Bachmann, Paul soar in Iowa’s straw poll

The poll holds no official significance, and with nearly 17,000 ballots cast, participants represent less than 3 percent of the 640,000 Republicans registered in the state. But it is the first time Republicans are formally voicing their opinions on the still-fluid field of candidates. The result often helps whittle the slate, sending a clear signal to candidates who should pack their bags and go home, and it helps fund-raisers decide which candidates they should get behind.

Candidates who finish lower than they expected often choose to drop out of the race if they are unable to show signs of political promise six months before the nominating contest formally begins.

“It’s a big boost for her,’’ Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who won the caucuses in 2008, told reporters. “Whoever wins or comes in second, they get gas for their fire. Whoever doesn’t, they get water for theirs.’’

Bachmann has used solid debate performances and a spunky rhetorical style to energize supporters drawn to her devout conservatism. But the straw poll was a crucial test of whether she could convert the energy around her into actual votes.

“It’s very important we come back to Iowa,’’ said Ed Rollins, Bachmann’s campaign manager. “We have to come back and win the caucus.’’

Pawlenty had perhaps the most at stake, and, by most estimates, desperately needed to show some signs of strength. His campaign began with high hopes that he would be able to win votes using his everyman appeal and his experience as a conservative governor of a liberal state.

He spent weeks campaigning throughout Iowa, visiting coffee shops and GOP dinners. He hired a top-rate team of consultants in the state and committed to the long slog of organizing supporters and getting them signed up.