After the Straw Poll, The GOP Field Begins To Take Shape

"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate -- look to his character." --Noah Webster



By Douglas V. Gibbs



And the winner of the straw poll in Iowa was (drum roll please) - Michele Bachmann.



Ron Paul, who is real good at stacking these events with his loyal ducklings, and who will still wind up down and out by the time the primaries come around (though to some he's starting to be a little more appealing considering all of the GOP establishment people running around), came in a very strong second place.



Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, the one I was thinking would wind up becoming one of the final ones standing by next year, placed a distant third, and it was a poor enough showing to convince Pawlenty to step out of the race. I remember in the 2008 election when Jim Gilmore dropped out early (in July 2007), and he told me that it was all about the lack of funds. The same seems to be the reason for Pawlenty's early out.



Santorum and Herman Cain filled out the next two spots, and are hanging in there despite the odds that seem to be against them. Rick Perry was written in and placed sixth, ahead of Mitt Romney who won this in 2007, Newt Gingrich whose cash-strapped campaign did not have a formal presence at the straw poll, and Huntsman who also was not there to participate.



Sarah Palin was in Iowa as well, though she hasn't entered the race. Still, her presence in the area created quite a stir, showing that her star-power still shines brightly.



I am not sure Palin will enter the race. I believe she thinks she can accomplish more for the cause in the role that she is currently playing.



Bachmann's win reveals that conservatism is front and center, but many worry about Bachmann because of her lack of executive experience, and the fact that she is a member of the House of Representatives - the last presidential winner straight out of the House was President Garfield, 1881.



If the Tea Party is going to have the kind of influence it had last November, it would be safe to say that in the end the nominee will be Bachmann, but at this early juncture it is hard to say - and according to the media the front runners are currently Mitt Romney and Rick Perry (not that I intend to trust the GOP establishment or the media).



The fear of the establishment and the media choosing our candidate for us may continue to thrust Bachmann to the front.



Thaddeus McCotter posed for the Republican Party's Straw Poll group photo, but was not given the opportunity to participate in the debate.



-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary



Bachmann Wins Iowa Straw Poll, Cements Her Top-Tier Status in GOP Race - Fox News



Pawlenty Drops out of Presidential Race - CNN



Palin Steals Show at Iowa State Fair - The Hill