Trash Dispatch- Mitt Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll

Trash Dispatch: Mitt Romney Wins Iowa Straw Poll

Yeah well, I guess that means something. What I not sure, other than Mitt Romney has proved himself as The Republican front runner, and a force to be reckoned with. But then, that only makes "Mitt Romney" the biggest target. And of course, the perfect candidate for a Trash Dispatch:


The DesMoinesRegister is reporting, "Romney, who heavily outspent his opponents preparing for the fundraising event, received 4,516 votes or 31.6 percent. Roughly 30,000 to 33,000 Republicans attended the state party fundraiser on the Iowa State University campus,..."

Hey Wait a minute! If 30,000 showed up, and Mitt Romney with 31.6% of the vote only received 4516votes. Then that means, that "less than Half" of those who showed up, even bothered to vote. And that would seem to be a bigger story than the Mitt Romney win itself.

eh, well. As it turns out, even former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani didn't show up. As neither did "Sen. John McCain of Arizona," or "likely candidate Fred Thompson, a former U.S. senator from Tennessee." (not sure if they just didn't care, or if they were just too smart)

Reactions from the candidates were varied with Mike Huckabee ecstatic about coming in second, and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson threatening to quit.

There are of course, accusations of Mitt Romney "Buying the Votes". And he did indeed supply transportation (Buses), for a Large number of voters. Nevertheless, it should be noted, that ALL the candidates, had the opportunity to do the same thing and "did", to the extent that their expense accounts would allow them to. It should also be noted, that politicians have been doing this for as long as there have been elections. (Although it use to be a horse and buggy instead of a bus.) So the Trash Dispatch doesn't see any real impropriety in busing in voters by any particular candidate. However, we do note the "perception" of impropriety, and that doing so, may lose as many voters as are gained.


Candidate Votes Pct.
1. Mitt Romney 4,516 31.6%
2. Mike Huckabee 2,587 18.1%
3. Sam Brownback 2,192 15.3%
4. Tom Tancredo 1,960 13.7%
5. Ron Paul 1,305 9.1%
6. Tommy Thompson 1,039 7.3%
7. Fred Thompson 203 1.4%
8. Rudy Giuliani* 183 1.3%
9. Duncan Hunter 174 1.2%
10. John McCain* 101 0.7%
11. John Cox 41 0.3%
*Did not attend

---