Ames, Iowa – Before the results were announced, Charlie Cook, the editor of the Cook Political Report, told National Review Online that Tim Pawlenty probably needed a top-two finish, or a “really, really strong three” to remain a viable contender. “If not, Romney sort of consolidates the ‘not-quite-that conservative’ place. He sort of secures himself a slot in the championship game and then all the attention goes over to Bachmann-Perry, which I think is going to be the really big fight.”

“The only checkpoint between now and the end of the year is money,” Cook observed. “And that is just not going to happen for the guy if he doesn’t do well.”