CPAC straw poll

Press Release - note that bloggers and press were not allowed to participate in the straw poll:

ACU Announces Results of The Washington Times CPAC 2012 Presidential Straw Poll, New National Survey of Self-Identified Conservatives

Former Governor Mitt Romney Wins Straw Poll and Leads National Presidential Primary Survey



WASHINGTON, DC – The 39th Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) today concluded with former Massachusetts Governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney winning the annual CPAC straw poll, a high-energy day bracketed by dynamic speeches from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Both the straw poll and national survey were sponsored by The Washington Times and conducted by Tony Fabrizio, principal of Fabrizio, McLaughlin & Associates.

In first place, Governor Romney secured more than 38 percent of the vote by registered CPAC attendees, followed by Senator Rick Santorum at 31 percent, former Speaker Newt Gingrich at 15 percent and Ron Paul with 12 percent.

“The polling process this year has been improved to allow for greater participation by our members,” said ACU Chairman Cardenas. “We have embraced the digital age with electronic ballots, successfully extending the voting period while delivering more prompt results. Among other improvements, these changes contributed to an overwhelming turnout.”

Under separate cover, The American Conservative Union conducted a national live telephone survey of 600 self-identified conservative voters, revealing that the results showed former Governor Mitt Romney leading with 27 percent, followed very closely by Senator Rick Santorum with 25 percent, former Speaker Newt Gingrich with 20 percent and Ron Paul with 8 percent.

“The Washington Times is honored to again return this year to sponsor the CPAC 2012 Presidential Straw Poll. CPAC remains the premier annual event for galvanizing conservatives, advancing conservative principles and growing the movement, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Tom McDevitt, President of The Washington Times. “For the first time ever, we are also sponsoring a national survey of self-identified conservatives, giving voters a snapshot of the hearts and minds of conservatives across America.”

CPAC ended Saturday afternoon, concluding three energetic days of conservative speakers and panel discussions. During the conference, Chairman Cardenas announced that CPAC will be hosting regional events in Chicago, Charlotte and Los Angeles later this year.

The American Conservative Union is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization and was founded in 1964. The ACU has hosted CPAC in the Nation’s Capital since 1974. To learn more about the Conservative Political Action Conference, please visit www.cpac.org.

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