Mansfield: Does Ron Paul Own Idaho?

On his blog, Dennis Mansfield points to the who’s who of Idaho politics who support GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney — and then declares something unusual happened Friday — an anti-establishment candidate won the GOP straw poll. Ron Paul. Quoth Dennis: “Some might argue that the Straw Poll was merely a ‘fundraiser’ for the state GOP (paying $30 to vote in it could give that impression) — but it was a POLL that Ron Paul will gladly celebrate nationally…and Romney will attempt to deflect intentionally. But, a win over Santorum by 8 votes in Iowa… and a loss to Ron Paul in Idaho? If I were Romney’s staff, I’d wonder why this ‘fundraiser’/straw poll was not invested in by Mitt supporters. After all, they HAVE the money to spend … So, until March’s Super Tuesday the nation will believe that Idaho is owned by Ron Paul.” More here. (In this April 2008 file IPT/AP file photo by Mike Vogt, Ron Paul prepares to sign his book, “The Revolution,” during a visit to Caldwell)

Question: Does Ron Paul “own” Idaho?