Republican presidential contenders Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum were effectively tied in the party's first nominating contest in Iowa, establishing Romney as the party's most likely challenger to Democratic President Barack Obama.
The two men essentially tied for the top spot with Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney keeping the focus on Obama.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY, SAYING:
"This has been a failed presidency. And I am absolutely convinced that if we want to get jobs again in this country it would be helpful to have a person who has had a job in the private sector to create jobs in the private sector."
The months-long campaign has been marked by volatility. Romney is a favorite of the party's business wing, while Santorum appears to have consolidated the state's large bloc of Christian conservatives.
With his strong showing in Iowa, Santorum also made his case for his electability.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER PENNSYLVANIA RICK SANTORUM, SAYING:
"People have asked me well, why do you think you can win because we have been told by so many people that there is another candidate in the race, who is running a rather close race with me tonight -- that is a better person to choose because he can win. Let me tell you, what wins -- what wins what wins in American are bold ideas, sharp contrast and a plan that includes everybody."
Third place winner Congressman Ron Paul signaled he was ready to move on to the next race.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) REP. RON PAUL, SAYING:
"I think there is nothing to be ashamed of, everything to be satisfied and to be ready a raring to move on to the next stop, which is New Hampshire. "
Iowa's caucuses are known more for weeding out candidates than picking the future president but a strong finish here could provide a big boost in the state-by-state battle to choose the Republican to stand against Obama in the Nov. 6 election.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
The two men essentially tied for the top spot with Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney keeping the focus on Obama.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY, SAYING:
"This has been a failed presidency. And I am absolutely convinced that if we want to get jobs again in this country it would be helpful to have a person who has had a job in the private sector to create jobs in the private sector."
The months-long campaign has been marked by volatility. Romney is a favorite of the party's business wing, while Santorum appears to have consolidated the state's large bloc of Christian conservatives.
With his strong showing in Iowa, Santorum also made his case for his electability.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER PENNSYLVANIA RICK SANTORUM, SAYING:
"People have asked me well, why do you think you can win because we have been told by so many people that there is another candidate in the race, who is running a rather close race with me tonight -- that is a better person to choose because he can win. Let me tell you, what wins -- what wins what wins in American are bold ideas, sharp contrast and a plan that includes everybody."
Third place winner Congressman Ron Paul signaled he was ready to move on to the next race.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) REP. RON PAUL, SAYING:
"I think there is nothing to be ashamed of, everything to be satisfied and to be ready a raring to move on to the next stop, which is New Hampshire. "
Iowa's caucuses are known more for weeding out candidates than picking the future president but a strong finish here could provide a big boost in the state-by-state battle to choose the Republican to stand against Obama in the Nov. 6 election.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
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