The Ames Straw Poll

As expected, Mitt Romney, who has spent something like $4 million dollars in Iowa, won the Ames Straw Poll with about 31% of the vote. With McCain and Giuliani sitting it out, the surprise second place finisher was Mike Huckabee. There is a two word reason for this surprise -- "Fair Tax." The Fair Tax folks come out in force for Huckabee and it paid off.

This has to be somewhat disappointing for Romney. Despite the money he has spent in Iowa, turnout was down. For Huckabee, it is a big deal, as he now finds himself as a serious candidate. But a Baptist preacher who is a bass player and who is supporting a libertarian economic program MIGHT be a good VP candidate if Giuliani wins the nomination.




Say what you want about Huckabee -- he is not you father's evangelical conservative Republican!



His slogan: Heterosexual sex, prescription drugs, and rock and roll!