Ron Paul Crushes the Field in Illinois Straw Poll

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas scored a big win in the 2012 Illinois Republican Pre-Presidential Straw Poll which closed on Saturday. The event, which was open to Illinois voters who paid $5 to the state GOP, drew almost 3,650 voters online and in person. Balloting was open for a week.

Paul routed the field taking 52 percent of the vote. Businessman Herman Cain took second with 18 percent and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts took third with 14 percent. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich took fourth with 9 percent. The rest of the field followed with none of them breaking 3 percent.

This straw poll victory demonstrates the groundswell of support for Ron Paul and his winning message, as well as the organizational muscle presidential candidates require, said Scott Davis, Pauls chairman in the Land of Lincoln, in a statement. Straw poll participants were Illinois residents who support the Illinois Republican Party and Ron Paul for the presidency, so this contest is relevant and representative.