Romney ahead as early Maine caucus returns counted

[MaineDem]

First of all, let me stress, these are non-binding and no more valid than a straw poll. They mean nothing toward selecting delegates, regardless of what this article says.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Mitt Romney took an early lead in presidential preference voting by Maine Republicans as the first returns were counted Saturday from the party´s municipal caucuses, which GOP officials said were heavily attended across the state.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, had 59 percent of the vote with 3 percent of the towns holding caucuses reporting. Ron Paul trailed with 19 percent, John McCain had 18 percent, and Mike Huckabee and undecided votes each had about 2 percent.

The nonbinding votes, the first step toward electing 18 Maine delegates to the Republican National Convention, were taking place in public schools, Grange halls, fire stations and town halls across the state.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D8UIATU80-32.html

[MaineDem]

1. Twelve percent in

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, had 53 percent of the vote with 12 percent of the towns holding caucuses reporting. Ron Paul trailed with 21 percent, John McCain had 18 percent, and Mike Huckabee 5 percent. Undecided votes accounted for 2 percent.