-- Convincingly, too.  Attracting 31.5 percent of 14,000 eligible voters.

Naysayers are pointing out that 20,000+ voted in the last straw vote -- suggesting that had Rudy, McCain or ole Fred actively campaigned, the turn-out would have been greater. 

Maybe.  Maybe not.

This year, voters were required to provide Iowa ID to cast a vote. 

Which may be one reason Fred, Rudy and John -- i.e., the other front "leaders" stayed home and why Ron Paul failed to challenge anyone except the no-shows.

Congratulations to Team Mitt.  His "investments" in Iowa will go far beyond the state's borders.  Hopefully, the Iowa grassroots organization will take him all the way to the White House.