The results of the CPAC straw poll this year will surprise quite some people:

Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney won. 20% of conservative activists present said they would vote for Romney if they’d have to vote for the Republican  nominee for president already.

Second place went to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Jindal is one of the party’s rising stars and was allowed to give the party’s response to Barack Obama’s State of the Union earlier this week. Many believed he blew it, but still 14% of CPAC attendees said they favor him for president in 2012. If he would’ve blown everyone away earlier this week, those numbers would undoubtedly have been higher. Conclusion: Jindal will continue to play an important role in the party, despite his horrendous week.

Third, and quite surprising, is Ron Paul, Congressman from Texas. He is a libertarian who almost seemed to play an important role in the Republican Party’s primaries last year due to his (fundraising success) online. He lost every primary, however. 13% of CPAC attendees said they still support this controversial figure.

Fourth place, also with 13%, goes to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Many, including myself, expected her to do better. However, she didn’t attend this year’s CPAC, which undoubtedly cost her quite some votes. Had she appeared she could’ve beaten or at least threatened Romney. Still, she didn’t even almost do as well as many thought.