In the Virgin Island Caucus, Ron Paul wins popular vote, loses delegate count

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul edged out former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in the U.S. Virgin Islands Republican caucus – at least in raw votes. However, due to organizational challenges and party rules, Romney snagged seven delegates to this summer’s Republican National Convention, to only one for Paul. 

Early news reports had listed Romney as the winner, giving many readers the impression he had led the field in support. 

The State Column, an online island news source, noted, “Residents of the Virgin Islands, similar to Puerto Rico, can participate in primary elections, but are not eligible to vote in the general election. In contrast to the state of Hawaii, where Republican party officials were overwhelmed with huge participation in their first-ever Caucus this week, only around 300 participated in the Virgin Islands voting. 

Nonetheless, it is, The State reported, “This marks the first time thus far … that Mr. Paul has defeated Mr. Romney in terms of the popular vote.”

CapitolBeatOK had noted Rep. Paul’s surprisingly weak showing in Oklahoma’s Republican primary, and his third place finish in Alaska (a state some thought he could win) as among the biggest surprises of Super Tuesday. 

Now, the Texas libertarian Republican has won actually won a GOP contest in terms of raw support, even if he lost the delegate fight. Fox News reported today that Paul now has around 48 delegate slots for this summer’s national convention.