There were no delegates at stake in Missouri tonight in a presidential primary. What is at stake instead was the potential to fundraise for states going forward to Super Tuesday - and immediate momentum.
While none of the candidates focused too heavily on Missouri (indeed, Newt Gingrich did not even bother to be on the ballot), it has been an important swing state in the past several elections. A strong performance could help convince others to contribute towards a campaign or work for a candidate - an in one case, it could be vital in getting to the next big stages.
With over half of the votes cast, Rick Santorum has been projected the winner in the Missouri primary. While the delegates will not be selected until a caucus next month, it represents a big win for Santorum in a populous, heartland, swing state.
Speaking from St. Charles, Missouri, Santorum had the following to say about his success tonight:
"I stand here to be the conservative alternative to Barack Obama...(T)onight was a victory for the voices of our party, conservatives and tea party people.
Americans understand that there is a great, greast deal at stake. We must have a nominee thatcan make the case to the American public that this is about the founders' freedom, this is about a country that believes in God-given rights, and about a Constitution that is limited to protect those rights."
With 91% reporting, the results are as follows.
- Rick Santorum – 55% PROJECTED WINNER
- Mitt Romney – 25%
- Ron Paul – 12%
- NOTE: GINGRICH NOT ON BALLOT
The next step for the candidates will begin tomorrow in Washington, DC. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will get underway, and three of the four candidates will be speaking to the body on Friday. The conference may receive in excess of 10,000 people - indeed, over 1,200 media personnel are registered to atttend.
Being one of those 1,200, I will bring updates as they come forth.
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