2012, Straw Poll | featured news

After watching the ups and downs of the Republican presidential campaign from the sidelines since mid-August, Tim Pawlenty voiced second thoughts Monday about his decision to pull out of the race after a third place showing at the Ames straw poll.

Former pizza executive Herman Cain surprised rival Rick Perry with an upset victory on Saturday in a Republican presidential straw poll in Florida, dealing a disappointing loss to the Texas governor two days after a shaky debate performance.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul won a California straw poll, the state Republican Party announced in a statement Saturday night.

The former Minnesota governor finished a distant third in the GOP's Ames Straw Poll in Iowa.