They say that more than picking the eventual winner, the Iowa caucuses help to winnow the field. Last night Iowa may have done both.
But in a matter of days we may be looking at a very different race for the GOP nomination – that’s what happens after votes are actually cast.
Last night Rick Perry made every indication that he knew his time was up, and if Michele Bachmann has anyone serious left in her circle it’s tough to imagine them advising she continue.
If they drop out, will all their support move to Rick Santorum? No, but a lot of it would – maybe enough to make life difficult for Mitt Romney, who while technically winning Iowa last night, showed in his 25% of the total that a lot of GOP voters will just never be swayed to his side.
And then there’s Newt Gingrich – who couldn’t get out of Iowa fast enough, but who might stay in the race as much for the fight as out of spite for Romney.
We’ll be sorting through it all for you as it happens today.
