Updated: Jan. 4, 2012 at 9:33 AM

The 2012 Republican Caucus in Iowa(21 images)

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the Iowa caucus by a mere eight votes over surprise contender and former Senator Rick Santorum. Texas Rep. Ron Paul finished in a strong third place, with Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry filling out the rest of the top five.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (R) kisses his wife Ann at a caucus night rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. With 98 percent reporting, the caucus was a virtual tie between Romney and Rick Santorum. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

A supporter of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney holds up a sign at Romney's caucus night rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. Romney and Santorum are competing for the top spot in the caucus. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

US Army Cpl. Jesse Thorsen (R) raises his fist in jubilation on stage with Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul (L) with his wife Carol after being invited to make remarks by Paul at a rally in Ankeny, Iowa, after Paul's strong finish in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses, January 3, 2012. With votes still needed to be counted, Paul was a close third to top finishers former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul raises his arms in jubilation as his wife Carol (L) and others join in the celebration at a rally in Ankeny, Iowa, after his strong finish in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses, January 3, 2012. With votes still needed to be counted, Paul was a close third to top finishers former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (R) hugs his wife Ann at a caucus night rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. With 98 percent reporting, the caucus was a virtual tie between Romney and Rick Santorum. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (C), with his wife Ann and four of his five sons, speaks to supporters at his caucus night rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. With 98 percent reporting, the caucus was a virtual tie between Romney and Rick Santorum. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul makes remarks at a rally in Ankeny, Iowa, after his strong finish in Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses, January 3, 2012. With votes still needed to be counted, Paul was a close third to top finishers former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul makes remarks at a "Rock the Caucus" event as his grandchildren listen, at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses campaign. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and his wife Karen wait to be introduced at a "Rock the Caucus" event at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Senator Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses tonight. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (C) is applauded by "Rock the Vote" president Heather Smith (R) as she is joined by her daughter Caroline at a "Rock the Caucus" event, as they join 800 caucus-eligible juniors and seniors at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Senator Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses tonight. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Rep. Steve King (R-IA) talk to reporters outside of her campaign bus on January 3, 2012 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Bachmann signed King's pledge to repeal Obamacare Tuesday. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney shakes hands with supporters at a campaign rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum speaks at a 'Rock the Caucus' rally at Valley High School on January 3, 2012 in West Des Moines, Iowa. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum makes remarks as members of his family listen at a "Rock the Caucus" event at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Senator Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses tonight. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) waves as she heads to her campaign bus on January 3, 2012 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Bachmann signed King's pledge to repeal Obamacare Tuesday. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney (L), with his wife Ann, speaks to supporters at a campaign rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum gives a thumbs up as his wife Karen waves at a "Rock the Caucus" event at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Senator Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses tonight. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican 2012 presidential candidate and Texas Rep. Ron Paul makes his way through the media as he arrives at a "Rock the Caucus" event at West Des Moines Valley High School, Iowa, January 3, 2012. Polls indicate a tight race between Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum on the final day of Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses campaign. UPI/Mike Theiler | License Photo

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney speaks to supporters at a campaign rally on January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo