Romney Wins, Santorum Surges in Iowa

As I stared out the humongous window – a passenger’s pleasure – on one of Greyhound Lines’ sleek new buses, it quickly became evident that Iowa and vast farmland are practically synonymous.

The caucus experience is undoubtedly a unique one. On top of Iowa’s satus as presidential election season kick-off, the early political battle with great implications calls for a different paradigm of preparation. Campaigns ought to identify probable caucus-goers, contact them multiple times for reminder purposes, and citizen leaders enlisted as precinct surrogates. The demand on candidates is much more significant than in the average primary contest. In fact, only fourteen states employ a caucus system.

Unlike primaries, voters cannot show up at the polls whenever they wish nor submit absentee ballots. Rather, a set time is scheduled – usually in the evening, say 7:00 pm – for all to gather and elect delegates. For this reason and others, including suspect weather conditions, turnout is often quite low.

To describe Romney’s current Iowa strategy as merely an updated version of the 2008 playbook would be a vast understatement. This time around the Hawkeye State circuit, Team Mitt has enacted a polar opposite approach. The former Governor of Massachusetts has not visited Iowa all that much prior to the homestretch and spent much less crucial cash. As well, campaign staff disclosed that out-of-state volunteers were not to serve in the role of caucus representatives. Iowans were primarily utilized to stump for Romney at the actual precinct meetings.

In a historically close outcome, Mitt Romney won the Caucuses over former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum by just eight votes. Ron Paul finished in third, Newt Gingrich fourth. Michele Bachmann announced today, hours after an awful Iowa performance, that she will suspend her presidential campaign.

Follow Nick’s live updates via Twitter, @NKowalski. 

2012 is Here: The Iowa Caucuses

Reporting live from the Hawkeye State: home of the first-in-the-nation 2012 presidential caucus election!

I am very excited to take part in the political process at this crucial early contest. It appears that front-runner Mitt Romney and libertarian Ron Paul have an advantage over their counterparts, according to updated polling data. Rick Santorum, former U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania, has benefited from a late surge thanks primarliy to Evangelical Christians – a major Iowan voting bloc.

The Des Moines Register – Iowa’s largest newspaper – recently announced their endorsement of Mitt Romney.

While this important electoral test has accurately selected the eventual GOP nominee (i. e. Bob Dole and George W. Bush), top contenders have fallen short, namely Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Four years ago, up-and-coming candidate Mike Huckabee won the caucuses.

Have you ever wondered the difference between a caucus and a primary? The latter – Iowa’s standard since 1976 – stands out due to the requisite time commitment and forum-style nature. Precinct-level gatherings begin around 7:00 pm. A representative on behalf of each candidate is invited to address the precinct body prior to voting. Unlike at a primary, which almost always includes a one-and-done secret ballot, caucus participants may choose to support a candidate other than the one they originally backed at the start of the evening. For those whom work late, have small children, or are ill, the caucus may prove to be too much of a hassle. Unquestionably, and for multiple reasons, the hands-on approach is unique in its own right!

Just one-week later, on January 10, New Hampshire will hold the first of many primary battles. South Carolina and Florida follow soon thereafter. Michiganders will cast their ballots on February 28.

*Please check back soon for in-depth analysis and a first-hand look at the Iowa Caucuses!