Branstad Backs Romney, Santorum Backs Out; What Waukee Thinks Now

On caucus night, Waukee Republicans were loud and clear about their choice for the presidency: Mitt Romney was their man. 

With 309 votes for Romney and 182 for Rick Santorum, the decision was a pretty solid one.

Today, just a few months later, and just , they're still standing by the former governor of Massachusetts, hoping he's the one who will make President Barack Obama a one-term president.

"Governor Branstad is one of the most respected governors in America," said Chad Airhart, Dallas County recorder. "I am glad to see he has chosen to throw his support behind Mitt Romney. It is time for Republicans to unite behind Romney and work toward defeating President Obama."

What Happened to Rick Santorum?

With his feet firmly planted in fourth place at the Iowa Straw Poll, it seemed unlikely Rick Santorum's campaign would make it to the January Iowa Caucus.

But in a stunning turn of events, Romney, who was first named the winner of the Iowa Caucus, . The margin? Just 34 votes.

Yesterday, Santorum made it official: he was suspending his campaign for the presidency. Citing his daughter's health issues and a slow-moving campaign, he said the time had come to call it a night.

Jon McAvoy, a Dallas County Republican, said he wasn't surprised at the exit.

"I've personally met Rick Santorum and have a lot of respect for him," he said.  "At this time in his life his family needs him for comfort and support, especially with his daughter's illness. This is not the last we've heard from Rick. He will be a force in the future."

Branstad Endorses Romney for President

The same day Santorum suspended his campaign, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad officially endorsed Mitt Romney in his bid for the GOP nomination.

Branstad had and ever since, even as Romney pulled further and further ahead in the delegate count.

"I think Gov. Branstad made the right choice at this point in time," said McAvoy. "He held back and let the race progress so that the voters voices were heard.  In the end, he knows that we must now rally around Mitt and work together to defeat President Obama."

Airhart agreed suggesting that the endorsement could help Romney gain supporters in Iowa. 

"Iowa could very well decide the outcome of the presidential election come November," he said. "Gov. Branstad will prove to be very useful and an effective campaigner for Romney in Iowa."