Breaking News: Romney wins Maine caucus, McCain 2nd, Paul 3rd

Former Gov. Mitt Romney convincingly won the Maine Republican caucus tonight with about 52% of the vote.

The current GOP front-runner, Arizona Sen. John McCain, is running a distant second with 22% and Rep. Ron Paul, the libertarian-minded longshot, is in a very close third with 19% of the vote. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is trailing badly with only 5%.

With nearly two-thirds of the votes counted, Maine Republican Party Vice Chairman Scott Kauffman said, "It is very sure that former Gov. Romney wins the contest."

Although Maine does not carry the political clout of many other states, it could provide a helpful psychological boost going into nearly two dozen crucial Super Tuesday contests this week for Romney's forces, who lost to McCain in Florida, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Nearly half the delegates necessary to win the Republican nomination will be chosen Tuesday.

In a statement tonight, Romney, who was campaigning today in the upper Midwest after attending the funeral of Gordon Hinckley, the president of the Mormon church, in Salt Lake City, said, "Today the people of Maine joined those from across the nation in casting their vote for conservative change in Washington."

The actual number of Maine delegates he won in the non-binding caucuses will be determined at a state convention in May.

It was a disappointing night for Ron Paul. The campaign of the 72-year-old, 10-term congressman from Texas with the well-financed campaign had hoped to pull an upset in independent-minded Maine. And he did come close to embarrassing McCain for second place, which Paul also won in the Louisiana and Nevada caucuses.

Maine Democrats hold their statewide caucuses next weekend.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Keith Henderson]

Despite the predictable volume of Ron Paul responses, I think the interesting story here is that Romney has dominated in three "cowboy" states (using the term more metaphorically w.r.t. Maine). I expected him to win Michigan, but his dominance in Maine, Wyoming and Nevada (and his strong showing in New Hampshire) is surprising to me.

I don't think one can attribute the NV and WY blowouts to the Mormon vote. I know Romney campaigned more than the others in these states (except perhaps Paul), but I expected him to do better in industrial states and worse in "values" and "maverick" states. Maybe that's why nobody pays me to do political analysis.

[a Rocket Scientist]

It's that interesting, Ron Paul 19%, he does well in the states where the Main Stream Media doesn't do a lot of "free" campaigning for some candidates.

[mark]

Only 200 people out of a population of 121,000 in my county in Maine showed up to vote so it shows that it wouldn't take that much to tilt this race either way.I voted for Dr. Paul and easily became a delegate.Don't throw your vote away for someone like Bush who has devastated this great nation.VOTE this Tuesday for real change towards Freedom !

[TimM]

As a former resident of northern California, I never thought I'd be saying this....
Way to go LA times for continuing to provide us fair stories regarding Ron Paul! This is usually one of my first stops of the day for my Ron Paul news fix.
One happy reader.

(Glad to have you and hope you return often--and comment.)

[Tess]

Looks like Romney has taken Maine, but you must let your readers know that Maine still has one more day to caucus, and that is today. I would not call McCain 2nd place quite yet, it is very, very possible with the remaining 32% that Ron Paul may have that second place. I am a Ron Paul Supporter, but I would rather see Romney over McCain anyday. McCain is way too far out from the traditional Republican platform. Ron Paul is the true conservative Republican running and he still believes in limited government, lower taxes, liberty, freedom, secure borders, no ammesty, a strong military defense, but most importantly our Constitution of the United States of America, and WE THE PEOPLE. I am just amazed to see how the old media has flocked to a warmongering, more taxation, amnesty loving loser like McCain, even Arnold has endorsed him, what is up with that. Arnold is actually a Democrat, but because of his fame he was able to run as a Republican and dupe the voters here in California. McClueless/McCain and Huckagod/Huckabee will falter come Super Tuesday, and then the media will go on to put Romney in the limelight. I will still be voting with integrity and principle, I will not vote for the person I think has a better chance of winning, that is unAmerican, and quite frankly a cowardly wasted vote.

If you all are wondering why the mainstream media is not reporting on Ron Paul please read this:
http://www.consortiumnews.com/2008/012808.html

If you are struggling between Romney and Ron Paul watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lAFfLy05_Y

My vote and support is for Ron Paul, The Champion of the Constitution.
http://ronpaul2008.com

[afisher]

Ron Paul has done well and brought a lot of attention to the issues. He probably knows McCains behaviors well. I hope he will be smart and turn his votes to Romney with an endorsement and turn this primary around.

[Grandma in Florida]

I thought I saw a spark coming from the Los Angeles Times each time I check my "alerts" for The Guru of this generation. Thanks for the light, Andrew.

I began to think last evening about what would happen if we had Concerts for Ron Paul, like Woodstock, and picked up our garbage this time.

But I think the children are handling it, now. They know a great visionary when they see one. As their brothers and sisters who couldn't get another job are dying and coming home wounded from The Great Idiot's invasion of a sovereign nation, they are not afraid to speak and shout for a Sane, Benevolent Leader, make music and movies, make handmade signs and blog til they drop. At least this time, no one is getting maced, Yet.

[mistermr]

Thank you Andrew for the report. Looks like there is a contest and that is a good thing. I think nothing has turned off voters from the establishment GOP or Dems more than having party leaders so vested in a particular candidate that they seem agitated that someone new has climbed into their sandbox to play. I think it is fun watching them squirm and if you ask me, you journalists should be excited about what is happening, good news material. Besides, all the reporting on war is pretty well worn out isn't it? Lets brings our soldiers home for a rest.

[Jim McClarin]

Romney won the straw vote but many of his supporters apparently were in a hurry to leave so he did not fare so well when it came time to elect delegates. The Ron Paul people hung in there and appear to have the most delegates so far

[dawn marie clark]

sorry, but your journalism is shabby at best! why don't you wait before you make predicitons? oh, you probably cannot. you are corporate media.
anyway, dr. ron paul is doing amazingly well considering what he is up against.
just imagine if he got FAIR and BALANCED coverage!!!
the l a times is just like the rest of corporate - praise the liars and hide the good ones!
go dr. paul - YOU ARE THE BEST!

(Who's making predictions? The party vice chair, who's doing the counting, said Romney won. So did we. He said McCain is running 2d. So did we. He said Paul is running third. So did we. No predicting.)

[Gene]

New England is know mostly for socialism, and a debtors' economy provided the illusion it works for generations. It's should be no surprise that the R-version of McRomney socialism still has great appeal, especially among the older populations. The real story is that 2008 will be the finally year that socialism works for anyone. Prepare accordingly?

[Gerry]

Andrew:

This whole issue of Ron Paul being blacked-out by the mainstream media seems undeniable. For example, yesterday I was on CNN's site and of course a list of the candidates and their weekend campaign plans left out Ron Paul. The CNN "debate" was a disgrace. I don't know how anyone could call that a debate. The treatment of Paul and Huckabee was shocking.

This blackout of Paul seems well-orchestrated, almost as if the media is controlled by one entity. What I don't understand is why haven't memos or whistleblowers surfaced to confirm that reporters have been instructed not to mention Ron Paul, that cameramen have been told to avoid Ron Paul signs in their shots etc. Where are the stories from the whistleblowers who can confirm this orchestration? It seems to be there but the smoking gun evidence hasn't shown up. Why is that?

[Steve GRycel]

Thank you Andrew, its always a pleasure reading your opinions. Boy, for RP supporters, I find this primary a difficult time for them. There are those who keep the faith (faith can move mountains apparently, but not the Republican Party), and those who are upset at either the MSM or Corporate America. Personally, I like the guys who keep the faith. They are easier to deal with in everyday life. I for one, am hoping that RP is the sly fox they would have you believe, but my hope doesn't run that deep although I'm beginning to see a trend here in the primaries. Soon, the Huckster will drop out due to not having any funding. That will leave McCain & Romney going back and forth trading places as frontrunner, both with about 40 percent of the delegates, leaving Paul with about a solid 10-15%. I don't see either frontrunner attacking RP anymore, but rather trying to appeal to his percentage of followers. Unfortunately for the frontrunners, RP's people are really dedicated and can't be bought by either Mc or Romney, but can be handed to either guy depending on the changes they make in their platform. This will make RP the Kingmaker and the nominated guy will most likely be the next POTUS. It looks like in order to win the nomination, either Mc or the Romulan will have to bend over a little for some of the RP platform. I see "100 years in Iraq McCain" as the more inflexible of the two, whereas flip Romney is a known "bend with the wind" type of politician in order to win. I believe the Romulans will bend knee to the Ronulans,in order to take the nomination. We can give either guy the votes they need to have more than 50 percent of the delegates. What do you think?

[BOB BRERETON]

Vote Ron Paul in 2008
Honest
Great ideas
secure borders
no foriegn aid
end the war
no pork in the budget
A real AMERICAN

Remember its "WE THE PEOPLE"
NOT WE THE CORPORATIONS AND POLITICIANS

The media is pushing their agendas on you.
Think then vote
Your future and your childrens future depends on it.

[andre]

If the mainstream media are not supporting Ron Paul this is the reason why-

There's nothing to add apart from they choose not to. You ask them why this. It should be your duty as a patriot.
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1848801387987192924&q=an+idea+whose+time+has+come&total=262&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1

[Kirk Roberts]

My only question is if Mitt Romney got 52% then where is all his supporters? Should not that amount of people be flooding airways and the internet for that matter. Don't the ones that vote during this time research and also read? I don't see any masses for Mitt, even on the lying media channels? Where are his bloggers? All I see is Ron Paul supporters, everywhere.

So being an American all my life, 39 years, I would like to see the lying media that is controling this circus act all behind bars for fixing our votes. Then I would like to see all members of government jailed that have not upheld the constitution.

Yes, I Am An American And I Already Voted For Ron Paul, My Wife Too!

Kan Nal - http://thedreamer.typepad.com/All-Things-Change.mp3

Enjoy this because the ride is just getting interesting. It is nice to have a song to go along with this time in our history.

Peace - Kirk

[Ryan Long]

I'm guessing that if Mccain or Mitt wins, the republican party will lose almost all support from the youth voters.

go
Dr. Paul

[Elizabeth]

To afhisher,

You make me laugh, because you obviously don't know much about Ron Paul. There is no chance that Ron Paul would ever endorse Mitt Romney.

To Mr. Malcom,

Have your heard about Dr. Paul's new book, The Revolution: a manifesto? It is already at #3 and it hasn't even come out yet!

Andrew, you will be remembered as one of the few journalist who gave Dr. Paul the media coverage he and all candidates deserve. Thanks for sticking your neck out and covering the story. Of course, you discovered that there is a personal benefit to your career: you get a TON of attention too!

[DeeDee]

Andrew,

Thanks for the story. You said you don't get paid enough, well vote for Ron Paul, the true Republican who wants to put more money in your pocket by taking less from your paycheck! What blows me away about Congressman Paul is his honesty, and strength to stand up for his beliefs. Thank you Maine voters for your support!

[A. Luis Suarez]

I find it truly remarkable there are so few journalists in American today. Nothing but a butch of cowards, afraid of losing their jobs and writing what they are told to write by their organizations.

Where are they brave men and women of journalism we the courage to fairly report on the positions and accomplishments of Ron Paul in this election.

You know, come to think of it, its actually scares me that some interest group seems to have taken over America's news reporting. Dear God I hope we have not lost the ability to think for ourselves. Thank God for the internet, our last bastion of free press.

[Keith]

Just reinterate at the risk of seeming very redundant. It seems that researching candidates before voting and common sense are just things Americans cannot do/don't have and never will regardless of the circumstances. Is it so hard to watch 1 debate throughout..it should be mandatory that voters no the issuesw and the candidates before going to a poll. McCain can be summed up as a fake war hero that has basically left MIA/POWS to rot in Vietnam and Korea. Do any voters think Mitt Romney has anything in common with people that earn less than 1 million a year. He has at least 6 lobbyist either on his campaign staff or advising.. Romney thinks that George W has done a good job..935 lies of various types concerning Iraq seems to negate that and makes me wonder what planet Romney is from.
If the writing ain't on the wall concerning Romney I'm living in the land of the mentally retarded. For voters no to know these things is irresponsible on their part. PEOPLE HAVE TO WAKE UP OR WE WILL HAVE THE SAME OLD SAME OLD..AND WE CAN'T AFFORD THAT THIS TIME! AND LASTLY MALCOLM YOU ARE AN ASSHOLE! IF YOUR NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION YOUR PART OF THE PROBLEM..YOU KNOW THAT THINGS AREN'T RIGHT AND HAVEN'T BEEN FOR A LONG TIME..I GUESS FOR YOU TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IN A COLUMN MIGHT BE DANGEROUS TO YOU R CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT......COWARD!

[Eric Dondero]

Actually Ron Paul ended up with 18.7%, fully 4 points behind McCain. I'd hardly call that a "close third." And compared to Romney, he got crushed. Note also, Paul was the only one to campaign in the State.
Paul has had one embarrasing loss after the other. One wonders why the media, including the LA Times, keeps pumping him up?

[Ted]

Uncontested States is the ONLY thing Romney can win. NO ONE campaigned in Maine.

[supernovia]

Congrats to the Paul and his supporters on another strong finish. But I am ecstatic to see a good turnout for Romney. Ron Paul is completely uncompromising on his principles, and that of course is an honorable thing. His voting record is impeccably clean - but sadly void of success. His unyielding idealism tends to get him stuck. It brings to mind Aesop's story of a boy who can't get his fist out of a jar of filberts, because he refuses to take a smaller handful.

Mitt picks a few goals, makes them happen, then goes back for more. I know that makes him appear inconsistent. But I really believe a pragmatic, highly effective conservative like Romney in the white house will help make Ron Paul's efforts in Congress reach fruition.

[Andre]

The revolution isn't about Ron Paul, it's about the platform he represents. For all the put-downs and dismissals against him personally, people know that our government is drifting further and further from our founding principles. Socialism and a rather militant, nationalist, form of socialism at that, has been gaining control over the American political process for several decades now and has greatly accelerated since 9/11. It is now so entrenched that a small-government Constitutionalist like Dr. Paul can be openly rediculed by the most main-stream of politicians, pundits and publications. The irony of such personal attackes against his character is that he just happens to be the ultimate rarity in Congress; a man who never uses tax dollars for his own benefit (while all other politicians take for granted their power to travel and party on public funds). From one area to another, Dr. Paul has constantly been the standard barer for how not to be a corrupt public servant; to actually serve rather than dictate. To act with humillity rather than hubris.

The media indeed has the power to shape our reality when the last honest man in town is made out to be a nut and people buy into it. The important thing is that Ron Paul is running for president and as such, a desperately needed message has found a foothold in the American political scene. All great political movements have a starting point and 2007 is that year for Constitutional Conservatism. Someday a larger segment of the population will understand the debt of gratitude owed to Dr. Paul for his self-sacrafice on their behalf.