Ron Paul beats Guiliani, Thompson in Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference Straw Poll

Romney 39% (383 votes)
McCain 27% (260)
Paul 11% (106)
Giulaini 11% (104)
Thompson 7% (70)
Huckabee 3% (25)
Hunter 1% (12)
Brownback >1% (3)
Tancredo 0% (0)
Uncommitted 2% (16)

Huckabee, Brownback, and Tancredo did not give speeches. Romney bussed in supporters, other candidates did not.

A supporter reports from the ground:

We just got in from spending the weekend at the Michigan GOP Leadership Conference on scenic and historic Mackinac Island. Many exciting things happened during the last few days, including an opportunity to meet my adult-hood hero, Congressman Ron Paul. I don't have time to do a full post right now but I give you some highlights.

Ron Paul had an awesome turnout from his Michigan supporters in Mackinac City on Friday. We arrived early in the afternoon, and by the time he arrived at 5:30ish in the evening, there were probably a couple hundred supporters waiting for him at the ferry dock.

When we arrived at the island, we escorted Dr. Paul through the streets of Mackinac Island to the Grand Hotel. Dr. Paul kept an amazing pace as we walked up the 'big hill' to the hotel.

Supporters met at Mary's Bistro for a great dinner. Dr. Paul made an appearance afterwards and gave a speech, signed autographs, and took pictures with us. What a statesman and gentleman.

I was on the island with my wife and six kids. We had to catch the 9pm boat back to the mainland and gathered on the dock with many (100's) of Ron Paul supporters. All of a sudden from the back of the line I hear, "Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul"...an eruption of cheers. I turn to my left and see none other than Rudy "Terror Terror Terror" Giuliani, with about 6 or 7 people trailing. Rudy joined us (a couple of hundred Ron Paul supporters) to make the 15 minute trip back to Mackinaw City. I can only say that this was probably the longest 15 minutes in Rudy's life. More on that later...

We headed back to the island this morning and arrived just about the time Ron Paul was leaving the luncheon at the hotel to head to the Chicago Rally. We stayed on the island the rest of the day 'Ron Paulin'.

My wife picked up a 'bug' while we were on the island. For the past five months I've been talking to her about Ron Paul, and she's been a supportive partner. But I've never seen her seek out anything about Ron Paul herself. Tonight, as soon as we got home, I found her at the computer, on RonPaul2008.com, learning more about Ron Paul - she's caught the 'Ron Paul Freedom Bug'.