September 23, 2007
Romney is the Survivor on the Island
Mackinac Island, MI - Ex-Gov. Mitt Romney won the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference straw poll, receiving 39 % of the 979 votes cast.
Sen. John McCain came in second with 27%, followed by Rep. Ron Paul with 10.8%.
The straw poll, sponsored by the Hotline, was held this Friday and Saturday on Mackinac Island.
Frmr New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was close behind Paul, taking 10.62%. Frmr Sen. Fred Thompson took 7%. All five spoke before conference attendees this weekend, as did Rep. Duncan Hunter, who took 1% of the vote. Mike Huckabee and Sam Brownback were scheduled to appear, but cancelled on Friday.
The Michigan Republican party unofficially certified the straw poll results.
Only conference registrants who were Michigan residents were eligible to vote.
FInal results are below:
S. Brownback 3 .31%
Rudy Giuliani 104 10.62%
M. Huckabee 25 2.55%
D. Hunter 12 1.23%
J. McCain 260 26.56%
R. Paul 106 10.83%
M. Romney 383 39.12%
T. Tancredo 0
F. Thompson 70 7.15%
Uncomm 16 1.63%
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Posted at 09:00 AM
Comments
Every body do what good for the country and educate yourself about your rights ...you have the right to learn about your rights as an american ...VOTE FOR RON PAUL....VOTE FOR RON PAUL....HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE
taylor | 09.23.07 09:34 AM
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To be fair, Huckabee intended to be there but late circumstances made the trip beyond what the campaign could afford.
Given that this is Romney land, the straw poll looks good for McCain and Paul.
Thomas | 09.23.07 09:50 AM
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I smell a rat. By all news accounts, Ron Paul supporters outnumbered all the other candidates combined. Now you say he only got a bit under 11% of the straw poll results?
Something smells fishy out on there on the Island.
Michael Wagner | 09.23.07 10:37 AM
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This poll proves that Michigan is pretty stupid. Why on earth would you want me to be your president? I'm two-faced, I flip-flop more than your hotcakes, and not one of my children has donated their life to the Iraq war. You all must be drinking too much of that Michigan tap water--or maybe those chemtrails are really working....?
Mitt Romney | 09.23.07 11:41 AM
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So why no mention of Ron Paul who came third?
You mention first place, second place, fourth and fifth, but no third? Curious
me | 09.23.07 12:23 PM
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Romney has said a lot of solid statements recognizing America for its success as a country. Reminds me of another politician from MA. So if Romney becomes the Rights "JFK" (Who I think would have been a Republican or DINO at this time in the world also) who becomes his running mate? Someone who knows his way around DC like Fred? Or someone with international recognition like Rudy? Or someone to head up a new border policy enforcement which a couple other candidates could fill? I don't see bringing in a McCain who could undermine anything (becoming a shadow President) due to his much stronger, long time relationships in DC.
TrueLiberal | 09.23.07 02:37 PM
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I can't wait for the first "Romney bought the poll comment."
But before you do, consider the fact that McCain came in just 12 points behind Romney and I doubt he even paid for his own lunch.
Only idiots believe Michiganers are going to go vote for somebody for the price of admission to the event. The voters have to WANT to be there and WANT to vote for the man. The paid admission only makes it so they have a few dollars to buy a T-shirt. And lots of people paid their own way, it ususally students (all of whom had to have a Michigan driver's license to vote) who get their tickets from campaigns.
And No, Romney is not the only nor first candidte to do that. It is called campaigning.
Don't forget, elections are about getting people off their butts to vote for you. The other guys are not succeeding in that.
Liz | 09.23.07 02:55 PM
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Ron Paul 2008
Jobu | 09.23.07 03:27 PM
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Right on Ron Paul! The support keeps growing and growing, and doing so everywhere. Not just in the US, but Ron Paul has fervent support throughout the world. Google: "Belgians for Ron Paul" for the tip of the iceberg.
Paul | 09.23.07 03:40 PM
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whoa... big surprise. yet again, Ron Paul beats out big "front-runners".
weston | 09.23.07 03:51 PM
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How could they be so desperate - as to start stealing straw poles?
Citizen | 09.23.07 05:00 PM
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Hey I thought Ron Paul was only 1% and Rudy/Thompson were front runners.............
I bet I can guess who SPENT the most money for their votes.... Can't wait to see the 3rd Quater ###$ I think watching how someone blows through money when they are running should be an indicator of how they will spend your money if elected....
jwenrer | 09.23.07 05:00 PM
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We were there, that was a hide-and-seek straw poll. We could not find where the straw poll was being held. No advertising when and where the poll was taking place. We heard through the grapevine that there was a poll and we were determined to find it.
We went downstairs both directions and upstairs and finally found it. I never heard of a vote with pencils before, that was strange. Maybe this was a private straw poll and only certain people were wanted your guess is as good as mine.
sandra smith | 09.23.07 05:02 PM
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My sister just returned from Michigan Republican Leadership Conference straw poll. She said that Mitt had paid for bus loads of teenagers all expenses paid island trip. She also said that Mccain supporters were nowhere to be seen even though he supposedly got 27% of the vote, how unusual when he has consistently done so poorly in previous staw polls. Ron Paul as usual had the most energetic crowd of true supporters, not bought and paid for.
bob johnson | 09.23.07 05:54 PM
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Mitt supporters were bought and paid to go there free meals free bus ride free hotel. No sign of Mccain supporters, strange he did so well considering he hasnt done well at all in previous straw polls. Ron Paul had the usual excited and enthusiastic supporters. The news is that Ron Paul beat the Ghoul and fake Fred and this wont be covered in the t.v. media. Watch and see.
bob johnson | 09.23.07 06:03 PM
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Romney's money translates into votes due to solid organization and paying/reimbursing his supporters. I think he would have made a solid placing anyway, his name recognition is much higher in MI than most states. Third place is incredibly solid for my guy Ron Paul, his name recognition and message is growing, without spending the sums Romney is. Solid posting for McCain, as well, Michigan's more moderate conservatism will bode well for him, and his campaign is turning it around for now. Keep climbing, Paul, we need your integrity and foreign policy knowledge!
Li | 09.23.07 06:50 PM
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Romney's money translates into votes due to solid organization and paying/reimbursing his supporters. I think he would have made a solid placing anyway, his name recognition is much higher in MI than most states. Third place is incredibly solid for my guy Ron Paul, his name recognition and message is growing, without spending the sums Romney is. Solid posting for McCain, as well, Michigan's more moderate conservatism will bode well for him, and his campaign is turning it around for now. Keep climbing, Paul, we need your integrity and foreign policy knowledge!
Li | 09.23.07 07:28 PM
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Just so everyone knows...I was AT that conferance and talked to several different McCain and Romney "supporters" (an overwhelmingly large number of college students) who told me that the campaigns paid their way into the event, paid for room and board, and bussed them in...so I wonder if that had anything to do with the straw poll results...kinda shady if you as me.
Ben | 09.23.07 07:57 PM
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I was at the event. The poll was NOT advertised. I almost didn't vote until I overheard someone talking about the vote. This is unheard of!
Anyway, next time, make the paper ballot so that we can write with a pen. Pencil is so high school! Easy to erase ;)
John Diaz | 09.23.07 08:12 PM
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I have to question how a guy like Mitt Romney could ever win a single GOP staw poll and that goes for Rudy as well. Neither represent limited goverment or traditional GOP values. Amazing....
Darel99 | 09.23.07 09:55 PM
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As a Ron Paul supporter, I was extremely pleased to see this result. This was a straw poll among party leadership, not rank-in-file voters, and Ron was able to outdraw Rudy Giuliani. This is quite a strong indication that not only is he resonating with libertarians, paleoconservatives, and Republican voters who are fed up with the GOP over a number of issues, but he is also starting to make real inroads with state party leaders. The support of 10% of state party leaders will make a HUGE difference, especially since he will have the anti-establishment vote pretty much locked up.
Romney getting anything less that 50%, much less 40%, of the vote among Michigan Republican leaders speaks very badly for him. His family's legacy alone should make Michigan like a home state for Romney (heck, it pretty much IS his home state), and he should have the establishment of the party here firmly in his tent. They're not. He may have the most money and biggest organization, but the candidate himself is not doing the job.
It also goes to show that Rudy is not able to get a sizable enough of a portion of conservative voters to overlook his liberal positions on social on social issues.
McCain did quite well, considering this is Romney's home state. He was written off way too early by the media.
Thompson and Huckabee did very poorly. I expect Huckabee will be competitive in the contest, and he will get the vote of the religious right, but he will get savaged by the economic libertarian/fiscal conservative wings of the party over his record as governor of Arkansas, as the Club for Growth is doing now. Thompson is getting the buzz and the bounce in the polls, but he will come back down to earth as his deficiencies as a candidate and his not-so-conservative voting record is exposed. (Nevermind that Dobson will steer the religious right constituency clear of him, as he is doing now.) Thompson's candidacy reminds me a lot of Wes Clark's in 2004: the guy who was going to come in and save the day, but whose star ultimately faded as he turned out to be not as great as what people thought.
I see this coming down to McCain, Paul, and Huckabee. Romney is unlikable, Rudy's anti-gun and socially liberal views and record will bite him, and Thompson's rapid rise will turn into a big fall. McCain is the best hawkish candidate who has been the most steadfast, and he has a genuine quality that will rally the neocons over to his side. Paul is the renegade candidate who will have the libertarian, paleoconservative, anti-war, and anti-establishment Republicans fired up and energized and who will bring in the crossover votes. Huckabee will sew up the religious right votes with ease.
Paige | 09.24.07 12:02 AM
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Good to see McCain polling so well. He seems to be making a comeback, which would be excellent news for the Republican Party and the country.
bobby | 09.24.07 01:32 AM
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It speaks volumes that Dr. Ron Paul takes third place yet the media gives Dr. Paul virtually no air time versus the other candidates. Just imagine what would happen if fairness would ensue.
Matt Erickson | 09.24.07 01:42 AM
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Just google Ron Paul at Michigan State to see and hear all the fired up college students that were NOT bused in for the Straw Poll. These kids know who is the best candidate, but being college students they took advantage of a "free lunch"...lol.
Jeff | 09.24.07 09:40 AM
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Our family just returned from Mackinac Island. We heard and saw a number of the Presidential candidates. We also took advantage of a number of the free-food parties at various Island venues. We stayed at the Mission Point resort, at the opposite end of town from the Grand Hotel. Highly recommended.
The most enthusiastic and vocal crowds were Ron Paul supporters. Definitely a grass-roots firestorm.
There were many blue "Mit" T-shirts on young people, many appearing to be sponsored by the Romney campaign.
At the time we voted in the straw poll, many of these blue-shirted young adults were being herded through...and yes, pencils were used.
Did not see many McCain supporters, although I think they are the older crowd and less vocal / less visible.
The weather was great. The weekend was wonderful.
Jack Elder | 09.24.07 10:57 AM
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ummm....staw polls don't mean anything. I was there and so were over 2000 people and yet only 1000 voted. Romney was giving out rides, hotels, meals, etc., etc. and had detailed instructions on how to vote in the "hide and seek" straw poll. What a joke. I also heard that Romney's goal was to get over 55% and he failed miserably. 39% in a meaningless poll is the best Romney's crazy spending can provide. Better write an 8 figure check to catch back up in cash on hand.
RealMIRep | 09.24.07 11:02 AM
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My sister just returned from Michigan Republican Leadership Conference straw poll. She said that Mitt had paid for bus loads of teenagers all expenses paid island trip. She also said that Mccain supporters were nowhere to be seen even though he supposedly got 27% of the vote, how unusual when he has consistently done so poorly in previous staw polls....
bob johnson | 09.23.07 05:54 PM
Ron Paul is NOT a republican and is too nutty for us!
I was with a vender in the room that held the voting...YOU ARE CORRECT...the 'volunteers' w/ Mitt (many I knew from previous campaigns) were paid FULLY whereas other campaigns paid for a VOLUNTEER badge which did not allow them to vote for their candidate. The kids (teens/young adults) did repeatedly tell other volunteers they should have come w/ the MITT MOB to get everything paid for.
McCain had LITTLE visible people support but was told by several youth that there was a SPECIAL scolarship (nice chicago technique) given to VOTE for McCain... I heard it was $50...on that expensive island, I sure would have liked it. I heard several people mentioning it...really makes me feel bad.
The POLL wasn't hidden, it was in the schedule and you'd have to be kinda slow NOT to find it.
I heard LOTS of people talking about that Hunter guy...didn't get a chance to meet him but he sure had a lot of support amongst the people waiting in line.
I can't believe that Tancredo and Huckabee showed so low when we heard people at the both talking about them.
I also heard that many people were voting for Rudy...way more than the 100 or so and he always speaks well. There were lots of diners that planned on voting for him. He and Hunter made a lot of fans that first night. PENCIL is insane, there must be a box missing somewhere...the ID they made you go through was ridiculous and then to vote in PENCIl lololol
Northern native | 09.24.07 12:25 PM
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Ron Paul has never 'stolen' straw polls. He wins them fair and square.
Northern Native -- people like you who don't get what Paul stands for are the nutty ones.
He is the only REAL Republican. He has a much better, in fact the best, record on taxes, guns, and individual rights than any other candidate. Ghouliani is heading us toward NAU/SPP, his law firm represents communists. Do some reading and don't be so ignorant.
You will lose your freedom under a liar and crook like Ghouliani.
I don't know why you could be fooled into thinking HE is anywhere NEAR a Republican.
This is indicative of how generally dumb the public is.
I guess we can call you part of the GDP.
Ghouliani is NOT a Republican and neither is Romney or McCain.
McCain is for AMNESTY for illegals, and won't take a tax pledge!
NH | 09.24.07 01:15 PM
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'yeah, ron paul is the only hope america has' well if that is the case we are in trouble given his lack of desire to fund national defense bills.
only hope for what, another attack from our enemies?
galt | 09.24.07 01:33 PM
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Yes very fishy. look what the russians did to malenko in the ukraine. I wonder when the nomination is won. And paul is not the winner.And when paul supporters who voteD far outnumber the other candidates.We will have to take to the streets and walk off our job tp prove paul was railroaded.The people in ukraine knew the winner was a fruad.They even poisoned this man.And yes ron paul is a beacon of liberty and prosperity.
brian syra | 09.24.07 09:10 PM
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come on people. it just shows a complete lack of any thought to criticize romney for "buying" the straw poll. a candidate with lots of money shows he has people willing to donate to his campaign. that is the ultimate way to show support. yes romney is contributing his own money to his campaign, but thats money he earned by his own genius.
try to minimize his victory all you want but with michigan now 3rd in line, it looks like romney will take the first 3 states. . .
bud | 09.25.07 12:00 AM
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Romney is a great business man and is great at making money. Being president isn't about making money.
Thomas | 09.25.07 12:40 PM
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To the ridiculous comment given on 9/23 at 11:41am:
By the way. Michigan tap-water is some of the freshest in the world. The Great Lakes are freshwater lakes...not salty.
Ben | 09.25.07 06:26 PM
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The last time Ron Paul ran for president, he came in third and nobody reported the results either... But this isn't an election, or even a survey of the general public, so don't expect the numbers to mean much. It's a straw poll at a political convention, so most of the people are part of the poliical machine or people who still believe there's something left of Republican values after the Bush Administration and neocon hard right took over.
Republicans used to stand for Constitutional values and free trade, and while they weren't enemies of the military-industrial complex, it was usually Democrats that started the wars, and they at least used to _talk_ about decentralizing power to the states and keeping the Federal government small. Ron Paul's not in the mainstream of the post-Nixon party, and he's too close to Pat Buchanan's ideology for my tastes, but as a Libertarian I think he's one of the best Republicans you've got. Certainly nobody else out there has the guts to talk about restoring Constitutional values, between the military-terrorism-surveillance types and the candidates who think religious right were a significant portion of the party's base as opposed to a large group that Rove and Bush could shamelessly use.
Bill in Silicon Valley | 09.25.07 10:08 PM
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I realize that the straw polls don't mean that much, but one was held, and just like most other ones, Mitt won again!!...BUT, the most important thing that is being overlooked by nearly everyone, especially the mainstream media, is that Mitt Romney gave an unbelievable fantastic speech that day. If you haven't read it, please do yourself and your country a favor and do so. This man will make an incredible President. The only reason he has not become more of a front runner is that the media is sitting on him. Even Fox News trys to steer us toward that non-republican guy called Guiliani, or that other guy that has absolutely no specifics, and procrastinated getting into the race in order to avoid the 5 debates. And no wonder, without a script, Thompson stumbles and bumbles through his answers like a rookie. No wonder he couldn't sell any of his legislation he introduced. Of course, he did strongly support McCain-Feingold which has put the Republican party at a huge disadvantage. Mitt Romney really is a fantastic candidate, and I would hope you would all begin to listen to what he is saying, and not to what everyone else is telling you.
Bob Thomas | 09.26.07 11:24 PM
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So who is going to be Mitt’s running mate? It is pretty clear that Mitt is going to be the nominee; he is the favorite of Republican leadership and he has won every important straw poll thus far. It seems that his message resonates strong in every location that he campaigns in, which has pretty much been limited to the first primary states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan. The only primary states that will hold their election prior to Feb 5 that Mitt does not lead in are South Carolina and Florida (and Florida has lost half its delegates so it is not as important – even though I live there).
So will Mitt reach outside the box when picking his running mate – like he has done in his private, volunteer, and public successes in the past. Nobody can strategize like Mitt, except maybe Newt. (speaking of the living).
Dan | 09.29.07 04:06 PM
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This is fishy. I wonder if they mess with the votes and keep hiding ron paul on cnn, msnbc,abc....will the u.s. citizens finally had enough and start a civil war or a constitutional convention. Either way somethign major needs to be done!!!!
shannon | 10.01.07 12:37 AM
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join americas SECOND revolution..
INSTALL THE PAUL -- 2008
LisaH | 10.16.07 11:39 PM
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In Repy To Paige. 9.24.2007. I do not know what you do for a living, but you should be a political analyst. This statement was brilliant. Who says the people aren't competent to take care of themselves and communities? Not Ron Paul, his positions are based on the Constitution and citizens like you.
Lorrie | 02.16.08 11:55 AM
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