Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul has won the first-ever online Iowa straw poll, capturing a commanding 44 percent of the over 6,000 votes cast in an online poll sponsored by Iowa U.S. Rep. Tom Latham’s campaign.

The results of the two-week online poll were announced one day before Saturday’s Ames Straw Poll, which is considered by most as the first real test of a presidential candidate’s organizational strength in Iowa.

The results of the online poll promoting Saturday’s big event for the Republican Party of Iowa were:

• 1st – Ron Paul with 44% of the unique online votes
• 2nd – Herman Cain 16%
• 3rd – Michele Bachmann 10%
• 4th – Rick Perry 8%
• 5th – (TIE) Tim Pawlenty and Mitt Romney 5%
• 7th – Sarah Palin 4%
• 8th – “Someone Else” 3%
• 9th – Rick Santorum 2%
• 10th – (Tie) Jon Huntsman and Newt Gingrich with 1% of the unique online votes

It should be noted that Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are not yet officially announced candidates for the GOP nomination and will not appear as options on Saturday’s actual straw poll ballot in Ames.

“I congratulate Ron Paul and his campaign on this victory,” said Iowa Congressman Tom Latham whose campaign for Iowa’s new Third Congressional District sponsored the poll. “Regardless of the results, the most important message of this online poll is that Iowans are united in their motivation to bring common sense back to Washington. And it’s clear why. Americans are tired of paying for Washington’s failed and costly policies. They are ready to fight for leaders who will put people before politics and progress before partisanship to change the way Washington works and the work that Washington does to restore the confidence in the American Dream.”

The real Iowa GOP Straw Poll will take place today in Ames at Iowa State University. More details on the event can be found at: www.IowaGOP.org.