Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN-R) emerged as the winner of the Ames Straw Poll held Saturday at the Iowa State University campus.
Earlier in the day Bachmann declared: “We are going to make Barack Obama a one-term president.” After her victory, she proclaimed, “Now it’s on to all 50 states.”
In the first test of popularity and organizational strength of the GOP field of candidates, the conservative congresswoman received 4,823 votes. She beat Rep. Ron Paul, who came in second with 4,671 votes.
The campaign of former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty got a much needed boost after he pulled in 2,293 votes, enough to put him in third place.
Though his chances remain slim, Pawlenty said: “Congratulations to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann for her victory in today’s straw poll. We made progress in moving from the back of the pack into a competitive position for the caucuses, but we have a lot more work to do. This is a long process to restore America — we are just beginning and I’m looking forward to a great campaign.”
U.S. Senator Rick Santorum received 1,657 votes, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain got 1,456 and Mitt Romney, who did not actively campaign, picked up 567. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich received 385 votes.
The straw poll results were announced just hours after Texas Governor Rick Perry announced his entry into the race.
Check out Bachmann’s speech below: