Raw totals
Bachmann 4823,
Paul 4671,
Pawlenty 2293,
Santorum 1657,
Cain 1456,
Romney 567,
Gingrich 385,
Huntsman 69,
McCotter 35,
other write-ins 162.
Total votes 16892
Looks like the rumor of lots of write-ins unfounded...
Write-ins are unlikely in the Straw Poll, because you have to pay to participate. Declared candidates like to cover that fee; but obviously, there aren’t going to be a whole lot of folks paying their own money and showing-up to vote for a candidate who isn’t even there.
Getting a few hundred write-in votes in this straw poll is an impressive showing. Perry getting over seven hundred is actually quite an amazing show of early support. If Palin got a few hundred folks to write her in without even being a candidate, that would also be a pretty impressive show of support as well.
I think it is now a three-person race which could become a four-person race if Palin jumps in: Romney, Perry, Bachmann, (Palin). I do, however, believe Bachmann will quickly fade, for various reasons.
Still, there are two (and may ultimately be three) viable, Conservative options to oust Romney as likely nominee. That is is the truly good news of the day.
Herman Cain did great considering he is getting very little media attention