We need to remember that even 10 percent in a state like Iowa is quite good. First, Iowa Republicans are dominated by the Religious Right, which has decided to embrace the Iraq War, the Drug War, and all of the other excesses of the Official Culture of Government Abuse.

Second, Iowa Republicans believe that they are entitled to vast subsidies for corn and corn-based ethanol. Ron Paul has clearly stated his opposition to this government boondoggle.

With those two strikes against him, it is amazing he received even as much of the vote as he got.