Nearly 1300 Republicans came out to the Fish Fry in Perry this weekend. At this year's event for the first time, a straw poll drew hundreds of supporters out to campaign for their candidate.
Herman Cain was the big winner with 232 votes, followed closely by Ron Paul with 229 votes, and Rick Perry rounded out the top three with 179 votes.
The fish fry brought out a huge crowd of republican supporters, but the only candidate it brought in was Georgia native, and former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.
"I think the campaign here in Georgia is really starting to come together in a powerful way."
Home state advantage didn't give Gingrich an edge in the polls. He only garnered 18% of the votes, casting him in fourth place.
"He's the only political candidate that I have seen that has an action plan and clear steps to take back the government," Joan McMullin, supporter.
It was Herman Cain who a lot of these Republicans say they want in office. Supporters believe this win will give his campaign some much needed momentum.
"It's going to energize the entire campaign," says Dave McCleary, Co-State Director, Cain Campaign
Whether it's any of the top four or another candidate, Republicans agree, the bottom line is all about getting back to the White House.
"I think what you're going to find no matter who the candidates going to be someone who wants less government, and he's going to be focused on taking our country back," says State Representative Allen Peake.
Poll Results:
- Herman Cain – 26% (232)
- Ron Paul – 25.7% (229)
- Rick Perry – 20% (179)
- Newt Gingrich – 18% (162)
- Mitt Romney – 6% (51)
- Michele Bachmann – 3.3% (29)
- All Others – 1%
