The Iowa straw poll results demonstrate that Bachman has a core of committed followers who may become the basis for a strong showing in the caucuses. In addition, her victory helps to gain attention and credibility and spur fund-raising. The nomination process can be nerve wracking and fractious, but this year it will unite and energize the party.
With all due respect, it shows that while she is a strong contender, she also spent a TON of money to get the support at the straw poll...this is why this particular straw poll is bogus. Same with Paul...the each spent massive amounts of money for turnout...and they still couldn’t muster the votes of all of the tickets they handed out. If for example, they each purchased 6000 tickets and gave them out to people at the fair, yet only garnered 4000 plus votes, there were still 2000 tickets each outstanding...presumably, their votes went elsewhere. Now, for Cain and Santorum, who spent little on advertising and nothing on recruitment/busing people in, they did a GREAT job with far less support. This for me is a key indicator.