Ron Paul Wins California Straw Poll, But Can He Take Florida?

Apparently, the Republican Party in California has been reduced to fringe elements.

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul rolled to a landslide victory in that state's GOP straw poll Saturday, garnering 44.9 percent of the vote. Texas Gov. Rick Perry finished second with 29.3 percent.

With 833 ballots cast, the California results aren't likely to be replicated in Orlando this coming Saturday, when 3,500 delegates vote in the Presidency 5 straw poll.

The Republican Party of Florida, unlike its minority-status California counterpart, more accurately represents the mainstream of political thought, and that's not friendly territory for the libertarian-leaning Paul.

Mitt Romney, who collected just 8.8 percent of the California vote, figures to do far better in Florida -- even if he is not directly competing in the straw poll.