Bachmann Wins, Perry's In, Pawlenty's out, Santorum and Cain are Contenders

The fourth and fifth place finish of Rick Santorum and Herman Cain now has even more significance as the struggle for the alternative to the Republican establishment candidate unfolds

The Iowa Straw Poll captures the attention of a Nation which is just finishing its summer vacation and is only now ready to take the fall campaign seriously. It is in Ames that candidates demonstrate that their candidacy is real. With 4,823 votes, this was Michelle Bachmann's day.

P>AMES, Iowa (Catholic Online) - The much anticipated Ames Straw Poll Results are in and Michelle Bachmann continues to show the world that she is a political force to be reckoned with. She told a cheering crowd "We did this together today, we sent a message to Barack Obama that he will be a one term president."

The turnout for the Straw Poll was the second largest in it's thirty year history with over 17,000 votes being cast. The Pundits spent much of the day Saturday speculating as to the meaning of the Straw Poll and whether it is any real indicator of who will finally emerge as the standard bearer of the GOP to take on the President in the 2012 race.

However, what no-one can dispute is that the Ames Straw Poll is the first major event in the Presidential campaign. It demonstrates which candidates have the organizational ability to bring supporters together and persevere for what will be a long and hard fought battle. It also, normally, narrows the field of candidates.

Most importantly, the Iowa Straw Poll captures the attention of a Nation which is just finishing its summer vacation and is only now ready to take the fall campaign seriously. It is an important and unique political event in the American political landscape. It is in Ames that candidates can demonstrate - to the Nation, to the media, and to their supporters - that their candidacy is real.  Clearly, by taking 4,823 votes, this was Michelle Bachmann's day.

The next strongest showing in the Straw Poll was from Ron Paul. It was expected, given his unusual ability to elicit a kind of response from his supporters which - at least from this observer's perspective - is somewhat odd. It seems to go beyond politics. They appear to be more than just enthusiastic about his positions which, at least on some issues, are simply bizarre.

Their loyalty to Ron Paul seems a little "spooky" to this observer. It makes them appear more like "followers" rather than supporters. The "Paulies" were out in full force in Ames. Many expected him to win the straw poll given his organizational effort in securing votes. The real story is that he did not win. However, he finished a strong second with 4,671 votes.

Next in line for the finish was Tim Pawlenty who took 2,293 votes. He invested heavily in the event and Third Place certainly indicates that he will stay in the race. He had heated exchanges with his fellow Minnesotan, Michelle Bachmann, in the debate which preceded the Straw Poll.

Many observers believe that Pawlentys' manner of contending with Bachmann was, at best, inappropriate - and at worst, mean spirited. Speculation abounds as to whether Pawlenty will have a problem developing the traction he will need in the months ahead as the campaign begins in earnest after Ames.

The other story emerging out of the Ames Straw Poll is the fourth and fifth place finish of Rick Santorum and Herman Cain, in that order. As for Santorum, he now often refers to his campaign as the "little engine that could."  Well, that engine built up enough steam to keep climbing the hill. This fourth place finish shows that his campaign is here to stay.

There is no doubt that the main stream media - Fox Network included - has acted as though the Santorum candidacy does not exist. His stellar performance at the recent Iowa debate came only as a result of him literally waving his arms to force the Fox hosts to even ask him a question in the first hour. Once he spoke, his answers to questions from domestic to international policy revealed his depth of knowledge, skills of communication, courage and ability to lead.

Herman Cain's warmth and unique appeal as a non-politician at a time when the American public is tired of career politicians on Capitol Hill, secured this candidates credible fourth place showing in Ames. This successful business executive seems to have an ability to break through with people with his down to earth "problem solving" style.

Finally, earlier in the day, Rick Perry, the Governor of Texas, gave his much anticipated speech in South Carolina announcing that he has entered the contest.  The man is formidable to say the least, with a proven track record of leadership, making Texas the envy of many States with its thriving economy. He also seems to have the "bona fides" on the things which matter. He is a strong supporter of the fundamental Right to Life and the primacy of marriage - and the family and society founded upon it.

However, Perry's approach to the application of the tenth amendment, which indicates he would accept a State by State patchwork of approaches on such fundamental societal issues, is troublesome to many, including this observer. Also, his revivalist manner and strong identification with what appears to be a resurgent evangelical protestant "religious right" may be problematic with Catholic voters - and others - who simply do not fit within the ranks of that movement.

Bachmann wins, Perry's In, Santorum and Cain Show they are Contenders - and the Republican primary race heats up.

UPDATE: Since writing this article Tim Pawlenty has formally announced his withdrawal from the presidential race. He told ABC News,  "I wish it would have been different. But obviously the pathway forward for me doesn't really exist so we are going to end the campaign". The fourth and fifth place finish of Rick Santorum and Herman Cain now has even more significance as the struggle for the alternative to the Republican establishment candidate unfolds.

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