ROMNEY WINS FIRST STRAW POLL, BUT DON'T ORDER YOUR INAUGURATION TICKETS JUST YET – AT 7:55 P.M. ET:  Isn't this silly, holding straw polls this early?  From ABC News:

In the first ever "straw poll" of New Hampshire Republican party committee members sponsored by ABC News and WMUR and sanctioned by the state Republican party, ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney took 35 percent of the 276 valid ballots cast. This is just 3 percent more than Romney took in the 2008 GOP primary, when he finished in second place behind Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Coming in a distant second was Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, with 11 percent. Paul took 8 percent in the 2008 GOP primary.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is spending the early part of next week in the Granite State, came in third with 8 percent.

In fourth place was ex-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who has yet to visit the first-in-the-nation-primary state, with 7 percent.

This is by no means a scientific sample, but it was a good early canvass of the sentiments of the state's most active Republican voters.

The "straw poll" was open only to the 426 registered members of the Republican committee, and 65 percent of those commitee members participated.

COMMENT:  Does this mean it's all over?  No, not exactly.  In fact, it must be pointed out that Romney was governor of Massachusetts, the adjoining state.   Boston TV stations beam into New Hampshire.  Of all the potential candidates, Romney is the best known in New Hampshire, with the possible exception of Sarah Palin.  The fact that Palin hasn't visited is resented because the state's primary is built around retail, flesh-pressing politics. 

So the result is a yawn, but it fills news space.  This victory and $2.50 will get Romney a New York City subway ride, and it's doubtful the other riders would recognize him.

January 22, 2011