CNN reports: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann on Saturday won the Ames Straw Poll, besting eight other Republican candidates in a non-binding but politically significant vote in the first caucus state of Iowa.  The Ames Straw Poll has helped take the pulse of a campaign’s strength since 1979. It’s also the first opportunity for voters to weigh in on a GOP candidate.  Nine of 11 announced Republican candidates are on the straw poll ballot. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman skipped the contest.

Gov. Rick Perry of Texas formerly announced his candidacy for the Republican nod.