Iowan Voters with Mixed Agendas

What is more important to Iowan voters? A relative certainty of a Republican president, or the possibility of having the best conservative president. As the caucus closes, the polls show they don't have a uniform opinion on the subject.

The caucuses are in a interesting position to gain voter turnout this year. There is no Democratic alternative AND there was a Republican primary four years ago, so the interest in candidates holds. This dynamic can attract a lot of moderates and independent voters to contribute to the voting process. However, only registered Republicans can vote in Iowa, so middle American isn't well represented.
This makes a large turnout of far right leaning voters, Tea Party members themselves made up almost two thirds of the voters. Though they didn't all get behind one candidate, the majority supported Santorum, who is the latest in a long line of second placers to Romney this year.
The results of the caucus, then, are somewhat surprising. Bachmann won the strawpoll this summer, but finished last, despite Tea Party support. The anti-conservative candidate, Romney, was the surprising winner.
How can this happen? Well, a little common sense and prudence. Romney won almost all votes among people who said the electability of the nominee in general election was the most important factor. Even if the president isn't perfect, he would be better than Obama.
In contrast, the young idealists wanted Paul and the middle aged Christians wanted Santorum, who scored highest among those who counted 'moral character' as the most important aspect of a nominee. Many voters came in undecided, or were considering their options until just a few days before Tuesday. While many bit the bullet to give Romney his win, if just 9 less had given in, Santorum would be taking his victory lap. The Iowa Caucus isn't the final say, and it seems reasonable that Iowans wanted to make a point: for now, Santorum seems like a viable perfect Republican president.

Nicholas Confessore and Marjorie Connelly
The New York Times, 'Electability and Principles Split Iowa Voters, Poll Finds'
p://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/us/politics/iowa-caucuses-polls-show-sharp-divide-among-voters.html?ref=politics