So Iowa couldn’t make up its mind after all

With the vast majority of the counties reporting, and all the major population centers in Iowa at 98% or more, it looks like Iowa is done for 2012.  Barring dramatic changes in Manona County at only 27% reporting (a whopping 106 “voters”), it’s close to a draw between Mittens and Our Saviour Rick Santorum.

I have a few brief observations.  One, this is nothing but good news for Romney.  Santorum is currently polling 4% in New Hampshire.  He should get a “bounce” from Iowa . . . but to where?  Double digits?  Two, the final aggregates on RCP did a decent job of predicting the final result.  Three, it looks like we’re going to lose the comedy levity that Michele Bachmann offers us, which is a crying shame.  Four, Newt’s in some degree of trouble.  His strengths are down south in SC and FL, but as I discussed a few days ago, and while he’s decently ahead in both, those polls are ancient.

It’s going to be Romney in 2012.  The only question, according to a colleague of mine, is whether or not Mitt ’12 beats Mitt ’08 in Iowa.  Romney got 30,021 in 2008, slightly over 25% (and finished second).  Right now, he’s at 28,908, at 24.6% (and tied for first).

I’ll have more tomorrow, but right now, the wife wants to watch Downton Abbey.