Toledo Republicans hold straw poll

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Toledo Republicans had a chance to speak their mind when it comes to which candidate deserves the GOP's nomination for president.

The Ohio primary isn't until March 6, but that didn't stop the Greater Toledo Republican Club from holding a straw poll debate Thursday night. Like many Americans, folks in Toledo are split on who they want to run against President Barack Obama in November.

Republican presidential hopefuls have been dropping like flies over the past couple weeks. As of late, the race for the GOP nomination has become a dead heat between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. So who do Toledoans like as a potential candidate?

"On March 6, when the election comes to Toledo, I will probably vote for Ron Paul," says John Birmingham of Toledo

"At this point, I think Mitt Romney could beat him," added Norm Witzler of Waterville.

"Well, the two leaders are Mitt Romney and Gingrich. I'm here to see what the folks supporting them have to say," said Jack Smith of Holland.

During Thursday's Greater Toledo Republican Club representatives of the four candidates were given the chance to explain their platforms.

"It's a nice way for them to become knowledgeable without a great effort of their own because the research is done for them, it is factual and it helps make it a bit easier for them to make a decision going forward when that time comes," said Les Rupert, President of the Greater Toledo Republican Club.

When that time comes, even though Toledo is traditionally Democrat, there is a slight favorite among Republican voters in the Glass City.

"It's a difference between are you voting popularity or are you voting for principle?" Rupert said. "That being the case, I would say it's Romney, by just a hair."

So the results of the straw poll?

It was a tie between Gingrich and Romney with 9 votes apiece.

Santorum came away with 4 and Paul came in last with 2.