http://news.yahoo.com/ron-paul-edges-closer-iowa-victory-171026303.html;_ylt=Aq1_m9F_FZCXgKpT50ElAm3Nt.d_;_ylu=X3oDMTRtbmx1b XVwBGNjb2RlA2dtcHRvcDEwMDBwb29sY2Z3aWtpdXAEbWl0A05ld3MgZm9yIHlvdQR wa2cDNjJjMDQ0ZDktZWU0YS0zOTA4LWE1OGEtMGE1NzI1ODVkYzE1BHBvcwMzBHNlY wNuZXdzX2Zvcl95b3UEdmVyA2FkMjllYTIwLTJiZjYtMTFlMS1iZGE4LTI4N2U0NTM yNmI0Yw--;_ylg=X3oDMTNoMXYxa2ZxBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDYjllMDQyY TItMTZmYS0zZGQ3LWE5ZGMtOGYxNjcwMWEwNTFkBHBzdGNhdANwb2xpdGljc3xkZXN0 aW5hdGlvbjIwMTIEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdlBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

Ron Paul Edges Closer to an Iowa Victory
By Simon Nguyen | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 23 hrs ago


COMMENTARY | With less than a month before the Iowa caucus, Ron Paul is gaining unexpected momentum. The latest Insider Advantage poll shows Paul leading all GOP candidates in Iowa with 24 percent. The 12-term House representative's surge is confirmed by the Public Policy Polling poll that also shows him in the lead. Is Paul a favorite to win?


Paul is probably the most underrated candidate in a primary campaign. Political pundits love to write him off as a fringe candidate, citing his anti-war stance and libertarian views as inhibiting factors to a successful Republican presidential run. Yet the Pennsylvania native defied his skeptics. Paul has consistently placed high in key straw polls, outraised many of his fellow GOP candidates and established firm footing in most of the early primary states. Paul's rise in the Iowa polls confirms the legitimacy of his candidacy.


Along with New Hampshire, Iowa is clearly Paul's best bet for a primary win. This is due to the state's unique voting structure, which rewards dedication over participation. It takes a devoted voter to come to the hourlong caucuses, in harsh winter conditions, to support his or her candidate. Paul's supporters have always been the most devoted and organized group of people. They undoubtedly made their presence felt in the 2008 Republican primary and are set to do the same in 2012.


The fact there is no clear front-runner in Iowa should also bode well for the congressman from Texas. The social conservative vote, which holds great sway in Iowa, is deeply divided. This leaves a big opening for Paul, who can galvanize libertarians and fiscal conservatives. He will only need to win over some values voters to capture the caucus. Considering how far right Paul is in most social issues, this should not be a difficult task.


If Paul does win Iowa, he will immediately become a favorite to win New Hampshire. The Real Clear Politics' average of polls currently puts Paul third in New Hampshire, behind Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. A victory in the Hawkeye State will likely elevate Paul's chances in the Granite State.

"When Paul wins Iowa, MSM will have no choice but to acknowledge his strong presence as a candidate. He is also a favorite to win New Hampshire. The Real Clear Politics' average of polls currently puts Paul third in New Hampshire, behind Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. A victory in the Hawkeye State will definitely elevate Paul's chances in the Granite State." - fixed that last paragraph for ya!

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