This past Saturday the Republican Party of Georgia held their county conventions.  Gwinnett County, which is the base of the state party, boasting the largest membership in the state conducted a straw poll at their convention.  State Senator David Shafer, who was there had this to say:

“But the most interesting news came from the Presidential straw poll, which had been tacked on to the end of the officer ballot, almost as an afterthought.  The delegates were given a choice of a dozen or so candidates.  None of the Presidential campaigns were represented at the convention.
The national frontrunner, Rudy Giuliani, placed third, right behind Georgia’s own Newt Gingrich, who finished second.  But the winner was former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee, who received more votes than all the other candidates combined.
Fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh place went to Romney, McCain, Huckabee and Brownback, in that order.
I have always liked Fred Thompson, but his stunning and seemingly spontaneous victory took me completely by surprise.  I am not sure what it means, but his nascent candidacy certainly bears greater scrutiny.” 

This is a big deal.  Fred Thompson got more votes then all of the other candidates combined!  This is no small feat of accomplishment as Romney has made several visits recently and Newt is the home boy.  Not to mention Fred Thompson has not announced anything and not spent a dime……yet.   

Hat tip: Sen. David Shafer