In the Sunday morning straw poll on preference for Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney scored 60 percent of the vote, far ahead of Newt Gingrich’s 22 percent, with Ron Paul and Rick Santorum both getting 9 percent. Will this be predictive of the coming state caucuses?

According to this recent Seattle Times story, our state could have a key role in the national Republican battle:

With the GOP’s seesaw presidential contest showing few signs of ending soon, Washington’s upcoming caucuses may be shaping up as a coveted prize.

At least three of the four remaining Republican contenders have begun to organize here in advance of the March 3 caucuses . . . Washington’s appeal stems from the state’s caucuses falling just days before Super Tuesday, March 6, when 10 states hold nominating contests.

“It has the potential to be significant,” said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “The Washington result may be the last bit of momentum that can be generated for a candidate before Super

Match the presidential candidate with the percentage of votes received in a Roanoke Conference “straw poll” Sunday morning:

a) Newt Gingrich

b) Mitt Romney

c) Rick Santorum

d) Ron Paul

1) 60 percent

2) 9 percent

3) 22 percent

4) 9 percent

Rob McKenna, the Washington state attorney general who is running for governor, helped launch the Roanoke Conference with a Friday night “welcome address.” Saturday night, that was McKenna, karaoke-ing Queen’s “We Will Rock You” at the Porthole Pub. He told me he and a group went to dinner at Galway Bay before the Porthole.

If you’re in the mood for one of those fantastic Elk Head brews, you’ll have to drive all the way up to Port Townsend. The Ocean Shores “Tap Room” is closed today and tomorrow, as Rich Dirk and company compete in the Strange Brew festival. Hopefully, the Ocean Shores regulars will be toasting Elk Head awards, next weekend . . .

Follow the twitter action here.

Tony B. and Lorraine T., pick up your “prize” for high score/low score on the North Coaster Quiz at Flying Cats Gift Shoppe.

But what was the subject?
a) For Mitt v. for Newt
b) For Newt v. for Mitt
c) For Anyone v. for Obama

d) Against legalizing marijuana v. for legalizing marijuana

Another lovely Patricia Jollimore photo:

Photographed by Stuart May:

a) “Tom Scanlon Crow”

b) “Screaming Jayhawk”

c) “Bald Eagle With a Toupee”

d) “Juvenile Eagle”