As expected, Mitt Romney has emerged victorious in Ames. After millions of dollars spent, I don't think this will be a huge boost to his campaign. The true story lies in the results of the remaining candidates. I expect to see at least a couple leave the race in the near future; most likely starting with Governor Tommy Thompson. I think the days largest victory was won by Mike Huckabee. He finished a strong second with a true grassroots campaign. Romney and Brownback both provided transportation, etc to get people to Ames in order to vote. According to the Ames Tribune, while addressing supporters Huckabee quipped, "I can't buy you. I don't have the money. I can't even rent you." I have felt for weeks that Huckabee was really starting to resonate with Iowans and today's results from Ames confirm that. Now it will just be interesting to see if this jumpstarts some much need fundraising in order for him to compete on a national level. Only time will tell.
Here are some articles about the day from local newspapers:
1) The Des Moines Register
2) The Daily Iowan
3) The Ames Tribune
Votes Percent
1. Mitt Romey 4,156 31.5 percent
2. Mike Huckabee 2,587 18.1 percent
3. Sam Brownback 2,192 15.3 percent
4. Tom Tancredo 1,961 13.7 percent
5. Ron Paul 1,305 9.1 percent
6. Tommy Thompson 1,039 7.3 percent
7. Fred Thompson 203 1.4 percent
8. Rudy Giuliani 183 1.3 percent
9. Duncan Hunter 174 1.2 percent
10. John McCain 101 1.0 percent
11. John Cox 41 0.1 percent