ron Paul should go live in Iran with his lover.

    Report Post »  
  • GETLIFE
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:52am

    Paul will not survive his own selective memory and associations with Soros.

    Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:10am

      GetLife you really believe that Ron Paul has George Soros connections?

      I bet I can show connections to Soros with any candidate. Heck, look at Glenn Beck who has George Soros old business partner on his show constantly. 

      If you don‘t like Ron Paul it’s cool. Can you simply say why? 

      Who is it you support by the way? 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • TheePolitinator
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:11am

      I see the blaze is getting infiltrated with undesirables that toss utter lies. Must be a liberal. Ron Paul is in NO way associated with frickin Soros. But congrats to the 33,000 plus idiots that are dubbed “the most decisive” voters in Iowa. A vote for Romney is a vote for Soros. Do your research. And yes sad turnout for such a critical turning point.

      Report Post » TheePolitinator  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:59am

      Hi OKIE!
      I honestly haven’t decided yet, but watching the candidates over time definitely has its advantages.
      Why not Paul? I’ve read the Koran. The one expression of Muslim beliefs that ALL Muslims OWN. You have to keep pinching yourself to keep in mind–this is not some extremist’s view of the Koran, this is the Koran itself. A real eye-opener.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:00am

      I’m not saying Ron Paul is in bed with spooky dude geo soros…
      but…

      http://bit.ly/xqppZA

      Looks to me like lots of other people ARE saying they are linked!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:10am

      RP has no direct connection to Soros, I presume. But it shows a lack of judgment that he sponsored something that was also sponsored by Bawney Fwank and 11 other people that DO have some association with Soros.

      Thus, it’s not bad as it would be if Soros “funded” RP directly to sponsor gutting of military, but it’s not good either.

      This and the lack of oversight of a newsletter with his name on it that became a platform for all sort of shady characters–not good, any way you slice it.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:13am

      Howdy GetLife! I hope you are doing well…

      I’ve read the Quran as well. We could debate this but I’ll simply ask this instead: 

      Why do Americans send money to Arab Muslim Nations like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Yemen who believe in such book and ways? 

      If those who believe that book are bad/brutal why send them our money, sell them military arms, and defend them with troops? 

      That honestly makes no sense does it…..

      Prediction-Arab Caliphate or Persian Caliphate? I say all depending if we intervene or UAE does for us but we are pushing Arab Caliphate….

      Stay safe! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:14am

      Oops, shot that one off without the Soros information. Not saying Paul himself associates with Soros, but in 2010 Paul co-chaired a committee with Barney Frank (yes, THE Barney Frank) which I believe had something to do with military spending. 11 out of 14 members appointed by these two chairmen had Soros connections.

      Aw…. of course he didn’t know! But he should have. “He” is not Getlife or Okie. “He” entrusted national security issues to a committee whose members were– 11 out of 14– involved in groups funded by Soros.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • johnpaulkuchtajr
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:38am

      @GETLIFE and OKIE FROM MUS….

      Glenn Beck’s staff did the research into the backgrounds of the Ron Paul campaign advisors and Glenn presented the facts on his 3 Jan 12 show. It seems as if 11 of the 14 campaign advisors to Ron Paul are on Soros’ day-to-day payroll in some of Soros’ global organizations. More than just a coincidence? Ya think?

      Why has this information not come out before Beck’s people dug it out? If there wasn’t a Glenn Beck, the MSM could mold us into any flavor of the month.

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:41am

      “I’ve read the Quran as well. We could debate this….” –OKIE
      Don’t quite get what there is to “debate” about what’s in the Koran… no matter. Your questions are certainly similar to those being asked by many conservative voters. No real debate there either. So the question remains– why isn’t everybody voting for Paul? I feel your frustration, OKIE….

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:45am

      @TwoByFour

      Is Beck just as guilty for telling us to listen to Jim Rogers, George Soros’s business partner? 

      Where do you get Ron Paul is going to “gut” the military? Cutting increased spending is not “gutting”. Cutting the military is not “gutting”. 

      You are right though. George Soros is a God that controls everything you are working against. He has all politicians in his pocket and all media heads except Glenn Beck and they all say and do exactly as God Soros says to do. 

      Lol and you call “Paulies” crazy….

      @GetLife

      Is Allen West connected to Soros for being the only Republican in the Black Caucus which has many members who are backed by Soros? 

      Sorry but it is a major stretch to buy into your story. If I must do so on Ron for this I will have to with everyone else and we would have no candidates. I’m confident that Ron was simply looking for support in fighting the growing military cost. The committee went no where and I’m sure Ron was aware that would happen too…. 

      No Answer to questions in post above? 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:55am

      JOHNPAUL, didn’t see the show, but are you sure that wasn’t about the committee Paul and Frank put together? Soros- connected campaign advisors seems over the top– even to me.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:06am

      Hey OKIE, I’m not asking anyone to “buy into” anything. Don’t “stretch” and make the effort to check it out if it’s not important to you.

      As for Paul, it was his JOB to appoint the committee with Frank. Whether he was aware of the Soros connections or not, we paid him to select a committee with connections to Soros.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:52am

      @GetLife

      I hear ya…

      Does Soros fund both left and right Progressives and Progressive groups? 

      So say McCain or Graham, are they backed by Progressive Soros? 

      I agree with Ron, let the Left cut the military and let the right cut entitlements. Both are way way bloated….

      Too bad Glenn doesn’t spend much time showing who backs and “controls” McCain or Graham or progressive right political groups. We can’t be that naive to think Soros is only on the left, can we? 

      Glenn is using fear of Soros to herd away from Ron Paul. 

      Stay safe and hope your day is great! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • KTsayz
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:05am

      hahaha JohnPaul plays ‘telephone’! Gosh! did you ever get that wrong. Or perhaps it‘s just a very sorry attempt to smear the good Doctor’s name.
      Ron Paul was one of 14 individuals on a committee looking to find way to cut defense to help reduce the budget. Big whoop.
      It was Horridwitz who propagandized the story from a HuffPo piece that didn‘t even mentions Paul’s name.
      You just lost all credibility.

      Report Post »  
  • christianUSA
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:51am

    Opinion: this is horrible showing: (1) that this state gets to make such disapportional impact on the primaries, one for population, and two first money drained (2) that in such critical year so few voted! (3) it was decided by under 130,000 ssoo FEW! Since the primaries are so important this time it seems majority people in that state NOT CARE a bit about our country or Liberty disgusting! (4) with so few voting it may also be skewed by most voting being party elite!

    Report Post »  
  • Okie from Muskogee
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:42am

    Good job Ron Paul as well as all candidates….Ron Paul is right where he needs to be and he will do fine in Hew Hampshire. 

    Hindsight is amazing, and if one truly thinks about the race, a 3 way race should have been predicted, as well as Santorum’s late rise.

    Romney always polled 25% and never exceeded it

    Ron Paul was always 20-25% 

    Santorum’s 25% was simply Michelle Bachmann’s straw poll vote that defected and supported Rick Santorum. 

    We knew Newt was about 15% and lowering as well as Perry a bit lower poll wise. 

    Michelle came in last due to Evangelicals leaving her to support Rick Santorum. Rick Santorum was the last to rise because he had yet been vetted. His platform is identical to Bachmann’s so the transfer of supporters from Bachmann to Santorum should have been called especially since several came out telling Bachmann to support Santorum. 

    Santorum will not fair so well in NH and will soon be vetted resulting in lowering support. 

    Romney is the top Established crowd 
    Ron Paul is the anti-Establishment crowd 
    Santorum is the 25% that runs to the next “safe” candidate as seen with Perry, Bachmann, and Gingrich until they are shown unsafe. 

    Looks like it’s gonna be fun….

    Ron Paul 2012! 

    Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • hargisP
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:52am

      You still taking LSD?

      Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:57am

      I have Jesus Christ in my life so I don’t need LSD…

      Do you always post insults? Grow up! 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • michaelkaufman393
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:18am

      Dr. Paul has had his 15 minutes of fame? As the contests continue, his ideas will ring with less and less people. He is too conservative for conservatives. He should just pack up now, and get the third party candidacy started now, in stead of wasting his funds, trying to make a mark in the GOP.

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:12am

      Iowa is only 25 of 1143 delegates. There is still much to do. We know that Dr. Paul’s message is going to be tough to get out especially when Romney the flipflop RINO is bankrolled by all the big banks and can easily pay to brainwash the masses with lies from the establishment. Like you said the RINO has 25%, Santorum had 25% and Dr. Paul had 21% of the vote. The battle may have been won by the corrupt establishment but we are fighting to win the war!

      Dr. Paul no compromise!

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:13am

      Pick one…

      RINO
      Constitution

      SIMPLE! Ron Paul 2012

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • GETLIFE
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:39am

    Romney was nowhere to be seen in the first YEARS of this damaging administration. Bachmann and others were putting their careers on the line trying to educate and rally the people against Obama’s socialism. Romney just preparing his next run. Really? We want this guy who just disappears from public view, taking no risks–we want this guy in charge of what to do about Iran?

    We need to imagine exactly WHY each of the candidates really wants to win.

    Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:45am

      The RNC is pushing a bland politician who will lose to Obama’s perceived exceptionalism.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • KAdams
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:23am

      Lol.. he didn’t disappear from view… he appeared ON the View. I think Joy Behog put her hand on his knee, or something…

      Report Post »  
  • Pro-Palin
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:32am

    Yall working on fuzzy math r somthing drudge says
    RICK 29,944
    MITT 29,926

    Report Post » Pro-Palin  
    • RabidPatriot
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:39am

      It is official at the caucus that Mitt won by 14 votes. This was Ron Paul’s only chance to win a caucus and the best he could do is third. Over the next couple of months, the low hanging fruit will drop off the tree.

      Report Post » RabidPatriot  
  • TheObamanation
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:31am

    I like Santorum … But … I’d vote for Romney too.

    Heck … I‘d vote for the cat that plays the piano before I’d vote for Obama.

    Report Post » TheObamanation  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:47am

      My cat Georgia plays piano!
      Her comment: “I haz chance!”
      (She uses all four and it is somewhat cacophonic, but she‘s piano playin’ and hits good notes now and then)

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
  • major11
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:27am

    Santorum is for real. The only thing currently being said negative is that he was for earmarks
    For earmarks and lost his reelection bid badly in 2006. Ron P. followers know he benefit
    benefitted fm earmarks too. So, the battle will be about who is more right about a place n to fix the economy and foreign policy. Is Ron P right or will the president of Iran lob a nuke. Answer obvious Santorum wins. Newt’s out Romney too flaky, Obama just in over his head. Bt the contribute any errors to mobile device.

    Report Post »  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:53am

      Santorum voted to double the size of the Department of Education. BIG Government. 

      Santorum supports foreign aid and to Muslim tyrants like Saudi Arabia who hate Israel. BIG Government

      Santorum voted to fund planned parenthood. 

      Santorum voted YES on all the spending bills he earmarked. Rick was FOR spending. He even voted FOR the bridge to no where…..

      Santorum will soon have his time in the spotlight and he will wither away after being shown to be the progressive he is like Mike Huckabee was by Glenn Beck in ‘08. 

      I can’t support Rick Santorum. 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:10am

      Okie, provide credible links to all your claims. Please.

      I‘ve read on his current platform and it’s contradictory to your claims.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:21am

      TwobyFour 

      Give me 5 minutes and I will have them posted up. 

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • Okie from Muskogee
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:46am

      Santorum vote for “No Child Left Behind” which doubled the size of the Department of Education. The Santorum Amendment shows he voted for it since I can’t find official voting record right now. 

      Santorum said several times in the debates he is for foreign aid and specifically says “aid” mostly means the country has to buy American Military equipment. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen all get the aid Rick supports and they all hate Israel. I’ll see if I can get YouTube clip of debates.

      Santorum’s votes for federal budgets which included Title X family planning funding — some of which goes to Planned Parenthood.
      http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/03/santorum-paul-compete-to-prove-pro-life-credentials/

      Voted yes on spending bills, including bridge to no where. Rick would add earmarks and vote YES FOR spending. Look up his record.

      http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2012/jan/02/rick-perry/rick-perry-says-rick-santorum-voted-bridge-nowhere/

      I’ll see if I can find my link on voting records. 

      Rick Santorum is not as “conservative” as he proclaims….and you don’t stand for Israel if you support helping her enemies….

      Report Post » Okie from Muskogee  
    • KAdams
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:25am

      Isn‘t he also for bombing Iran’s nuclear sites?

      Report Post »  
    • CaliforniaD
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:32am

      Santorum has no experience in the business/private enterprise arena. He is not as organized as Romney. In the debates he comes across as snide and negative on his opponents, without vision. If we want someone from outside Washington he’s not your man. He’s done little to serve America since losing his seat in the senate. He’s a nice fellow who needs more seasoning to be President and leader of the free world.

      Report Post »  
    • KAdams
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:15pm

      Now that you mention it… looking back at Santorum’s fabulous poll-showings, which were miniscule at best; all the debate showings, dubbed him the ‘depressed candidate’… looking back, it now seemed too contrived… too deliberate. Now that he’s skyrocketed in the polls, someone needs to check to see if he made a visit in the past year to the Bilderberg meetings like Perry has, the Bushs’ before him, and the Hilary Clinton.

      Report Post »  
  • Santorum2012
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:15am

    CONGRADULATIONS TO RICK AND MITT

    They are now reporting Romney won by only 8 votes, ( http://url2it.com/lcdn ) that is quite the surge for Santorum. Good job to both.

     
  • Vegasdad702
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:02am

    Well I am little disappointed that tonight played out the way it did. I am a Paul supporter and hoped very much that Dr. Paul would do better, but his message is strong and the message is really all that matters. As far as Santorum and Romney, I think its a bit strange that the last missing votes showed up to push Romney in the lead. Seems a bit suspect to me, but congratulations to all. Its on to New Hampshire and can’t wait to see what happens next. I still support Congressman Paul, and hope we can all be nice to each other no matter who wins next. There has been a lot a mean spirited things being said between our different groups of supporters. Even Glenn said today that he has gotten more rude and threatening remarks from Paul supporters then anyone else, so let me be the first Paul supporter to say, I respect all of you, I love my country, and our republic, and no matter what happens I will stand with any of you peacefully and respectfully so long as we work to restore all that is good and honorable in our nation. Please be kind to each other, and to my fellow Ron Paul supporters, I know you feel discriminated against and that Dr. Pauls message has been twisted, but if you truly want to bring more people to the side of true Liberty then Please, Please, be kind and respectful to EVERYONE. We cannot reach people with bitterness and hate. Do what you know to be right, but do it with love. Thank you friends, Ron Paul 2012. and thank you Glenn Beck.

    Report Post »  
    • JustPeachy
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:55am

      You are probably one of the nicest Ron Paul supporters I’ve met. I wish all of them could be like you! :-)

      Report Post » JustPeachy  
  • danibalyeat
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:49am

    Hopefully Santorum’s close second will give him some momentum going into New Hampshire.

    Report Post »  
    • The_Sum_Total_Of_Progressivism_Is_Epic_Failure
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:57am

      I love the Blaze but the amount of spelling errors is incredible………the latest— ‘Romney Wins Iowa Causes by Eight Votes’ in the red bar top of page 2:57am East.

      Report Post » The_Sum_Total_Of_Progressivism_Is_Epic_Failure  
    • The_Sum_Total_Of_Progressivism_Is_Epic_Failure
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:59am

      Looks Like I;m pulling for Santorum….I’m on the wagon

      Report Post » The_Sum_Total_Of_Progressivism_Is_Epic_Failure  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:11am

      This win bodes well for Romney. It’s not that he won. It’s that he won in a more right leaning state. If he can win in a more conservative state, what will he do in the more moderate to left states like NH or Nevada?

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • UrsaMajor
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:43am

      I disagree with you, JJ. The Republicans who win the Hawkeye Cauci tend to lean moderate/big government (Huckabee, Bush 43, Dole twice, Bush 41 in 1980 against Reagan, Ford), outside of Ronald Reagan running unopposed in 1984.

      A Conservative like Santorum losing by only eight votes in the Iowa Caucus is remarkable!

      Report Post »  
    • Simonne
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 5:36am

      Don’t think so. NH is for Mitt & as a neighbor of NH, I’m vote MItt also.

      Report Post »  
    • Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:57am

      the_sum_total_of_progressivism_is_epic_failure …kidding on the spelling right? Ever notice how many blazers substitute “your” for “you‘re’? Half these folks can’t spell. Thank you dept of education….

      Report Post » Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist  
  • RisetovotesiR
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:47am

    Ron Paul of Paul? i like the typo, catchy.

    Huckabee won last time all it got him was a lame fox show. mccain got forth, like ginrich, and obama won.
    Paul is the only one who could win indy’s but repubs hate him. Romney is a mormon and evangelicals won’t run out to support him, explaining santorums rise. newt is newt.
    repubs are screwed.

    Report Post » RisetovotesiR  
    • RisetovotesiR
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:58am

      it’s almost like they want to lose. like some plan is in place to get obama reelected, have isreal and iran blow up, but i don’t know what will happen next. why did bush invade babylon again? oh yeah an old book.

      Report Post » RisetovotesiR  
    • Leevamark2
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:03am

      I‘m a Conservative Christian and I couldn’t care less what religion Mitt is. I wouldn‘t vote for him because I don’t trust him, and I don’t like his record. Cold, hard facts are what I’m interested in, not his religion. Case in point; I don’t agree with Mormonism, but I agree with much of what Glenn stands for, and like him very much. Your generalizations and stereotypes are based upon…something…but they aren’t based upon fact.

      Report Post » Leevamark2  
    • danibalyeat
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:14am

      Yeah I would happily support a Mormon ( I listen to Glenn Beck every day and he’s a Mormon). I can‘t vote for Romney because he’s the single most liberal politician in the entire Republican Party. If you look up RINO in the dictionary you will see a picture of MItt Romney.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:15am

      I’m a conservative Christian and will be supporting Romney. His religion is not my concern. My concern is getting the most electable man to beat Obama, coupled with that man‘s ability to correct the current state of Ameria’s economy. Mitt, in my opinion is the best viable choice on both fronts. Mitt has a tract record of turning a balance sheet from the red to the black. He has done it in politics and he has done it in the private sector.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • KAdams
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 6:31am

      I think the reason it looks so hopeless, is that there will be an EVENT which will end in the suspension of the Constitution(martial law) which makes all of this null and void. Or moot. Something like that. Anyhow, the Administration is aware of people becoming aware, and gun laws vs. gun rights aren’t swinging in their favor fast enough. The disarming of the American people after Katrina was a test. They haven’t succeeded yet, but when (pray against it) they do, it’s over. Look at the EU.. Australia.. Britain.

      Report Post »  
  • danibalyeat
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:47am

    Horrible news. There is no way I am going to vote for Mitt Romney. There is nothing Conservative or even “Republican” about him. He still has not apologized for the aspect of RomneyCare which forces taxpayers to pay for abortions http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2007/nov/27/fred-thompson/indeed-abortions-are-covered/
    And for people who have been saying that Romney didn’t want abortion covered…here’s a Romney press statement from the time– “Romney supports a federal health care plan option that includes abortion services, would vote for a law codifying the 1972 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion and backs federal funding for abortions as long as states can decide if they want the money’ [a spokesman] said.” Boston Herald, 9/8/94

    Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:16am

      The people of Massachusetts wanted Romneycare. When will folks start getting that thru their thick skulls??

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
  • Ed Brown
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:46am

    My thinking is that Santorum spent all his political capital in Iowa winning the rural Counties in that that State and that he doesn’t have the stones, certainly not in New Hampshire, but worse, neither in S. Corilina or Florida.

    This is all theater with Santorum.

    The only real challenge is from Paul.

    Sadly, it takes running for POTUS on more than one occasion to build an organization capable enough of delivering the votes.

    Report Post » Ed Brown  
    • Leevamark2
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:57am

      I suspect that since too many ppl seem to be voting with their fleeting feelings instead of their firm principles – we will continue to see wild swings based upon attack ads, main-stream media spin and personality contests. I couldn’t be more irritated with the whole thing.

      Report Post » Leevamark2  
  • Danny
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:45am

    Romney wins by 8 votes, but the real winner is Santorem. He surpassed everyone’s expectations and did what he needed to do. Just remember that Reagan lost Iowa and went on to get the nomination in 1980. Romney’s margin of victory is 0.000065%.

    Report Post » Danny  
    • drattastic
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:57am

      So many have lost Iowa and went on to capture the nomination .

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:18am

      Yes, a small margin indeed, but this was in a more conservative state with a less conservative candidate. That doesn’t bode well for the rest of the field.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 7:17am

      Headlins should read RINO eeeks out Liberal…

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:45am

    “the two demonstrably least-electable candidates in this field since Donald Trump fired himself.”
    More unelectable than Michele Bachmann.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • Leevamark2
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:45am

    Mitt is fake, and Conservatives know it. Too slick. Too polished. Too Hollywood-Bullcrap. I don’t believe a word the man says, and I disagree with too much of what he’s actually done.

    Report Post » Leevamark2  
  • joey86bu
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:44am

    Wow. Way to go RNC. Magically there is a 14 vote “correction” minutes before the final talley from the last district / town and that just so happens to put Mitt ahead by how many, oh yeah 14 votes. At least they had the common courtesy to stall the stealth tactics to the dead of night to not offend most folks in live time. You wonder why turn out was low RNC? You wonder why I stopped giving money to you RNC? You wonder why I sat on my hands and didn’t vote for the Rhino in 2008? You have just ensured 4 more years of continued decline. Go ahead and annoint another Rhino and then scratch your head trying to figure out why he loses. Go scortched earth Newt!!

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 3:26am

      You can‘t be seriously supporting Newt and ALSO condemning Rhino’s–Newt is the poster boy for Rhinos. You must have been being sarcastic…

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • Passerby
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:33am

    Yep, miracle 18 votes found to give Romney a 14 point lead.

    http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/04/santorum-and-romney-end-the-iowa-caucus-night-in-a-dead-heat/

    Report Post » Passerby  
  • waking_giant
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:32am

    This is all so stupid. I was hoping no one would win and a real conservative enter. We are all so screwed.

    Report Post »  
  • Passerby
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:28am

    Ok, let me try that again, since the last one evaporated like a snowflake on a hot sidewalk…

    Rove, on Fox, is reporting that the final vote is a win for Santorum by 4 votes, but that they “found” 18 votes for Romney to give him the win.

    And they report it with a straight face.

    Report Post » Passerby  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:23am

    I wouldn’t call it a mixed bag, Id say it was a repudiation of Mitt.

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • Passerby
    Posted on January 4, 2012 at 2:23am

    Santorum wins by 4 votes in final tally, but miracle 18 votes found to give Romney a 14 vote victory.

    And they think they will get away with it, (and probably will.)

    Report Post » Passerby  
    • Twobyfour
      Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:03am

      Inconsequential. Maybe they wanted to give Mittens a candy. Dunno. The real winner is Santorum. Even if he was 100 votes behind. Also, Ron Paul fared well, comparatively.

      Report Post » Twobyfour  
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