Herman Cain edges out Ron Paul in Georgia GOP straw poll

Georgia native and tea party favorite Herman Cain edged out libertarian Ron Paul at the GOP annual fish fry down in Perry on Saturday.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney finished a surprisingly distant fifth, behind Texas Gov. Rick Perry and another Georgia favorite, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich. Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann also had a weak showing.

Results were just phoned in by B.J. VanGundy, the party’s second vice president. Over 1100 tickets were sold, he said, and 890 votes were cast.

The totals:

– Herman Cain, 232 or 26 percent;

– Ron Paul, 229 or 25.7 percent;

– Rick Perry, 179 or 20 percent;

– Newt Gingrich, 162 or 18 percent;

– Mitt Romney, 51 or 6 percent;

– Michele Bachman, 29 or 3 percent;

– Rick Santorum, 4 or .4 percent

– Jon Huntsman, 3 or .3 percent;

– Thad McCotter, 1 or .1 percent;

– Buddy Roemer, 0;

– Gary Johnson, 0;

- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider

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285 comments Add your comment

Smoke

August 27th, 2011
5:35 pm

17,000 voted in Iowa and 890 in Georgia. What a joke.

Sean

August 27th, 2011
5:40 pm

I am glad I attended and voted for Ron Paul. People will keep down playing Ron Paul but his supporters will keep showing up in the masses. But yeah,keep letting Limbaugh,Boortz,and FOX tell you who to vote for so the “establishment” can stay protected.

Joe Mama

August 27th, 2011
5:40 pm

LMS I’m confused:

1. RP supporters should abandon him because of his poll performance? BUT its ok for you to support Cain?
2. You keep demanding each RP supporter essentially post a dissertation on the man’s entire platform, but I’ve not seen you do the same for Cain.

I’m not going to attack Cain as I’m not that familiar with him. I have read about his private sector success which is impressive. I’m not sure that necessarily translates into an understanding of macroeconomics, especially on the level of RP. But here’s my biggest problem with Cain: Even if he is incredibly smart and has the absolute best of intentions, he doesn’t know how Washington works. The man would get steamrolled the second he hit the oval office. If Cain is as good as you say, I’d honestly then like to see him in a roll such as being on RP’s staff. I’d hate to see a good man get elected and then get destroyed by the establishment.

You are also overlooking perhaps the single most important aspect of Ron Paul. It’s the saying, “Dr. Paul cured my political apathy.” He has the capacity to wake up an entire generation and actually get them to believe in the power of democracy again.

Kaj Hansen

August 27th, 2011
5:41 pm

I was there! Ron Paul 2012!

Mila

August 27th, 2011
5:47 pm

I congratulate Herman Cain and his supporters for the straw-poll win, you know one of the reasons going to these things is to not only show support for your candidate but to have fun, hope y’all had fun.

@Last Man Standing
What are Mr. Paul’s plans for dealing with the national debt ($14.7 trillion and rising)?

He would erase the 1.6 trillion that is on the Fed’s books, debt that was created out of thin air, that would give us a year to get our ‘house’ in order. One of the main things is to decrease the military bases around the world, South Korea is a rich country so is Germany they can afford their own security, don’t you think? That would save billions if not trillions. Also, Ron Paul has a just war foreign policy, so he would go to war if attacked and declared by Congress, none of these preemptive wars of aggression, that also cost billions of $.

. Do you know what his plans are for the illegal immigrants who are here already and siphoning the government? Also, what about the entitlement programs that further deplete the treasury?

As Ron Paul has stated there are too many illegals here to ship them back, I mean talk about police state, what are you going to do raid millions of homes here in America and ask people for their papers? That isn’t going to happen. Ron Paul has stated he would end their objective for coming here, that would mean if you are an illegal and you have a kiddo here your child doesn’t automatically get citizenship like they do now. Anyway I think Ron Paul’s answer to helping illegals would be for the churches to get involved. You know this country has a long history of charity and the churches were the forefront of many organizations like colleges and hospitals. In fact, Ron Paul said when he worked at a charity hospital they never turned down anyone and he made as a doctor around $3.00 an hour. I realize that sort of ‘old America’ is gone but that doesn’t mean we can’t return to our charitable roots as a nation.

Regarding the entitlement programs he has stated that he would take care of the people that are currently involved in these programs but allow for the younger people to opt out since ss and medicare are going to be available for them when they hit retirement.

What is Ron Paul’s attitude toward enforcing immigration laws and securing our borders?

I think the answer to Ron Paul’s attitude toward enforcing immigration has been answered. In regard to securing our borders he would utilize all those military personnel that have returned home from guarding the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan to secure our borders. Just think as a military family how wonderful for families to have their moms, dads, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters defending our borders.

Ron Paul is someone that I would be very proud to call my president, the man has incorruptible integrity, always tells the truth and takes his oath to the Constitution seriously.

Brian

August 27th, 2011
5:49 pm

Anyone who is curious about Ron Paul’s views can go to his campaign website. He has been espousing the same views for almost 40 years with consistency. He does not taylor his speech to whom he is speaking. He does not say what he thinks he needs to say to get elected. Honesty, integrity, constitutionally consistent, knows how an economy grows and what causes it to crash. Peace, liberty and prosperity go hand in hand and I want these things for our posterity, just as the founders wanted these things for their posterity, us.

Please look into his views and voting record, don’t vote for the guy with the best hair or the prettiest face.

He has my vote.
Ron Paul 2012

John Galt Is

August 27th, 2011
5:50 pm

Obviously, Ron Paul is the only one offering real solutions to our problems. Everything stems from the corrupt influences of the central bankers in the fed. We are no longer a government by, for, and of the people. Politicians no longer respect the people’s opinion. Don’t you think it odd that the Congress approval rating is so low, yet it doesn’t reflect itself in the elections. If it did we would throw out 80 to 90% of them each election cycle. Is it any wonder that incumbents raise many times what challengers do….hmm…..let’s put on our thinking caps shall we? The bankers are filthy rich and incumbents get the money. Is there a connection here?

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
5:58 pm

The basic skills of Problem Solving will work just as well in the Federal Government as the private business sector. Herman Cain has proven over and over that he is not one to accept failure. Nor is he so full of himself that he cannot change course if something is not working. I have the utmost confidence in Herman Cain’s ability to put our great nation back on the right course.

As for Ron Paul, I harbor no ill will and agree with most of his positions. You will never hear from me the vile insults the Paul folks direct toward Mr Cain. For me Herman Cain is the better of the two.

In the end we will have to get behind the Republican candidate no matter who it is because even the worst in the field is much better than Barack Obama. Going third party and giving Obama another four years would be a disaster. I respect the Ron Paul supporters and cannot for the life of me understand why such respect is not granted to Herman Cain and the other candidates. This classlessness turns off many.

Virgil Caine

August 27th, 2011
6:00 pm

He’s got my vote, too
Ron Paul 2012

double

August 27th, 2011
6:00 pm

LMS I think we could agree more than is obvious.Most of what I say is stirring the pot as you observed.Much smarter,educated,informed on here than myself.

Stephen

August 27th, 2011
6:05 pm

Cain??? really, this guy is a joke and they want to say Ron Paul isn’t electable. Sorry Cain supporters this clown hasn’t got a chance. Type “google trends” in your search engine, then in google trends type in “Ron Paul, Herman Cain, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney” separated with commas as I did. We will leave out that Michelle lady, as she is a bigger joke than Cain. Now hit search and see who’s name is searched for on the internet more than anyone else. That is a true popularity poll.

Jeff

August 27th, 2011
6:06 pm

Last man standing, wow! What is the going rate? Do you get paid by the letter, or is it by the hour. I’m out of work right now and I would appreciate it if you could put me in touch with whoever you’re working for. I’ll say anything they want me to and I can add my own twist. Who cares if we’re working against our own interests, it’s about that green, am I right? Let me know.

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
6:10 pm

I will support and vote for Herman Cain because I believe him to be the best choice we have. Having followed the Iowa bus tour and hearing most of his speeches was enough for me. I agree with the Paul folks that the Fed can be troublesome but it can also work as intended and is not the central cause of all our problems. Its simple elimination would not usher in an era without problems. I am convinced the Paul folks make too much of it.

What I am convinced of is a Black Conservative’s ability especially in the wake of Barack Obama to Unite our nation on many levels that no other candidate could. If Ron Paul is the nominee I could and would support him. My much bigger problem would be a Huntsman or Romney.

!ill Orvis White

August 27th, 2011
6:13 pm

Amen! WE THE PEOPLE have spoken! Herman can really win this thing! God Bless, Bill

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
6:17 pm

I’ll address this to Stephen and then be done. Promoting your candidate by tearing down others is cheap and says more about You! How do you expect anyone to pay attention to what you think is right about Ron Paul as you exhibit such classless beahvior? I respect Ron Paul and all the candidates. I simply cannot hold Mr Paul up as my first choice. You really could use some manners.

Will

August 27th, 2011
6:17 pm

For someone who leans to the left, this is great news. Pour that republican money down the “ratholes of the hopeless”!!

For every dollar given to Cain, Paul, Bachmann, Santorium, etc, that’s a dollar taken away from candidates who might actually have a chance against the President.

With each passing day, it is becoming more clear that a strong business man like Romney, who can appeal to the swing vote in 2012, has no chance in the republican party anymore.

The republican base will be delighted to lose the 2012 presidential election as long as they can ensure that their candidate has “purity of thought and adherence” to demands of the republican/tea party revolutionary wing of the party.

When the dust settles next year, I believe the republican party will exist in name only, taken over by the tea party revolutionaries who will never be able to expand the narrow revolutionary base of that party.

Last Man Standing

August 27th, 2011
6:18 pm

Mila:

Thank you for answering those questions for me. At least, I feel I understand his position much better. The only thing I need clarification (or amplification) on is where he stands with regard to the entitlement programs such as ADC, food stamps, farm subsidies, etc.

Patrick

August 27th, 2011
6:19 pm

Last Man Standing:

Solutions to government induced problems are never easy. The basic idea of any solution may be sublime and easy to grasp, but the implementation is a logistical nightmare. The following are overviews of Ron Paul’s stance on the questions you’ve asked. For a more in-depth discussion, I suggest any book by Ron Paul, Ludwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard, Tom Woods, and many others.

1) Immigration: End the welfare state. No amnesty for illegal immigrants. Restore the economy to a healthy free market with sound money. Provide a generous visitor work program. Allow landowners to provide private property security assistance. Stop federal mandates on states to provide free education and medical care for illegal immigrants. End automatic citizenship for children of illegals born here. No tax supported benefits for illegals already here.

2) National Defense: We must only fight wars that are declared by Congress. People hate us for invading their countries, supporting dictatorships, starving people through sanctions, and maintaining an unprecedented military empire of global reach. Stay out of a sovereign nation’s affairs. Bring our troops home. Allow them to secure our homeland instead of a military base in South Korea, Germany, Iraq, etc. Close foreign bases. We are spending trillions of dollars on our empire. Promote free trade and friendship with other countries. National Defense begins here, not halfway around the world.

3) Entitlements: We must honor our existing commitments. However, these programs are insolvent and bankrupt. Let’s take the elderly for instance–there is a cost of living increase of 10% while their benefits are only increased by 2%. The solution is purely an economic one. Restore the economy. Save the dollar. End the welfare state. If we have a thriving economy, the benefit is two-fold as pertains to entitlement programs–fewer people need entitlements and restoring the free market induces competition which keeps prices down. Allow people to opt out of these programs and return to the American ideal of self-reliance. The Federal Government should be kept out of the picture. Any entitlements or care for the impoverished/elderly should be left to the States and to community action. You can take care of people, but you cannot do it with a deficit.

4) National Debt: Liquidate the debt. Allow bankruptcies and failures to occur. End the Federal Reserve. End unconstitutional programs and departments. Stop sanctions. Initiate trade with countries. Restore a free market economy. Stop spending, stop borrowing, start saving, and pay down the debt.

@Bentley: Ron Paul respects the rule of law. Pakistan is a sovereign nation. They have the right to be upset at the US for conducting a clandestine mission without prior approval. We could have just as easily informed Pakistan of our intentions, captured bin Laden, and extradited him to the US to stand trial. THEN execute him after his conviction at trial.

Patrick

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”–Thomas Jefferson

Stephen

August 27th, 2011
6:19 pm

FreeMktMonkey – The FED is the main problem with this country, many early US presidents have sought to rid us of central banking since the founding of our country. As long as private bankers pull the lever on the money printing presses, they control everything. President Woodrow Wilson himself said this after he allowed the FED to take over our economy. “I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country.
A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit.
Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation,
therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men.
We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely
controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world.
No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by
conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by
the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men.” – Woodrow Wilson.

billy

August 27th, 2011
6:20 pm

He tied Cain on his home turf without trying, even though Cain had radio hosts pushing him and folks bussed-in to vote, I bet Ron Paul didn’t put anything into this one and he tied again… just like Bachman who spent millions in Iowa on HER home turf… the message of liberty and smaller government is catching like WILDFIRE! RON PAUL 2012!

Last Man Standing

August 27th, 2011
6:21 pm

double:

I think you manage to hold your own very well.

Last Man Standing

August 27th, 2011
6:25 pm

Jeff:

Sorry! No pay associated with it. Just an old man opining, and learning a little here and there as he goes.

DannyX

August 27th, 2011
6:26 pm

My vote went to Rick Perry because he has been preordained as the winner. No, not from God. Because he was a cheerleader. You want your boy to be a Republican president one day? Make sure your boy becomes a cheerleader.

Eisenhower was a cheerleader, so was Reagan and of course so was George W Bush. This is bigger than the Masons.

Give me a P…give me an E… give me double R’s…give me a Y…

Go Perry Go. Fight fight fight! GO USA! Go male cheerleaders!

truthseeker1913

August 27th, 2011
6:27 pm

Herman Cain’s only goal is to steal votes from Ron Paul. Herman Cain was a Federal Reserve insider, now he’s talking like Paul on everything but the FED.

Georgia Peach

August 27th, 2011
6:29 pm

I’ll answer two questions in one Last Man Standing. I believe securing OUR borders in a priority in a Paul administration. He believes our resources have been wasted patrolling the streets and protecting the borders of foreign nations when the situation here has become increasingly more problematic.

As far as national defense, he would first go through the military budget and eliminate waste (maybe he would implement an investigation into missing funds to find out where billions have disappeared), embolden a national HOME defense rather than spread our troops all across the globe, FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION, direct much attention to veteran care, benefits, and bestow all honors on their service to this nation. These would be initial actions.

Dealing with the debt? First, he would liquidate malinvestments instead of propping them up, stop bailing out those who made them, of course, his main platform audit the Federal Reserve, work towards bringing back sound and legal money as directed by our Constitution, eliminate the Federal Income tax which, during Ronald Reagan’s term in office was investigated by the Grace Commission as being used almost entirely to service the INTEREST ONLY on the national debt.

There is much more but I think those are key elements of his platform.

Georgia Peach

August 27th, 2011
6:30 pm

Well actually that was three, but hey, I’m tired after driving down and back from Perry today.

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
6:32 pm

Stephen– I was to be gone and will as soon as I say that I thank you for your respectful response that I hope you will carry forward. But no I do not buy everything you say. A return to the gold standard even under the Fed would correct much of our ills. Blame Richard Nixon.

Stephen

August 27th, 2011
6:33 pm

I may have come off a little rude previously, but it is time Americans wake up and embrace a man that is not going to lie to them, flip-flop, or pander to any special interests. Even if you don’t agree on every issue with Dr. Paul, wouldn’t it be a nice change to have a president you can believe in, that you can take what he says to the bank. Mr. Cain isn’t that bad, in fact he is probably the closest to Dr. Paul’s views. Maybe someday Cain’s time will come, but as for right now we need a man with a solid record that acts with conviction and integrity. Someone we know for certain isn’t going to sell out his principals, that man is Dr. Ron Paul.

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
6:42 pm

The only goal for Herman Cain is to win. He is confident in his beliefs and instills that confidence in others as few I have seen. It is Every candidates goal in the end to take votes from Each of the others. Unless under a system where voters can vote more than once this is the only way the one who does win wins. Promote what you feel is right about the candidate you support and respect each individuals right to make their own choice. Let’s all respect the process each other and ourselves. We are all Americans!

Last Man Standing

August 27th, 2011
6:45 pm

Joe Mama:

I apologize! I thought I had responded to you, but I see that I haven’t. I wouldn’t ask anyone to abandon Ron Paul. I am always curious as to whether the supporters of any candidate truly know the candidate’s position on different subjects. Far and away, the best response I have gotten was here this afternoon from the Paul supporters. I can’t truthfully say that I disagree with any of the positions offered here. I only question if he would be able to get any needed legislation through Congress.

Forgive my late response.

Last Man Standing

August 27th, 2011
6:46 pm

Georgia Peach:

Thanks for the response.

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
7:03 pm

Enter your comments here

FreeMktMonkey

August 27th, 2011
7:05 pm

And please…………NEVER hit Submit Comment when you have not submitted a comment!!! That really looks Stupid!

Georgia GOP votes for native Cain

August 27th, 2011
7:06 pm

[...] full standings, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jim Galloway, who notes the lack of enthusiasm for Mitt Romney and Michele [...]

honested

August 27th, 2011
7:12 pm

Will,

True words! Spend every penny you have to support those riding in the republican clown car so when they lose their base will be exhausted.

81 comments and mostly nonsense. On the first Wednesday of November 2012, none of the people on the ’straw poll’ list will be elected president. No matter how many are seeking a magical exoneration from the 2001-2008 policies that dug the giant hole and no matter how hard the tea-whatevers try to keep everyone else away from the shovels to clean it up, the majority of the Public isn’t buying it.

Carry on with the foolishness of ‘gold standard’, ‘eliminate the fed’, ‘fair tax’ whatever no chance option you prefer, it ain’t happening in this country.

And President Obama will have an additional chance to finally look Left and finish restoring this Country to greatness.

Also, I am convinced that LMS must get paid by the character.

Smoke

August 27th, 2011
7:14 pm

I really like Patrick’s narrative. The only problem for southern conservatives is that their representatives have voted against every point.

Stephen

August 27th, 2011
7:24 pm

honested – With all do respect, the only thing we all know and agree is that Obama had his swings, he struck out miserably. He will be replaced, most likely by a republican and possibly with a democrat, but he’s for sure a one term president. I pretty sure our republic couldn’t handle another 4 yrs of Obama adopting and expanding Mr. Bushes ill conceived policies.

honested

August 27th, 2011
7:30 pm

stephen,

Keep dreaming.
But apparently you vote ‘r’ in this state so reality might be a difficult concept to grasp (we voted for shrub in this state twice).
The entire ’substance’ of the comments are still nonsense.

Herman Cain will not win a single primary in any state, or likely come in second.

Ron Paul has a long legislative career and absolutely NO accomplishments.

What on earth would qualify either of these self-deluded windbags a seat in the Oval Office?

Mila

August 27th, 2011
7:40 pm

@Last Man Standing

I appreciate your willingness to ask questions and your thoughtful responses. This respectful exchange of ideas is what an informed and educated electorate ought to do.

To answer or rather clarify Ron Paul’s position on food stamps, welfare and farm subsidies. There are many different angles to look at this from. I have studied Ron Paul’s view on taxes from many different sources, one source that I have recently read is from his latest book, ‘Liberty Defined’, there is a chapter entirely devoted to the subject. Since taxes are the means by which the government takes from one group to give to another group I believe that Chapter would most suit your inquiries.
“The greater the government taxes, the greater the need, since government management is inferior to individual management and the money is always misallocated.” “Depending on government to take care of us sharply diminishes any desire for assuming responsibility for oneself. Government spending is unwise…The only people who benefit are the politicians, bureaucrats, and the special interest recipients of government spending programs.” Ron Paul

I recommend reading the whole chapter but those few sentences show that taxing of one group to give to another destroys production in the private sector. Also, subsidizing anything you get more of it. For example farm subsidies, the government gives money to corn farmers, so now there are more corn farmers. Try that with anything the government subsidizes you’ll get the same result.

Also, with foodstamps/SNAP, ask yourself who profits from those debit cards being issued, google it, you’ll be surprised. It is JP Morgan bank, they make tons of money issuing the debit cards to the food stamp program, interesting isn’t it? That is the point Ron Paul is making all those entitlements seem like they help the people but in actuality the banks and special interests make huge profits at the expense of struggling Americans.

Hope that helps. :)

simpletruth

August 27th, 2011
7:41 pm

How about a headline that accurately states Ron Paul edging out any GOP?

KSH

August 27th, 2011
7:47 pm

RON PAUL is the man we listen to, because he listens to US, not the UN.

giv3m3backmycountry

August 27th, 2011
7:47 pm

Cain is the tea party favorite? Ron Paul is the godfather of the tea party! herman cain is the godfather of the pizza pie business thingy, and former chairman of the board of directors to the federal reserve. but any who, this is great for Ron Paul considering cain is from georgia and used to host a radio show there, which by the way has been given him publicity like crazy. Vote Ron Paul 2012. ronpaul.com, dailypaul.com, lewrockwell.com

Timmy

August 27th, 2011
7:49 pm

RON PAUL we’re with you sir

CMON ITS OUR TIME – Lets do this!

Fish Fry

August 27th, 2011
7:52 pm

You idiots are talking about a result of some crackpot vote at a fish fry? You dorks should have voted for Cole Slaw.

Matt

August 27th, 2011
7:54 pm

Wow, Ron Paul lost by less than 1% even in Cains home state? – Dr. Paul really has become the clear front-runner!

[...] Atlanta Journal – Constitution has the results. – Herman Cain, 232 or 26 [...]

Marc

August 27th, 2011
7:57 pm

The point of whether Ron would have got Osama is stupid. Ron would not have had to get Osama. He would have pulled our boys out of that country and saved many American’s lives AS WELL as making the people of that country happy that we GOT THE HELL OUT of their SOVEREIGN nation and took our noses OUT of their business! As far as how old he is, he’s still fitter than many candidates almost half his age AND he has more experience and knowledge than all of them put together. As far as economics, why would anyone believe ANY of those idiot politicians who say one thing and vote another. They are lying about their voting records and you people don’t seem to care. YOU CAN’T FIND ANY inconsistencies in RON’S voting record. TRY IT. I dare you. I guess if you like America having a dollar that’s worth nothing because of our politicians insatiable greed and hunger as well as all of our basic freedoms protected by the Constitution being ripped away from us, please do vote for the evil regime: Just make sure to SMILE real big when your masters collar you and order you to lick their boots. Imbeciles.

honested

August 27th, 2011
7:57 pm

Fish Fry,

Is it too late to file the papers for ‘Cole Slaw For President’.

Cole Slaw should have every bit the chance of all the listed Straw Poll contestants.

And by being nutritional, Cole Slaw at least has some value.

giv3m3backmycountry

August 27th, 2011
7:59 pm

yeah Mitt Romney, is not the frontrunner but he plays one on TV. Vote Ron Paul 2012

honested

August 27th, 2011
7:59 pm

Marc,

Leadership in governance requires at least some sort of accomplishment.
What are Ron Paul’s legislative accomplishments?