Wow. I doubted that Ron Paul would make it into the top tier. I thought the "big five" (Romney, Thompson, Giuliani, McCain, and Huckabee) would beat him. Apparently his campaign is not as week as I thought.

Keep up the good work Mr. Romney. Your message rings loud and clear here in Illinois.

This is out of a total of 922 votes.

The full story is on the Chicago Tribune web site:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-straw_poll_web_aug17,0,2733296.story

Still an impressive showing for Ron Paul. Maybe he's not just an internet phenomenon.

Seriously this guy is Reagan ressurected, only without Hollywood following right behind. I am not a huge supporter of any candidate but go to his website and read about this guy. Not just the negative crap but seriously read on the issues and watch the vids http://www.mittromney.com

Watch out Hillary!

I know the Illinois straw poll isn't that important. Illinois is traditionally a democrat state and as such the republicans don't generally spend too much time there.
Do you think you could at least spell Tom Tancredo correctly?

Ron Paul continues to gain steam!

Oh, what do ya know?! Just like the Iowa straw poll, Romney bused in people to this poll as well!

And 'wow!' at Ron Paul. I never would've thought he would be up there. I think I will be taking him a bit more seriously now.

Way to go Ron Paul! Lets shake up this race. Wake up people don't let Mitt buy the election.

Seems to me, Jamie, that if anybody but Ron Paul was in third, you might have mentioned it in the body of your article.

You certainly did in Iowa.

I was a bit surprised to see Ron Paul come in a strong 3rd. Not bad for someone that supposedly polls at around 2 %.

hello, no mention of Ron Paul? Come on now, when are you old media types going to start recognizing what the rest of mainstream America is recognizing?

I would also like to point out the following: "To be included, participate candidates were required to have participated in one of the previously held debates with other Republican candidates, or have polled above 5 percent in a national, independent poll."

Clearly this 2% we keep hearing about Ron Paul is false.

How about some integrity in the media please.

Go Ron Go! Good performance by the Ron Paul folks.

Google: Ron Paul if you don't know anything about him. He may be the only honest one running.

Ron Paul's going to win the nomination and become president.

Romney paid for the transportation, tickets, and lunch for a bunch of people from Bloomington, openly bribing them for votes the way he did in Ames. This is not real support, and his two wins are hollow.

Paul's support is real, deeply-felt, and growing at a steady rate. That is a winner, folks.

Do you know how straw polls work — they are money makers for an organization and have no bearing on the election outcome. Rudy and John McCain have declared they will not participate in the straw polls and buy ballots. Romney buys ballots and word is out in IL that some Thompson supporter bought quite a few ballots.

Why anyone would pay attention to a straw poll is beyond anyone that understands the political system.

This is the gang that recruited Alan Keyes as their candidate against Obama.

And the Ron Paul fanatics will start jumping all over this in 3… 2… 1…

Ron Paul got 3rd place. That's really good. He's doing really well and should be considered top tier now in my opinion.

The Republicans are poised for disaster. A weird, smarmy, Mormon versus a popular handsome black man in Barack means death for the GOP.

Look at ole RON PAUL move up!!!

I’m surprised you didn’t edit this statement out of the article: "There's no question that Illinois' demographics closely match those of the United States…�

What does this say about the accuracy of the national polling numbers?

Romney may not have much of a campaign in Illinois but he again, as in Iowa,gave free admission, lunch, refreshments, and transportation for people who would vote for him. The real story here is Ron Paul! Let freedom ring!

Ron Paul 2008

Reign

Hmm… I didn't know there was a "Tancrado" in the running. I'll have to check him out.

It is interesting that Ron Paul nearly tied Fred Thomson and then was not even mentioned. But at least, there his name is at nearly 19%. His campaign continues to grow all the time and people are beginning to learn about his rational approach to foreign and domestic policy. They said he would never register above 2%. Then in Iowa he was almost 10% and now this. A good man who is for the greatness of this country and strong military defense, with the most donations from the troops.

Just to follow up, the straw poll was conducted by electronic voting. In a more fair election, Ron Paul would have much more support when it comes to actual votes.

Where's the mention of Ron Paul getting 3rd place? Or is that still just the internet spammers spamming real-life?

"Romney secured an overwhelming victory with 40.35 percent of the vote. Former Senator Fred Thompson, who is expected to formally enter the race for the GOP nomination next month, came in second with 19.96 percent of the vote."

And who came in third, 1% behind Thompson, CNN? It's okay, you can say it. His name is really easy to pronounce…

I think you missed the really big news, Ron Paul came in third with 18.87% topping Giuliani, McCain, and Huckabee! How can you completely ignore this when you raved over Huckabee coming in second in Iowa? Something is not right!

You can darn well bet that Ron Paul didn't have to pay to bus in senior citizens like some *other* candidate to get his 18.87%

Way To Go Illinois - Ron Paul 2008!

Go Mitt!!!

Yeah, that's great. Congratulations on being the world's tallest midget, Mitt. You're creepy - even for a Republican - and let me clue you into something… Some of those people were Democrats hoping you win the GOP because you are an Obama/Clinton tackling dummy. Winning a GOP sponsored straw poll at the Illinois state fair (I mean come on, I'm from Illinois and I have no idea where this event is held) is like being a weird Mormon Republican running after the worst President in the history of the nation, who also happens to be Republican, oh wait… Yeah, you're screwed. Go change! Go Obama!

Wow, Ron Paul has surged from 5th in Iowa, to 3rd in Illinois, and came within about a point of beating Fred Thompson for second! The mainstream media are going to have to start acknowledging the reality that his grassroots support has made him a top-tier candidate. Meanwhile, these results look a bit disappointing for Mike Huckabee and Tom Tancredo (whose name CNN misspelled) after their relatively strong showings in Iowa. McCain also seems to be continuing his downward spiral.

Ron Paul did awesome! Watch him grow.

[...] Straw Poll Results - 1) Romney 2) Fred Thompson 3) Ron Paul CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker Mitt Romney wins Illinois straw poll « [...]

Not a mention that Ron Paul came in THIRD ahead of Giuliani.

Bravo, Dr. Paul! The momentum is building!

Okay, why doesn't the article mention the fact that Ron Paul, a purported underdog, scored third - higher than Giuliani and McCain, and competitively with Fred Thomson? I mean, is CNN that scared of him?

ronpaul2008.com

This is great news. I think America is finally beginning to see what a great, competent candidate Mitt is. Go Mitt!

People, people, people… Embrace the leader of the new free world. Barack isn't a diry democrat. This is a man thab believies in change from both sides of the aisle. Frankly, he is and I know this term is gaining popularity but (as a Misssissippian) but I do lookto him aws a SAVIOR of sorts but he is isn't he? The man seems to really listen and I hate when the other candidates just talk and talk and I just. I had a friend who meant Barack a few weks ago and said he seemed like a true gentlman. I just always lik when someone is nice like they say they will be. Haven't made my mind up but isn't that it? How they treat yoour famiely?

Congratulations to Mitt Romney! I will vote for him for the Presidency and think he will provide intelligence, ability and creative insights to the White House.

Vote for Romney so the country can continue on its path to Hell. Ron Paul is the only qualified candidate from either party But big buisness and the main Stream media don't want you to hear Paul's message because it doesn't play with their agenda of corporate BS. Wake the hell up America! Vote for Freedom, Liberty, and Peace! Or we will lose our country to those who would enslave us all for their worldwide Greed and Blood lust. Get you kids ready for the draft, cause its comming with Romney or whoever the hell else gets in office Other than Ron Paul. Vote Real American! Vote Ron Paul 2008!!! for God sakes!!!!!!!!1

If Americans liked Ronald Reagan they are going to love Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney is a solid candidate. He has accomplished more than any other candidate out there in his career so far. 1. Took apart failing companies and put them back to together again……………2. Took the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics games that were 369 million in debt with massive corruption and pulled off one of the most incredible "turn a rounds" three months after 9/11…………….3. Became Governor of the bluest state in the Union with a projected $3 billion deficit and balanced the budget WITHOUT RAISING TAXES……………4. Brought private health insurance to every citizen in Massachusetts WITHOUT RASIING TAXES….. There simply isn't ANYONE as qualified to run as this man. If our corrupt liberal press wants to "nick pick" and create a "negative" stereotype of this man this so be it. ALL the other candidates running for President "talk" about what they will do……..Mitt Romney has already “walked the walkâ€�. Mitt has actual accomplishments. Mitt would make a great President for All Americans….

Hmm Ron Paul at 18%…Guess hes not so much of a long shot anymore.

RP beat Giuliani. That's awesome! Wonder how those spammers managed to vote so many times?

Ron Paul comes in third and your article doesn’t even mention his name. This is the type of thing that makes CNN and other “mainstream� media outlets more and more irrelevant.

Huckabee doesn't look so good. Couldn't even beat McCain? That's not a good sign after showing so well in Iowa.

Nice showing for Ron Paul, though. Guy continues to pleasantly surprise and amaze.

Wow, Ron Paul above Giuliani and not a word about it in the news bite. What a suprise. When is the media going to start giving this guy some coverage?

RON PAUL comes in a close 3rd!! Go Dr. Paul!! Go!!

If Americans liked Ronald Reagan they are going to love Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney is a solid candidate. He has accomplished more than any other candidate out there in his career so far. 1. Took apart failing companies and put them back to together again……………2. Took the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics games that were 369 million in debt with massive corruption and pulled off one of the most incredible "turn a rounds" three months after 9/11…………….3. Became Governor of the bluest state in the Union with a projected $3 billion deficit and balanced the budget WITHOUT RAISING TAXES……………4. Brought private health insurance to every citizen in Massachusetts WITHOUT RASIING TAXES….. There simply isn't ANYONE as qualified to run as this man. If our corrupt liberal press wants to "nick pick" and create a negative stereotype of this man this so be it. ALL the other candidates running for President talk about what they will do……..Mitt Romney has already walked the walk. Mitt has actual accomplishments. Mitt would make a great President for All Americans….

I'm shocked that CNN didn't report the real story-Ron Paul has now beaten Guiliani in two consecutive straw polls but continues to get no press. Save our country Ron!!!!

Ron Paul is running in the wrong Primary, The surrender monkey's debated on Youtube.

They'll continue to ignore Ron Paul, and we'll continue to support him.

Way to go Romney. You won a state that immediately goes blue in every recent presidential election.

What CNN fails to mention (surprise, surprise) is that Romney bused in people to vote for him (just like he did in Iowa). Romney is good at buying a win at the polls.

The clear winner here, however, is Ron Paul. He is backed, not by money, but a passionate grass-roots fervor, and he is gaining more momentum every day.

The article reports nothing but percentages. How many people voted? I think we would see that the total is a dismal amount that relegates the whole process to an academic exercise.

It's absolutely hilarious- this man is working so hard and spending so much money. He does not stand a chance. Republicans are NEVER going to nominate a Mormon. They are prejudiced against everything that isn't exactly like them.

I was present at the Straw Poll yesterday in Illinois, and I have to give credit to the Romney people for being courteous, and especially well organized. They had buses from all over the state organized, with one simple T-Shirt. I found the Ron Paul people to be too in your face, obnoxious, and almost fanatical about voting for him. They had too many different shirts which offered so many messages, I think those who participated in the Poll where a little sick of being approached and forced upon with literature on Ron Paul. And what sore losers–Chairman McKenna had to make an announcement asking the Ron Paul people to please hold back any negative comments and booing, and offer congratulations to the Romney campaign on a job well done. Even though I was upset there were no candidates in Illinois yesterday (even though we have more electoral votes than Iowa), at least Mitt Romney's son was there to thank everyone on behalf of his father and personally deliver the results to his father. Well played Mr. Romney!

By the way, Ron Paul guy, you are aware that it's possible to look and see that all these Ron Paul postings are coming from the same internet address, right?

By the way, Ron Paul guy, you are aware that it's possible to see that all these Ron Paul psotings are coming from the same internet address, right?

I can't believe how well Ron Paul did! I guess Americans aren't as stupid as the French think they are!

As a registered Libertarian, he is the only candidate from the two major parties that stands a snowball’s chance in Hades of getting my vote, as he is pro-freedom and not a corporate crony. On the other hand, Mitt is a member of the plutocracy that wants to confiscate money from me to feed the military industrial complex that protects their wealth.

Romney is dedicated, professional, devoted and focused. Way to go! He deserved to win.

This poll is another indication of how Ron Paul's popularity is growing to the point that he is now to a front-tier candidate. Straw polls only represent certain contigencies, but from looking at his support on the internet and all other polls, it looks as if ron paul supporters far outnumber those of the other candidates. All this without the help of the Mainstream Media. Through word of mouth, the people of this great nation have finally getting your message of freedom out to voters. Way to go Ron!

Ok CNN…I've officially removed your site from my favorites. I can't handle the media censorship I've scene over the past 6 months concerning Dr. Paul. If anyone wants their news…just do a Google news search instead of supporting Mass Censorship!

From the Chicago Tribune: "Paul's libertarian stylings and campaign of strict interpretation of the Constitution has earned him an unorthodox band of sign-carrying supporters. They frequently interrupted TV reports of the event and at one point, Romney's Illinois chairman, state Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa), ripped a sign out of one Paul supporter's hands and threw it on the ground."

What a surprise, did they use Diebold again? HOw many votes did mitt buy this go round? What's his "current" stance on abortion, health care, 2nd amendment, or immigration. I forget it varies by who he's talking with. Mitt, go back to selling Used cars, and leave our country alone!

I'm sure Ron Paul beat him again but they manipulated the results similar to IA, a recalibration and low and behold Paul is no longer winning and Mitt does, they ignore affidavit's to back up the votes & tally # of actual votes then they claim victory… real smooth…

Thompsom edges out Paul by little more than 1% and Paul's name is not even mentioned in the write-up? Comme on CNN. Time to get real. Ron Paul is not going away. People are fed up with business as usual in Washington. Ron Paul is America's only hope for change and the downsizing of the federal government.

Ron Paul Rollin'!

Allen Ridge states: "Brought private health insurance to every citizen in Massachusetts WITHOUT RASIING TAXES….. "

That's a LIE. His plan FORCED everyone in MA to BUY healthcare or pay fines (TAXES) to the state for the 'free' healthcare provided by the state.

Mitt continues to be the best organized and most effective candidate in the race. From a relative no-name a few months ago he continues to impress on the national scene. He knows his stuff, no doubt about it.

LOL @ Greg from Peoria. So Romney supporters were well-organized? haha Oh, I bet they were when ROMNEY himself is footing the bill by busing them in, feeding them, and giving them free shirts. You have just made one of the most ignorant claims in the history of history. Congrats!

Ron Paul's supporters were not bused in–they drove themselves. They were not given free shirts (btw, your 'Ron Paul supporters w/ many different t-shirts' comment gave me a chuckle)–they BOUGHT them on their own. Ron Paul's supporters show a real passion and support with genuine enthusiasm and conviction. I'm sorry that your pal, Mitt, doesn't garner that type of support–unless they are given free food and a bus, and, even then their support is a bit pathetic, dismal and lacking.

Wow way to go Ron! It comes as no surprise that CNN forgot to mention how close he came to second.

I support Ron Paul all the way. Not much longer and the MSM will not be able to ignore him. Oh and NOT ALL RON PAUL SUPPORTERS ARE loonies. That is just retarded. Get real. Ron Paul has supporters far and wide. People are waking up to the BS in washington. The district of crooks as I like to call them. 3rd place is a start. Thanks CNN. although you could have mentioned his name in the report. fair and balanced? Hmm.

Romney is going to implode as people realize he's just another opportunist.

On the other hand, Ron Paul's showing and principles continue to impress.

I thought politics was all about getting people to the polls…and then Romney is attacked by people for being very successful at that? It makes no sense - if they could/would have been successful at doing it they would have.

All Romney has shown in Iowa and Illinois is that he has the strongest campaign and organization on the ground. The other campaigns were trying their best to get people to the polls as well.

May I note, Romney did not buy people lunch, etc. The lunch, the opportunity to vote, etc. were all free to everyone in attendance.

Romney won. And almost all the campaigns showed class and dignity. Almost. The GOP should be proud of their field of candidates.

Romney in 2008!

Is it a coincidence that Ron Paul's name has not been mentioned on any major network TV broadcast since Ames?

I don't think so.

I watched all the news reports this morning and not a peep about the Illinois Straw Poll. To report it, they would have HAD to have mentioned Ron Paul's strong showing, and they aren't going to do that!

RON PAUL IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT and all you bogus opinion makers are going to be out on the street. Get used to the idea. Practice some burger flipping this weekend…Your turn to be stuck with only those options…

Why is any Republican a Romney supporter? The guy governs like a democrat. Check out his record and then check out Ron Paul's record.
*Never voted for a tax
*Against war from beginning
*Voted to pursue Osama
*Abolish Income Tax

You want smaller government? YOU WANT RON PAUL.

With Romney spending this much money on bus rides for people to vote for him, it just goes to show that if elected- he will be spending our tax money on just that…things that benefit him and the government.

I voted to Reagan! I am proud of that.
I am voting for the next Reagan…..

RON PAUL!!!!!!!!!!

To CNN:

Why do you guys continue to miss the Ron Paul story? He is the only candidate that has a substantially different message/platform from the rest. Do you not see that his popularity on the Internet is explained as a CAUSE of his exposure on the Internet, not the other way around. He will continue to gain steam as his views become known.

Stop following the heard CNN.

I'm not so much worried about CNN.com's bias as I am the cult-like nature of Ron Paul's followers that have made comments. At least think differently and change a couple words every time you post, please.

I'm in Illinois, and believe me- it's usually blue. But I think most people are conservative at heart, and don't want abortion, illegal immigration and a weak military.

Congratulations, Gov. Romney

Straw polls, historically, are strong indicators of which direction a state is leaning.

I think the assumption that you can buy straw poll victories is pretty weak. The people that show up are very political and more importantly, they actually vote and get a others to vote. It is big to win straw polls on a consistant basis and usually the real polls follow suit.

This is a huge win for Romney!

I think that Gov. Romney is very astute with finances and will not raise our taxes. I think he'll eliminate the holes that exist at our southern border, and I think he'll take seriously that we need to get behind our soldiers in the war against jihad.

Thank you for spending so much time in the Midwest, Mitt! Good Luck

Romney has been doing everything he can to get himself involved in this race. At this very minute, he is seeing the results of the MASSIVE amount of $$$ and resources he piled into Iowa and it is giving the APPEARANCE that he has become a real contender.

This has also given him a little bump in credibility with some voters who wonder why Giuliani and others decided to bypass the Iowa straw poll.

The BIG question remains; can Romney do enough to position himself as the opponent of Giuliani in the stretch run to the Republican nomination. It is now looking like he may given Thompson's impotent campaign.

The problem for Romney is the same as it has always been. He has COMPLETELY changed his views on issues that are hugely important to the Republican base (abortion, gun control, illegal immigration) and in the end this will be his ultimate downfall.

If you watch him on news shows trying to explain away the many contradictions and inconsistancies it is really kind of laughable. He comes off as completely dishonest in every way.

When he tries to go head to head with Giuliani in a debate he will be shredded in every way known to man and he will soon be a has been in American politics.

CNN has to start reporting the whole story and stop this spinning. If you continue to think that the American people are that ignorant, you will surely loose viewers and you have already lost credibility. CSPAN live is about the only good thing that you offer. Fox and ABC are no better. It is a sad state of affairs when you have to watch Comedy Central to get anything of news worhty value. Tell the whole story and include Dr. Paul!

The Mormon minority is highly organized and can muster and create the false appearance of a majority at events in most states. The Massachusetts GOP didn't know where these people suddenly came from. They disappeared when Mitt did.

Steve in Peoria:

Just a little hint: the military supports Ron Paul, not Mitt "My-kids-fight-for-america-by-getting-me-elected" Romney. Ron Paul received the MOST donations from the military. The military wants Ron Paul to be president.

That must be some thick sand there, but I just know you can pull your head out!

The only mention of Ron Paul in the article was negative…
"Paul's libertarian stylings and campaign of strict interpretation of the Constitution has earned him an unorthodox band of sign-carrying supporters. They frequently interrupted TV reports of the event and at one point, Romney's Illinois chairman, state Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Chenoa), ripped a sign out of one Paul supporter's hands and threw it on the ground."

1. There are now only two candidates who were in the top five BOTH TIMES (IA and IL): Mitt Romney and Ron Paul.
2. There are now only five candidates who were in the top three at least once, which includes not only Mitt and Ron but Mike Huckabee, Sam Brownback, and Fred Thompson. In case neither the MSM nor the non-internet polling services have noticed, none of those five people are named Giuliani or McCain.
3. Given that the three candidates who don't believe in evolution were in the top five in IA (Huckabee, Brownback and Tancredo), why does anyone care about the Midwestern equivalent of Pakistan?
4. Given that McCain and Giuliani actually allegedly dropped out of IA to concentrate on IL, and given that even with a pathetic showing of 922 total votes for all the GOP candidates in IL, that Rudy and McCain STILL couldn't place better than fourth and fifth respectively (McCain didn't even break into triple digits, and Rudy only barely so), WHEN, oh WHEN, will these two drop out so as to stop cluttering the stage? On a related note, is Duncan Hunter hoping to win the California Primary or something? What's HIS deal? Sort of a pro-war Kucinich or something? Going the distance? If this were Survivor he'd alredy be voted off the island.

Note to John: Mitt's "message"? Which ONE? The one from 1994 - that the Boy Scouts should be forced to have gay troopleaders, or the message POST-Catholic Church scandal where he opposes gay marriage?

Note to David of Salinas: Since the only real contenders now are Ron Paul and Mitt Romney, the "fake" world of the internet and texting polls has actually turned out to be more 'real' than land line phone polling.

Note to Eric: How DARE you compare a left-wing chameleon like Mitt to a real conservative like Reagan???!!!

Note to Mike of Vegas: If the Illinois Straw Poll was unimportant, why did Rudy and McCain drop out of Iowa to concentrate on it? And if THIS is as well as they did, even though only 922 voted (McCain got less than 100 votes, Rudy barely that many), then what does that say about their organizations, strength, etc.?

Note to Ben: the 2% figure in Iowa was due to the Wash. Post 'poll' which by definition was highly biased against Ron Paul since they'd already called on May 8th for him to drop out, even though several candidates such as Gilmore were obviously already even weaker than Ron Paul. The Wash Post poll also relies on the same land line phone polling that has been grossly biased for years now. Who is sitting next to their land line to answer Gallup? War widows for McCain, unemployed losers for Rudy, etc.

Note to Eddie: The Illinois Straw Poll unlike Iowa was FREE and the State Fair cost me $3 and another $4 for parking. Rudy and McCain dropped out of Iowa to CONCENTRATE on Illinois!!

Note to Nathan. PLEASE. The GOP IS poised for disaster (the Iowa Straw Poll declined 40% from 1999 to 2007) but not for the reasons you state. BO is so stupid he wants to invade a nation of 165 million that has nukes. Even a dope like Romney could beat BO.

Note to Dustin: The Mitt folks who control the IL machine kept polls open 15 minutes later so a few Fred folks could just edge out Ron Paul. Only 11 votes separated the two. Good point about the troops: 1/3 of military folks' donations are going to Ron, 1/3 to all the other GOP candidates combined, the other 1/3 to the Dems combined.

Note to Allen: If the Donnie-and-Marie Mo Mormon image is supposed to be so squeaky clean, why WAS the Salt Lake City Olympics the most corrupt ever? Mitt Romney, another Hahvahd B-Schooler, will make Dubya look good by comparison. If you think FORCING folks to buy grossly overpriced medical services via insurance instead of adopting Milton Friedman's ideas in Capitalism and Freedom are the way out of the medical care crisis, you're in the wrong party.

Note to Mark: It's not so much his faith as his FAITHLESSNESS to ANY ideology that will do in Romney, just as it did his 'brainwashed' father George (George on Vietnam, Mitt on abortion I suppose).

Note to Greg: you'll recall that Romney HIMSELF was ANYTHING but polite during the ABC debate, interrupting Ron Paul TWICE. Some Mo Mormon/WASP.

Note to Ben: If you're PART of the event, how is it POSSIBLE, BY DEFINITION, to 'interrupt' a news report on YOU YOURSELF? The Ron Paul folks were PART of the event! But what excuse did an alleged adult like Dan Rutherford have to rip a sign from a Ron Paul supporter's hands. I wish Dan had tried that with ME….

"… That to secure these Rights,Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that when any form of Govenment becomes destuctive these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Go RON GOOOOO!!!!!!

Wow, the no name Ron Paul is in a statistical tie with Thompson. I love the lack of mention in this article.

Maybe big media will start taking this traditional conservative more seriously.

After reading this article, I tried a thought experiment with my wife: "CNN's Illinois straw poll article says that Romney was first, Thompson was second. That was as far down the list as they went in the text of the article. See if you can figure out where Ron Paul placed."

Her immediate response was "Third, of course. If he had been fourth, CNN would have mentioned the top 3. If Paul had been second, they would only have mentioned #1." Apparently, only candidates up to (but not including) Ron Paul are covered.

It is sad that Paul essentially tied with Thompson for second place, but was not even mentioned. Perhaps the article should have mentioned that Paul was second of the candidates who have actually declared.

I'm sick and tired of all the ignorant shills and the corrupt main stream media who try to marginalize and completely ignore Ron Paul.

Ron Paul will be the next President of the United States of America. It's obvious his numbers are at least 20 to 30 times larger than the 2% reported by the propagandist MSM.

This is a real revolution of the people and we will not allow our country to be destroyed by the fascists Neo-Cons anymore!

Wake up America and stand together in the name of Liberty, Peace, and Justice!!

And by the way, this is my only post… I am just one of the millions of Ron Paul revolutionaries!!!

Ron Paul beats Giuliani, and nary a peep in the article. THe MSM is standing around with their fingers in their ears, eyes closed, going "Lalalala, I can hear you,lalalalla"

Congrats to Mitt, good call to visit the fair. Go Ron Paul!

Chutzpah Award of the Year - Romney Robot attacking others for lack of consistency!! LOL Is it possible for someone to look any less spontaneous or more rehearsed? His writers probaablyu spend hours on his one liners. Even his "anger" looks as if it's been tested before focus groups for just the right inflection.

Romney Robot is the one GOPer guaranteed to lose. Not red enough for the Red states, not blue enough for the Blue states, sorta… vague, like his speeches.

Maybe having someone with brains when it comes to high finance is a good idea?
GO MITT>..

Wow, Thompson isn't even in the race and finished second.

He is going to walk away with this when he gets in.

What I don't get is why Romney isn't doing better. He's the only one bussing in people to vote and spending money on these and he can't even get a third in Iowa? If you're the only guy on the football field, you should be able to score at will.

Two words: RON PAUL!

WHEN will the media start recognizing that he is gaining in the race and creating what may become the most powerful grass-roots political effort ever. Ron Paul 2008!!! Let's end politics as usual. Seriously. Ron Paul.

Ron Paul in 2008 to bring the USA back to the people.

CNN - Could you be more biased? How much more do you need to take him seriously? You used to be a good news agency, now you're just a bought-out sensationalized democrat version of Fox News. Boo! Shame on you!

GO RON!! America supports you!

Your refusal to even mention the name "Ron Paul" in the body of your article is baffling. Surely when a 2nd tier candidate beats out two "1st tier" folks and almost beats a third it's worth mentioning?

Good for Romney. He is a legitimate candidate… brains, money, organization and ability. When is it going to be apparent to the likes of a Ron Paul that it is OVER…he has as much chance of becoming President as the guy who changes the oil in my car..

Good Job Dr. Paul!

It is a shame that the media can't see a front runner unless they are paid off.

[...] Willard won the Illinois straw poll, fresh on the heels of his Iowa victory. The guy has raised more money than Giuliani, and he is putting together some impressive organizational structures. Primary victories seem almost inevitable. [...]

I'm not sure how anyone can take these seriously, especially if you claim to respect the democratic process. In straw polls, money literally buys votes.

As for Ron Paul, he's a politician, not a cult leader, though I'm sure some of you would gladly shave your heads and play the tamborine for him.

Please, some perspective people!

Romney cannot and will not be elected. He is just another shapeshifting hack. He does not now, nor has he ever had convictions. What he does have is a "message". Unfortunately, that message is different over time and with his audience. Further, he is a Mormon. Sorry to all the LDS folks, but this religion is seen as a "cult" by many, many Americans. This will be more so after all the hit pieces the media will do should he win the GOP nomination.

Couple things:

1) I think ol' Joe Smith himself would've been as surprised as can be that a Mormon won a straw poll in Illinois, a state that had issued an extermination order against his people.
2) Each and every one of your anti-Mormon comments do nothing to prove the validity of anything you say, and do everything to make me and every other clear-thinking American realize your bigoted bias.
3) So Romney's campaign helped people pay to attend the straw poll and you think this means he must therefore have no support? Remind me, where did that money come from? Oh, yeah, the donations of American supporters who helped make his campaign earn more money by far than any other GOP campaign.
4) Whoever it was that said Straw Polls are useless is either blind or uninformed on the history of American Politics. Consider that no candidate who has ever skipped the Ames, IA Straw Poll has ever gone on to win the January Caucus. Not that it can't be done, but rather that it hasn't.
5) I do agree that it is ridiculous that Ron Paul wasn't mentioned in the article. However, one third-place finish in an inaugural straw poll of less than a thousand people isn't particularly noteworthy; hence the Romney people aren't making as big a deal of it as the Ron Paul people are.
6) I do agree that Ron Paul has a lot of good ideas the country needs to hear about. But he also needs to understand that maybe the best place for him best serve his country is in Congress. If he's as patriotic as his supporters make him out to be, he'd be more likely to realize this.
7) Mitt has earned his front-runner status for a lot of reasons. Fred's campaign is too weak to pose a legitimate threat. McCain's campaign has already fallen apart but looks poised for a resurgence. Giuliani's campaign is strategically misguided. Ron Paul & Co. are all ridiculously annoying and rude in nearly everything they post online or say in person. We don't need an annoying President. We need Mitt Romney.

All you Ron Paul people sound like a bunch of brainwashed freaks. I'm sick of you over-representing your candidate on web commentaries like this. I'll bet that in reality most of these pro-Paul statements are coming from a single computer-geek stooge trapped in front of his computer in the Ron Paul campaign headquarters.

Ron Paul is a complete joke and will never be elected President.

I can see the headlines for Nov '08 now…

"Hillary Takes The Country by Storm!"
"Second Place Finish Puts Her on TOP. Strong showing against BOTH Giuliani and Romney who came in Third and Fourth respectively."
(note: Ron Paul elected.)

To Joel from Denver, CO:

What if he is not "over-represented"? What if he actually has that many supporters? Should we establish comment quotas to avoid offending CNN readers?

Joel, you're not very bright, now, are you? I guess the Ron Paul supporters must have 'hacked' the Illinois straw polls, too, eh?

It's natural to resist change, guys, I understand. Ron Paul is your friend, however; he wants to get rid of the IRS. You must be an idiot to fight that. Idiot.

Romney is running his campaign just like on of his businesses-you have to admire that. He is spending money to earn his place in the news-albeit in battlefields where most of the combatants aren't claiming ground yet. Its a smart strategy because he is leveraging too-early straw polls in Iowa and Illinois into big media coverage, and that is good business. I don't think it is enough to overcome his deficiencies though. I admire the man, but his swing is full of holes. Flipper, Mormon question, etc. I don't find anything wrong with him myself, but I think many will.

http://desertviking.wordpress.com

The win by Romney in Illinois is indicative of the overall weakness of the field, not the strength of Romney. He is a marginal candidate at best. Having said that, this win does show a certain strength and commitment in his organization. I fear however that he is blowing all his money to pick himself out of obscurity now and will be running dry later. He is a giant among dwarfs.

The fact that he is a Mormon is a huge negative nationally. This is not a bigoted comment: it is a statement of fact. Why is is that so many confuse "how things ought to be" with "how things are". His appeal to the Christian main stream will be lukewarm at best and mildly turned off most likely. This is a demographic that the rest of the field can count on slam dunk: he can't and will need to fight for it. Worse, he will split this group with anyone he runs against.

I find the Ron Paul story fascinating and I am not a brainwashed nut. I do not believe that he is a creation of the Internet. This is too simple an explanation to hold water. Rather, I see his popularity there as a consequence of exposure there. His message is both timeless and fresh at the same time. Timeless because his is the message of the founders of this country, fresh because he stands completely apart from all other candidates… on both sides. However, he does not seem to have the charm and charisma needed to pull off a victory. He is the best of the GOP candidates out there today.

I don't know about the rest of you, but when I think about who I'm going to vote for, the thing I think about is, "Who would I vote for if I hadn't heard of any of them?" and base my vote solely on my beliefs. I'm sure that's a bit far-fetched for most of you to deal with; after all, compromising your beliefs is an everyday part of your political process!
Good luck with your "lesser of two evils" BS, hope your tainted conscience doesn't irreparably damage your life.

This is to all you Ron Paul supporters…and please excuse the blunt nature of this comment…

SHUT UP.

Straw polls mean NOTHING. Didn't you read the same thing that I did…less than 1,000 people participated in this poll. How is that supposed to be some accurate sampling of an ENTIRE COUNTRY…let alone a WHOLE STATE…or much less ONE CITY?!?

I will not deny Ron Paul's *somewhat present* legitimacy as a candidate…but all of his followers are for lack of a better term…"cultish". Let's also not forget…there are what…nearly 10 people vying for the candidacy…IN EACH PARTY. It's FAR too early to tell where the heck this election is going in the next 6-12 months.

For the record, I am a 22 year old Fred Thompson supporter (with friends who buy into Ron Paul hook line and sinker), but even I see what kind of trouble lies ahead for him and everyone else that seeks the Presidency.

So listen all you Ron Paul fanatics, get off your high horse. Just get off of it. I admire the idealistic approach of you guys, I really do. But let's be honest, the Dems are gonna tear into every single POTENTIAL candidate (for some reason some people have already given Ron, Fred, Mitt, or others the Presidency) and Repubs will do the same. Sit back, take it all in, vote in the primaries if you happen to have the means (live in the state, can do so, etc.), and THEN let's see what the numbers say. Because honestly…until then…none of it really matters.

Period.

If Ron Paul is still standing at that point…then I'll listen.

Ron Paul Revolution, Legalize the Constitution!

I second that comment about the fact that Mitt buys his votes, and therefore has a hollow victory. Hell if I didn't care, I would hop on a bus and get paid some cash to attend a straw poll to vote for someone too. Ron Paul is the only candidate worth voting for, unless Mike Gravel with the Dems suddenly got some publicity.

wow, it is amazing how many times the reports stop right before mentioning Ron Paul… Well, is up to the people I guess to make the news…

Ron Paul 2008

If Ron Paul's supporters were behaving in an offensive way, that is deplorable and I hope that they are more respectful in the future.

The momentum is unlike anything seen in modern times. Does anyone well versed in political history know the last time such a groundswell of grassroots support happened for a Presidential candidate.

Absolutely inspiring. The GOP party "regulars" don't get it yet.

Wow, Ron Paul in 3rd…and no mention of it in the article? Surely that's newsworthy no matter how biased a reporter you are.

Christopherrr from Austin, TX:

I sure hope you don't take the 'real' polls into consideration then. You know, the ones with a sample of around 400 people whom have a land-line telephone. Don't disappoint me, Christopher.

The best straw poll money can buy, but if Romney wins the Republican nomination, I will rip my shirt off, expose my blue skin tight suit with an S on my chest, and fly around tehe world spreading peace, justice and the American way. Exactly, not a chance for either of us, but if this bought win makes Roney feel warm and fuzy inside, good for him. FLIP-FLOP

Ron Paul & Co. are all ridiculously annoying and rude in nearly everything they post online or say in person.

Ron Paul is probably the kindest old man you'd ever meet. Even though there are many times I think he should have interrupted others in the debates to correct them on their enormous BS, he stands there quietly and waits for his alotted time, as little as it is.

Great news for him. I can't wait for the coming debate at the University of Nevada, the first to acknowledge that he's a top-tier candidate.

[...] by Ryan on August 17th, 2007 What does Mitt Romney's victory in yesterday's Illinois straw poll mean?  Clearly he has a statewide organization that can get out the vote this early to lead him to [...]

TO: Chris, Austin, TX

Do you know what RON PAUL stands for? DO you know his issues? Which ones do you like and dislike and why Fred will be better?

Chris from Austin write:

"Straw polls mean NOTHING. Didn't you read the same thing that I did…less than 1,000 people participated in this poll. How is that supposed to be some accurate sampling of an ENTIRE COUNTRY…let alone a WHOLE STATE…or much less ONE CITY?!?"

Chris, isn't that generally about the number of samples we see in EVERY poll?

Why do you say his followers are cultish?

I would think the opposite, that people with a libertarian slant are far more apt to be independent thinkers (just my understanding).

Have a good weekend,
Chip

JOEL: And allllllllllll the postings in support of Mitt, Rudy and the rest AREN'T coming from a single computer - geek stooge trapped in THEIR campaign headquarters? I am a Ron Paul SUPPORTER, no spammer, although if it makes you feel better to think so, be my guest.

With all the buzz about the Fed dumping Billions into the market to keep their house of cards afloat, it should be no suprise to anyone that its most vocal opponent is gaining momentum as soon as his message is heard.

Congratulations Mitt. I think you can take Ohio too if you loosen up a bit. The Democrats have absolutely nothing to offer the American people except the redistribution of our hard earned dollars, attempting to look like they gave the average guy something. They are total phonies, and continue to present themselves as saviors of the masses when they are just the opposite.

People straw polls ARE important in that they help create a "winners mentality". This is a common strategy in campaigning. The very fact that the press is reporting on this makes it important to any candidate, one more mention of Mitt's name and in a positive light as well. Name recognition is one of the biggest hurdles for anyone running against a Clinton or Giuliani. That makes the notable absence of Ron Paul's name appear rather suspicious. And seriously would all the Romney critics get off the Mormon train already? If we elect Catholics, Masons and members of Skull and Bones is this really an issue?

A few points:

Please stop the Mormon-bashing. I’m not religious and I certainly don’t support Mitt Romney, but I find these hateful comments about someone else’s faith to be decidedly un-American.

Please stop bashing scientific polling. (I am a scientist). Straw polls are not science. This doesn’t mean they aren’t meaningful, just that they show evidence of a candidate’s resources (human and/or financial) rather than overall support. Scientific polls are highly accurate measures of public opinion. Certainly they are fallible and certainly they have a margin of error, but they work. To not believe in them is to deny reality. This result doesn’t mean Ron Paul is in third place in the state of Illinois. It means he got 174 of his people to go to the fair.

Finally, I’d like to agree with the Ron Paul supporters on one point. (I’m certainly not one of you - I’d never vote Republican, and I think Libertarians don’t seem to live in the real world). This Illinois result isn’t a big win for Romney. But it’s a big loss for McCain and it’s a big win for Ron Paul. CNN should have mentioned that in the story and the mainstream media should be giving Ron Paul more coverage. He’s earned it.

I believe that these polls are rigged in the Mid-West or that all the Mormons voted before anybody else. Either way these polls are rigged.

Baloney! Everyone with half a brain knows that Ron Paul won that poll. Why were the votes wisked away before anyone could review them? CNN should have called them on that instead of printing their propaganda lies. Want to know why you are pretty much irrelevant anymore CNN? Look at what you just did!

Chris from Austin:

"If Ron Paul is still standing at that point…then I'll listen."

Wouldn't it be wise to listen first, then decide - not the other way around.

Kinda mak'n us Texans look bad aintcha.

As a Dem who is tired of having Republicans in charge, I'm getting kind of worried about Ron Paul's momentum. Based on the midterm elections and current opinion polls, it's obvious that no pro-war candidate has even a slight chance of winning (which automatically eliminates all the Republicans except Ron Paul). The fact that many of my liberal friends say they would support Paul over Hillary also causes me concern. It reminds me of how many of my liberal friends crossed over to support Reagan almost 30 years ago except it seems they're crossing over much earlier in the game. The fact that Ron Paul was against the war from the beginning gives him a major advantage over Hillary and that fact he's a physician gives him credibility on health care as well. Don't get me wrong, I think Ron Paul is a rare type of politician with real integrity but I don't want another Republican in the Whitehouse. As long as the nomination goes to any of the other bozos on the Republican side, I feel safe saying that our next president will be a Democrat. So, Go Mitt! Go Rudy! Go Fred! Go [Anyone But Ron Paul]!

If you Ron Paul supporters vote Republican after Romney wins the nomination, you will all be hypocrites…I hope you guys have more sense than to fall for the trap! Support Ron Paul now, but don't go back to the party that doesn't care and/or listen to the issues you care about!

It will be, in the end, Clinton v. Romney, two intelligent, educated, well-spoken, driven and accomplished candidates.

I was at both Iowa and Illinois straw polls.

Mitt won first place in both. In both straw polls the media did not uphold true journalism.

As in Iowa; yesterday Mitt had the best voters money could buy. Voters dropped off at the voting machines by bus after bus, Mitt won the straw poll.

The tax payers have seen this “formation� before. What will all these favors cost American taxpayers in the future? Will it be whitewater, oil, who is paying for these bus rides? Do not think for a minute that the taxpayers will not be paying for this type of politics? Taxpayers have seen the WARCHEST cost passed on before.

Ron Paul people get to the event on there own. Ron Paul continues to place in polls and gain support despite a media blackout and insults at every corner.

I am delighted with the claim Mitt is Ronald Reagan, Please Go with that! the bus fumes have really got to some of you.

The Ron Paul message appeals to people of all colors, religions and political affiliations.
One thing for sure I can promise you all are going to have to deal with Ron Paul.

Keep up the cheap shots and media black out, I am only more inspired. America is ready for a fresh Ron Paul message.

Hey Mitt lovers, you better pray to God you do not miss the buss or run out of bribe money! Just wait until America hears the Ron Paul Message!

Ron Paul Straw Poll Results
State……..Percentage……Place
Illinois (Aug.)…..19……..3rd
Iowa (Aug.)……….9…..,..5th
Georgia (July)…..17………2nd
Utah (June)……..5.4……..2nd

The Ron Paul Revolution is ON !

I participated in the straw pole in Springfield and found it an enjoyable day. I appreciate those that work together positively to share ideas and build a better future. I grow tired of the bitterness that seems too common on this message board.

I find the comments about Mitt Romney bribing people to come very misguided. I took a day off work and drove on my own to vote. I also knew several others who rode a bus. I, as well as those I know on the bus, have donated to Mitt's campaign. I don't see it as Mitt paying for the bus. It's those of us supporting him who did. If hundreds of people are going to travel into the fair what better way to do it than come together? Mitt's campaign should be credited with being financially responsible with our donations. One bus uses less fuel than all of the individual cars that would have been required. Not to mention what it says about the commitment of the organizers and the stregth of the campaign

WHY I DON'T SUPPORT RON PAUL

I think Ron Paul is an honest man with the courage of his convictions. I think he’s right about the Iraq war and our failed drug policy. But I don’t want him to be President. Here’s why:

He’s for voluntary school prayer.

He supports “don’t ask, don’t tell� policy on gays in the military.

He voted against funding same-sex adoption.

He’s against universal health care.

He wants to withdraw from NATO and the United Nations.

He introduced the Sanctity of Life Act of 2005 which says human life as begins at conception and defines first-term abortions, stem-cell research and some fertility treatments as murder.

He introduced the We the People Act which would allow states to prohibit specific sexual practices, outlaw abortion, outlaw same-sex marriages and display religious text and imagery.

He wants to get rid of the IRS and the income tax, which might sound fun, but he wants to replace them with a national sales tax which would basically put a greater burden on poor and middle-class people.

So if that sounds good to you, stick with the movement. But if you thinks he’s just a cool dude with a facebook account who wants to bring the troops home, lower your taxes and let you get high in peace, do a little more research.

And if you really want to end the war… vote for a Democrat.

I am one of the "fanatical" Ron Paul supporters, and I haven't been rude or obnoxious on any occasion. I've just been spreading the word. I've been insulted by the political Jerry Springer episodes… I mean campaign ads of recent years. I have come to the realization that politicians of both parties will tell us anything to get control of all the money they take from us. Step back and it should remind you of two children fighting over one toy they both want to play with. I can't believe that intelligent people of America buy into that. Democrat and Republican don't really mean anything to me any more. Reminds me of Ford vs. Chevy… they're different breeds of the same animal, but people are passionate about them. At the end of the day it doesn't mean a hill of beans (Chevy's and Fords get you back and forth to work, and politicians steal your money for your own good). I get to keep about half my income, and the government feels entitled to the rest, and I don't really have any say no matter who wins. I believe that if Ron Paul wins it will matter. Citizenry above party. That's what this country needs. The reason that he's not mentioned in mainstream media is that he is a grave threat to big government… I feel so passionate about this that if he doesn't get the Republican nomination I won't vote. The lesser of 2 evils is just that…evil. If everyone would get over the "party" nonsense and refuse to vote if there's no one worth voting for, maybe both parties would get a wake up call. Ron Paul is the only candidate that I truly believe in. If you buy into the crap that all the RP comments are from the same person, go watch some "Fair and Balanced" news. Don't drink the Kool-Aid, though (o.k., maybe a little rude and obnoxious).

Congratulations to Mitt Romney! His victory is well earned - he is intelligent, devoted, professional, and focused - he will lead our nation in the right direction. Way to go Mitt.

What is the deal with the poster for the FLIP FLOP team posting that same garbage over and over. Anyone can see that you are a paid stooge. The people he bused in were bought and paid for.
The media and you justify why this country needs Ron Paul. The reaction of everyone that I talk to that doesn't know who Ron Paul is "I love this guy!". Google Ron Paul to find out why.

Well Jamie towing the party line again I see. We need a third independent media source that is not owned the 4 or so companies that own every other media company. Ron Paul comes from out of nowhere and basically ties for second and not even a peep! It's just un-American

You forgot the most important state of all New Hampshire…where Ron got 65% and will win the Strafford Straw poll today.

Please check the Dail Paul for updates.

We in NH have had enough of Mitt.. He's a flip flopping smooth talking NON conservative.

I agree with Eddie, Beavercreek, Ohio.

I'm from Massachusetts. Mitt Romney does not do it for me. He didn't then. He won't now.

Mitt Romney is not the great TAX cutter some are saying…He had his chance in 2001 to ELIMINATE the MASS STATE INCOME TAX. The Republican Administration was against it and so was tax cutting MITT. ( I keep waiting for Hannity or Ingraham to call him on this..they love this liberal so.) RON PAUL opposes the IRS and has NEVER EVER EVER voted to increase taxes. So, while Mitt is trying to cut taxes a whimpish few percent, Ron Paul is for abolishing the IRS. GO RON PAUL.

Would just like to congratulate Ron Paul on his great showing in Illinois! We have some great Ron Paul support here in Nebraska and the grassroots movement is ever-growing! I haven't seen a sign in the state for any other candidates but you can sure spot the Ron Paul signs! Watch his videos!

The unrealistic quotes from Romney shill…I mean supporters comparing him to Reagan are funny.

Congratulations to Ron Paul for winning the Alabama straw poll today (8/18/07) with over 80% of the vote.

Congratulations to Ron Paul for winning the Stafford County, NH, straw poll, too, with over 70% of the vote.