They're about to announce the winner of today's straw poll, conducted after the last speech concluded a few hours ago. Right now, someone from ivotevalues.org is pitching their site. Find out about candidates, register to vote, oh, and "Pray for God to intervene."
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council comes on to announce. First, he lists the top four issues for the voters here, which they also voted on. In from top to bottom: abortion, marriage, tax cuts, permanent tax relief for families.
And now, the results of the straw poll. The top four, in descending order: Romney, Huckabee, Paul, and Thompson. A total of 5,776 votes were cast, and Romney topped Huckabee by a margin of just 30 votes.
I was certain Huckabee would come out on top. I wonder what sort of effect this will have on whether or not Dobson and friends run a third-party candidate? If the "values voters" folks are backing a front runner, seems much less likely.
--Kate Sheppard
