Romney squeaks by Paul in Maine Straw Poll

Via CNN at 6:20 p.m. ET:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the Main GOP Straw Poll with 39 percent of the vote (2,190 votes).

Texas Rep. Ron Paul came in second with 36 percent of the vote (1,996).

Former Sen. Rick Santorum was in third place with 18 percent (989) and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich was fourth with 6 percent (349).

A total of 61 votes went to 'other.'

As that last figure was announced, someone in the crowd yelled, "Go, Rick!", an obvious reference to Texas Gov. Rick Perry who still remains very popular with conservative Republicans.

The spokesperson for the Maine GOP repeatedly cautioned the public that this straw poll was "unofficial and nonbinding." He also said some caucuses decided not to participate.

Most expected Romney or Paul to win; Santorum and Gingrich pretty much defaulted on the poll.

It's a good idea to take the GOP Maine Party spokesperson's advice to heart, and bear something else in mind too. The numbers could change; remember Iowa.

(Filed by Kay B. Day/Feb. 11, 2012)