Mitt Romney Wins Washington GOP Caucus, Paul Second

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the Washington Republican Caucus last night with Texas Congressman Ron Paul placing second, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum a close third.

The straw poll caucus results are only a 'beauty contest' and non-binding on the delegates that will actually be awarded this summer.  Ron Paul's strategy has always been to get as many of his supporters elected as delegates.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich came in a distant fourth.  However, Gingrich has focused his campaign on the Southern Super Tuesday states where he is expected to do exceptionally well in his home state of Georgia on March 6.

The final 2012 Washington GOP Caucus results are as follows with 99% of the precincts reporting:

Mitt Romney       37.6%
Rick Santorum    23.8%
Ron Paul             24.8%
Newt Gingrich     10.3%