Well, the Iowa Straw Poll is over.  I thought I would run down the winners and losers:

Winners

Mitt Romney - Frankly, he had to win.  With the ridiculous amount of money that he spent on this straw poll, it was inevitable.  With 31% of the vote, he had a strong showing.  A clear winner with good momentum that he will need in the early primaries.  Although - for anyone who knows about the Iowa straw poll, you know how ridiculous it really is.  Campaigns “bus” in their people from all over the country to participate.  Although - I understand that this year - there was actually an element of legitimacy in that people were supposed to produce IDs.  Nevertheless, typically, whichever campaigns spend the most $$$ are the ones that are victorious.  This was all part of the Romney strategy.  He needed this victory.

Mike Huckabee - A 2nd place finish.  Not bad.  Without a decent showing here, I felt that he would be unable to continue.  But, I really think the straw poll bolstered Huckabee’s chances of competing.  His persona appeals well to a forum like the Iowa Straw poll.  With a minister’s oratorical ability, he actually had more votes than he paid for… an amazing feat, indeed.

Losers

Sam Brownback - He spent a significant amount of money and time on this straw poll.  And, with his midwest-based campaign, he neeeded a decent showing, if not a win.  Third place behind Huckabee was not good enough.   I think it is a matter of time before he is out.

Giuliani - I know… he didn’t participate….But, this win solidified Romney’s position as a strong contender - if not the guy to beat.

Given, the Straw poll doesn’t mean too much.  But, with the shifting early primary schedule, it does mean that there will be some momentum that Romney’s campaign can capitalize on in the weeks ahead.

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