Ron Paul trounced nine other announced and potential Republican presidential candidates in an online poll in Iowa completed just before Saturday’s straw poll in the Hawkeye State.
Texas Congressman and libertarian Paul received 44 percent of the more than 6,000 votes cast, far outpacing the second-place finisher, Herman Cain, who got 16 percent in the poll sponsored by Iowa Rep. Tom Latham’s campaign.
Paul’s victory appears stunning until one recalls that he has consistently performed well in online polls, which attract younger respondents.
After Paul and Cain, Michele Bachmann received 10 percent of the vote, followed by Rick Perry, who is set to formally announce his candidacy on Saturday, with 8 percent.
Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney both got 5 percent, and Sarah Palin, who has not yet entered the race, received 4 percent.
Rick Santorum got 2 percent, and Jon Huntsman and Newt Gingrich both got 1 percent.
“Someone Else” was the choice of 3 percent of respondents.
“Rep. Latham said: “I congratulate Ron Paul and his campaign on this victory.”
© 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.