High school students focus heavily on President Obama’s stance on education reform. By Gil Kaufman President Obama delivers the State of the Union address on Tuesday night Photo: CBS One of the most important lessons high school-age members of the Junior State of America learn is the value of vigorous yet civil debates about the state of government and foreign affairs. That’s why a handful of JSA members contacted by MTV News on Wednesday (January 25) had widely divergent but measured reactions to President Obama’s State of the Union address. “The most significant part of his speech for me was his take on education,” said Saaye Arumugam, a 17-year-old high school senior in Miamisburg, Ohio. “During the Bush administration with No Child Left Behind, the federal government perpetuated this idea that standardized education was the only route to gauge success. Obama addressed that critical thinking should outweigh this idea of standardized thinking and teaching to the test.” Obama called for states to require students to stay in school until age 18 and to replace teachers who are ineffective. The portion about lowering college interest rates also piqued the interest of home-schooled senior Chris Boyajian of Lumberton, New Jersey. “When he talked about college tuition and getting interest rates down on loans and getting tuition lower, that was important to me,” said Boyajian, 17. “[But] I didn’t agree when he said that college is for everyone. I think it’s not. There are some people who wouldn’t fit in college, but I did like what he said about getting interest rates down so we’re not paying two or three times the loan.” One reason Boyajian was so focused on the cost of college was because he’s planning to go to law school. “I’m trying very hard not to take out loans [for college] … I’m trying to pay with my family’s savings or merit-based scholarships.” Because their organization is based on civil discourse, a number of the JSA members said they were disappointed by the gridlock in Washington and not particularly optimistic about the president’s chances of getting his initiatives passed, especially during an election year. Englewood, California, senior Michael Escobar, 17, was hopeful that at least one would get pushed through: Obama’s call for a return of manufacturing to the U.S. “It’s essential for prosperity, and it rewards companies with tax breaks,” he said. “I will go to college soon and hopefully in the future there will be a job opening ready for me … A lot of students are investing a lot of money in bachelor’s and master’s, and there’s no guarantee of a job.” Escobar also paid close attention to the president’s plans to reform education, since he said he’s seen firsthand the effect of the cuts in education at his school and worries that the gridlock in Congress could stall Obama’s initiatives. “We have a lot of low-income families at my school, and it’s really frustrating,” he said about budget cuts to education. As a member of student council with access to budget and attendance information, Escobar said that since funding for advanced placement exams at his school dried up, some of the low-income families have to pay nearly $300 for AP classes out of their own pockets. “Colleges are asking for those most difficult courses, but there’s not enough funding for education to cover it.” Austin, Texas, high school senior Nick Goulding said he found himself getting increasingly irritated as the speech went on. “President Obama was saying the same things he’s been saying for three years ago now,” said Goulding, 18. “He’s trying to make people feel bad about being successful in America. When he was talking about millionaires and trying … to alienate them about their success. I don’t know why you’d want that in a president.” As an example, he mentioned his father, who came from a poor family and worked his way up to founding a very successful landscaping company. “Increasing taxes on those who are successful is counterproductive to what should occur in a free country.” And while Goulding was not enthused about the president’s call for a “Buffett tax” on millionaires and billionaires, he did appreciate how respectful Obama was when talking about the armed forces. “One of the few things I do attribute to the president as far as successes is killing Osama bin Laden and ending the wars,” he said. As a high school junior at the Orange County High School of the Arts, Julianna Ross, 16, also paid close attention to the bits about education reform, but she was focused on Obama’s plea for bipartisanship in Washington. “He basically said under our current system we can’t progress and we won’t make advancement on these issues,” she said, echoing her colleagues’ concerns. “One of the things we talk about at Junior Statesmen is fostering civil discourse … which has taught me to understand the opposing side … and learn how to compromise. That’s something that really needs to be implemented in the real world of politics.” Share your thoughts on the president’s State of the Union address in the comments below. Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage on the primary races and stick with PowerOf12.org throughout the 2012 presidential election season.
‘The high altitude in Utah shook up this kid from Brooklyn.’ By Gil Kaufman Tracy Morgan at Sundance Film Festival Photo: Getty Images “30 Rock” star Tracy Morgan left Utah’s Park City Medical Center on Monday afternoon after he fell ill following an awards event at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday. As rumors swirled about what caused his health issues, the star took to Twitter to explain the incident and assure fans that he is back on his feet and ready to work. “Superman ran into a little kryptonite,” he wrote. “The high altitude in Utah shook up this kid from Brooklyn.” Morgan thanked the staff at the hospital and said he was planning to return to work on the “30 Rock” set today. “Gotta thank the AMAZING medical staff and all my supporters! Love you,” he added, throwing in a shout out to the New York Giants for their ticket to the Super Bowl. TMZ posted a photo of Morgan walking through the airport with a breathing tube under his nose attached to an oxygen tank. Morgan was receiving an award at the Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards in Park City, Utah on Sunday when he seemed disoriented during his speech and was escorted out of the building a short time later, where he fell unconscious. He was rushed by ambulance to the Park City Medical Center and a spokesperson for the hospital said that no drugs or alcohol were found in his system. A rep for the actor released a statement explaining, “from a combination of exhaustion and altitude, Tracy is seeking medical attention … He is with his fianc
There’s nothing funny about this one. Tracy Morgan was being honored at a Sundance Film Festival event yesterday when sources say he was acting extremely intoxicated. The comedian ended up FALLING OUT after the event, but his rep says he had nothing to drink and blames it on the altitude. According to TMZ reports : Tracy Morgan was rushed to a hospital at the Sundance Film Festival — after the actor fell unconscious at an award ceremony … TMZ has learned. Tracy was being honored at the Creative Coalition Spotlight Awards in Park City, Utah — and sources tell TMZ, he appeared extremely intoxicated during his award acceptance speech. We’re told Tracy was escorted out of the building soon after his speech — and fell unconscious outside the building. Law enforcement sources tell us, an ambulance was then dispatched to Tracy’s location. We’re told Tracy was picked up and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Amy Roberts, a spokeswoman for Park City Medical Center, tells TMZ no drugs or alcohol were found in Tracy’s system upon medical evaluation. Morgan’s rep, Lewis Kay, also released a statement saying, “From a combination of exhaustion and altitude, Tracy is seeking medical attention.” Kay adds, “He is with his fiancée and grateful to the Park City Medical Center for their care. Any reports of Tracy consuming alcohol are 100% false.” Tracy make sure you keep rested! It might sound crazy but altitude really can have some crazy effects on folks. More On Bossip! Twit Pics Of The Day: Rihanna Toots That Thang Up In A White Bikini And Invites Khloe Kardashian To Come “Tap That” [Photos] Reading Is Fun-damental: 10 Of Hottest “Hood Classic” Books And Their Authors Must Be The Shoes: The Hottest Women In The World Wearing Killer Heels…And Not Much Else Black And Missing: Lost People And Faces That Mainstream Media Have Not Been Looking For [Photos/Info]
Let’s not belabor this: The Artist claimed Best Picture at Saturday’s Producers Guild Awards, all but affirming its eventual Best Picture win at the Academy Awards. Other winners included The Adventures of Tintin in the animated category and Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest in docs. Congrats to all! Is it March yet? The winner of the PGA’s top award has gone on to repeat at the Oscars nearly 75 percent of the time over the last two decades, most recently doing so last year following The King’s Speech’s surprising victory over The Social Network . The Weinstein Company never looked back in 2011, and it won’t look back now. Next stop: Tuesday’s Oscar nominations, and at this point for Michel Hazanavicius’s silent film, it’s not a matter of “if” it will earn recognition, but “how much?” Check back tomorrow for my predictions — or just move on to fantasy baseball or something. It’s going to be a long month ahead. [ PGA ]
Here is the video that got PMW suspended. I have often said, “Truth is the new hate speech.” And here it is. There is a concerted and deliberate effort by the left and their useful idiots to keep the people uninformed and/or misinformed. Your ability to deduce and make informed decisions based on objective reality is seriously impaired if you haven’t got the facts. That’s the point of media bias, obfuscation… Broadcasting platform : Vimeo Source : Atlas Shrugs Discovery Date : 16/01/2012 19:10 Number of articles : 2
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream represent a multitude of values and principles to those who remember him. He was a peaceful uniter who stood up for the rights and liberties of African-Americans. And whether you focus on Dr. King’s message of non-violence or his efforts to bring social change, his legacy represents something good. Rappers are often painted with broad brush of negativity, so it may seem antithetical to state that MLK would be proud of any of today’s MCs. But if you take the following rappers into consideration, you may change your opinion. Lupe Fiasco “Stand up for freedom…” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lupe is one of the few rappers today who is relevant and unafraid to address politics and social issues in his music. Even though Lupe Fiasco’s commentary can sometimes be received as controversial, he’s made music with substance. In addition, his ability to make commercially viable songs allows his songs with more depth reach a broader audience. In an era where it’s not common to merge hip-hop and politics, Lupe Fiasco isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes in, just as Dr. King did. The King Dream Chorus And Holiday Crew: Where Are They Now? Wale “We shall overcome…” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Even though he’s from the mean streets of Washington, DC; the same city where Dr. King delivered his legendary “I Have A Dream” speech; Wale music doesn’t represent that life. He resisted the temptation to rap about the streets in order to acquire universal hood credibility, and the staying non-violent has worked well for him. The biggest hits of Wale’s career (“Lotus Flower Bomb” and “That Way”) are hip-hop love songs that have not diminished his credibility. Wale doesn’t rap about political or non-violent issues, but he overcame the effects of coming up in a harsh city. Martin Luther King Jr: “I Have A Dream” Speech [VIDEO] J. Cole “The content of [his] character…” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There’s nothing controversial about J. Cole. He comes across a good dude who makes great music, while leaving the violence alone. J. Cole is a bright spot in today’s hip-hop, because he’s acclaimed by critics, respected by his peers, Grammy-nominated, and he makes hits. J. Cole deserves to be celebrated for his music, but also because he’s shown good character by channeling his energy into music instead of beef. 5 Things Martin Luther King Would Be Ashamed Of Jay-Z “The crooked places will be made straight…” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jay-Z acquired fortune and fame by talking about his life as a drug dealer. But now he’s known for being one of the most important voices of this generation, and now, the proud father of Blue Ivy Carter. Jay-Z started off crooked and even engaged in battles with Nas and Mobb Deep’s Prodigy. However, Jay-Z has resolved his beefs and is now a respected artist and mogul living a straight life that includes him doing charitable work. Jay-Z hasn’t been perfect, but he’s proved that Dr. King was right when he stated that the crooked can go straight. How Gil Scott-Heron And Stevie Wonder Set Up Martin Luther King Day Diggy Simmons “All men are created equal…” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diggy is an embodiment of Dr. King’s dream, in that he comes from a generation that is less color conscious than any previous generations. He’s aware of his Blackness, but doesn’t feel the need to appeal to any one race. Dr. King envisioned a world where people would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Diggy Simmons shows that this dream is already a reality for some.
Host Ricky Gervais returns, as ‘Modern Family,’ Michelle Williams and Meryl Streep also take home statues on Sunday night. By Ryan J. Downey George Clooney onstage at the 2012 Golden Globes Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Getty Images On Sunday night (January 15), George Clooney and “The Artist” continued their awards-season domination while Ricky Gervais giddily piled on the humiliation as the 69th annual Golden Globes went down in Hollywood. The returning host kept his most pointed barbs confined to the monologue, while the Hollywood Foreign Press Association spread the love a bit more evenly than some predicted , with Globes for stars like Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams . Expected winners also took home statues, with Clooney nabbing Best Actor and “The Artist” winning Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical; the actor and film, like Best Supporting Actor Christopher Plummer and Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer have been cleaning up this month. “Cheers. So, where was I?” Gervais began, in an appropriately devilish red suit. The awards show itself was the comedian’s first major target (“the Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton”), followed by the Oscars (“when the man who said ‘yes’ to ‘Norbit,’ says ‘no’ to you, you know you’re in trouble”), the HFPA, Jodie Foster (Elton John looked unimpressed), Kim Kardashian (“I’ve sat through longer James Cameron acceptance speeches than [her marriage]”), Justin Bieber (“the only way that he could have impregnated a girl is if he borrowed one of Martha Stewart’s old turkey basters”) and more. Gervais introduced the first presenter of the night, Johnny Depp, with a plug for his own forthcoming HBO series, “Life’s Too Short,” which in one episode’s fit of “meta” casting features Depp as himself grilling Gervais about last year’s Golden Globes. Depp sipped from Gervais’ glass of beer before the comedian asked him if he’d seen “The Tourist” yet. “No,” Depp responded, as he stifled a laugh. (Depp went on to introduce a short clip about Martin Scorsese’s 3-D picture “Hugo,” which was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama.) Gerard Butler and Mila Kunis presented the award for Best Supporting Actor to Plummer for his role as a gay man who comes out late in life in “Beginners.” “What a wonderful welcome back to the home of King Kong, Rin-Tin Tin and all our youthful fantasies,” the 82-year-old screen legend said. “I must praise my distinguished competitors for whom I have the greatest admiration and to whom I apologize most profusely. And I want to salute my partner, Ewan, that wily Scot; Ewan ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ McGregor.” His last bit of thanks was reserved for his wife of 43 years, Elaine. “[Her] bravery and beauty haunts me still.” “Two and a Half Men” star Ashton Kutcher and supermodel Elle Macpherson were up next to present Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical. The Globe went to Laura Dern for “Enlightened,” marking her third win overall at the event. Teleprompter problems plagued Rob Lowe and Julianne Moore as they introduced this year’s Miss Golden Globe (Rainey Qualley, daughter of actress Andy MacDowell). The pair went on to present the award for Best Mini-Series or TV Movie to “Downton Abbey.” Fans of the hit PBS series include Patton Oswalt, who once tweeted that the show is “Star Trek for tea drinkers!” “We’re already five minutes over,” Gervais chided when he returned to the stage, digging into overly long acceptance speeches. “You don’t need to thank everyone you’ve ever met … just do the main two, your agent and God.” The self-described atheist added that both had an “equal amount” of input into his career. From there, he brought up the scene in “Bridesmaids” where Melissa McCarthy’s character moves her bowels in a sink. “Amazingly, that’s still less demeaning than what most of you have done to make it in show business,” he told the audience. McCarthy and Paula Patton gave the Best Actor in a Comedy Series Globe to Kelsey Grammer for “Boss” (prompting viewers like @mindykaling to reminisce about the actor’s semi-legendary fall from a stage) and Best TV Series – Drama to “Homeland.” Jimmy Fallon broke out his Mick Jagger moves before presenting the award for Best Song and Best Score with Maroon Five’s Adam Levine to “The Artist” composer Ludovic Bource. Madonna and Elton John had earlier engaged in some red-carpet cattiness about the Best Original Song – Motion Picture category, in which they were both nominated. Ultimately, it was Madge who triumphed : Her win for the song she wrote for directorial effort “W.E.” followed a previous Golden Globe for her starring performance in 1996’s “Evita.” Seth Rogen and a typically stunning Kate Beckinsale soon followed. “Hello, I’m Seth Rogen, and I am currently trying to conceal a massive erection,” he said, which kept Beckinsale laughing as they introduced the nominees for Best Actress in a Comedy. Michelle Williams won for “My Week with Marilyn,” a film Rogen dryly called a “hysterical comedy” (the movie is arguably more of a drama, despite its categorization). “I consider myself a mother first and an actress second, so the person that I most want to thank is my daughter,” Williams said, speaking about Matilda Rose, her child with late actor Heath Ledger. She also thanked the HFPA “for putting in my hands this same award that Marilyn Monroe herself won over 50 years ago. Thank you, I’m honored.” Sarah Michelle Gellar and Piper Parabo presented Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie to Peter Dinklage for “Game of Thrones.” “I was talking to my mother in Jersey before I came out and she said, ‘Have fun but, ‘Have you seen Mildred Pierce? Guy Pearce is so good, he’s going to win!’. … I just love our moms, ’cause they keep us humble,” Dinklage said. He then drew attention to the story of Martin Henderson, a dwarf who suffered a serious injury reportedly inspired by a cruel “dwarf-tossing” competition. Ricky’s punch line when he introduced Madonna was little more than a well-placed clearing of his throat, which followed this: “Our next presenter is the Queen of Pop — not you, Elton, sit down. She’s all woman. I’ll give you some clues: She’s always vogue. She’s a material girl. And she’s just like a virgin … ahem.” The Queen of Pop was ready with a quick retort: “If I’m still just like a virgin, then why don’t you come over here and do something about it?” she challenged. “I haven’t kissed a girl in a few years — on TV.” “Seriously nuts… Seriously,” Spencer said after Bradley Cooper introduced Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. “The Help” star has been stacking up awards this month for her part in the breakout hit. “With regard to domestics in this country, now and then I think Dr. King said it best: ‘All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.’ ” She then sped through her thank-you’s in a comedic nod to the show’s habit of playing off winners mid-speech. “Table 10, thank you again!” she concluded. Reese Witherspoon introduced “The Descendants,” which she noted was directed by “my friend, Alexander Payne,” with whom she made the classic dark comedy, “Election.” Later in the show, Robert Downey Jr. introduced the film “The Artist.” Morgan Freeman is only the second African American actor to receive the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award; he accepted it 30 years after Sidney Poitier was similarly honored in 1982. The 84-year-old Poitier received a standing ovation when he came out to introduce Freeman. “In my humble opinion, sir, you are indeed a prince in the profession you have chosen. We thank you, Mr. Freeman, for raising the level of excellence yet another notch. Welcome aboard, Morgan Freeman,” he said. The 74-year-old Freeman was honored for a career that includes iconic roles in movies like “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Glory,” “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Million Dollar Baby.” Angelina Jolie gave Martin Scorsese Best Director – Motion Picture for “Hugo.” “Sit down, sit down, everybody!” he commanded. He thanked the HFPA for all of the work they do to help ensure the preservation and restoration of cinema, which tied directly into “Hugo.” Gervais joked about Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas’ accents when he introduced them, prompting a long, non-English response from Banderas. “Ricky, I don’t understand [Banderas] either,” Hayek teased. The pair gave the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical to “Modern Family,” with Columbian castmember Sofia Vergara accepting with a short speech in Spanish that one of the show’s producers comically mistranslated. Michelle Pfeiffer introduced Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse.” Presenters Jessica Biel and Mark Wahlberg were up next. Wahlberg complimented Biel’s pronunciation of Jean Dujardin (Best Actor winner for Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical), before Queen Latifah introduced “The Help.” Then Gervais was back onstage. “Nearly there, nearly there,” he said at the two-and-a-half-hour mark. “Our next presenter is British, like me. But unlike me, he’s won an Oscar, for his brilliant portrayal in ‘The King’s Speech.’ He’s also swooned over by women,” Gervais went on, also noting Colin Firth’s high profile with critics. “What you don’t know about him is he’s very racist. I’ve also seen him punch a little blind kitten. Please welcome the evil Colin Firth!” Firth pretended to kick Gervais when he came out, but the actor was smiling. “As I was on my way in, I noticed some very angry religious people outside threatening us all with brimstone … for our sins. … What they don’t realize is we have Ricky.” “When Ricky Gervais’ deal fell through and they came to me to play Margret Thatcher,” Meryl Streep began as she accepted Best Actress, Motion Picture for “The Iron Lady.” Clooney helped pass her glasses to the stage so she could better read her speech, but she stayed off her notes and offered heartfelt appreciation for all of the women nominated in the category alongside her. “I just want to thank my agent and God — Harvey Weinstein, the punisher,” she added to much laughter and applause. Jane Fonda presented Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical to “The Artist,” as even the dog from the film took the stage. Natalie Portman, Best Actress for “Black Swan” at last year’s Globe’s, was the next presenter. Gervais pointed out that she’s nominated for nothing this year, seeing how she took time off to have her baby. “She’s learned that valuable lesson that all of you knew: never put family first!” Portman gave the Golden Globe for Best Actor, Motion Picture – Drama to Clooney for “The Descendants.” The star first gave a shout-out to Brad Pitt, followed by a “thank you” to Michael Fassbender “for taking over the frontal nudity responsibility that I had,” before making an off-color joke that involved golf. Alexander Payne accepted the Best Picture, Drama award from Harrison Ford shortly afterward. Sound off on the 2012 Golden Globes winners in the comments below! Stick with MTV News all night for the 2012 Golden Globes winners, and don’t miss all the fashion from the Golden Globes red carpet ! Related Videos 2012 Golden Globes: Highlights From The Show On The Red Carpet At The Golden Globes Related Photos MTV Style | 2012 Golden Globes Red Carpet Photos Golden Globes 2012 Press Room
Ron Paul may have finished second in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday, but to hear him tell it, he – and more importantly liberty – was a big winner. “I think the intellectual revolution that’s going on now to restore liberty in this country is on its way, and there’s no way they’re going to stop the momentum that we have started,” said Paul after his second strong outing in as many states. In an energetic speech to supporters, he laughed off criticism that he’s “dangerous” (except to the status quo, in which case he accepts the label) and thanked the Manchester Union-Leader for not endorsing him (the paper backed Newt Gingrich). Even on a night that saw Mitt Romney win , Paul showed why his campaign has caught fire, and showed no signs of slowing down heading into S.C.: Ron Paul Speech After New Hampshire Primary
If Ron Paul was disappointed in last night’s Iowa caucus results , it didn’t show. The Republican Congressman from Texas finished a strong third behind Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum , but certainly served notice that he’s a factor in 2012. Paul wanted some legitimacy and a bigger platform for his movement, and by securing over 20 percent in the first-in-the-nation caucuses, he’s on his way. On stage before a cheering crowd Tuesday, Paul said winning elections is the best way to promote a cause, and that he was one of three winners last night: Ron Paul Speech After Iowa Caucus Claiming a ticket out of Iowa, Paul vowed to continue his fight, even as GOP rivals such as Newt Gingrich, Romney and Santorum dismiss him as unelectable. Iowa voters thought otherwise, taking to Paul’s small-government, anti-war and pro-civil liberties message in enough numbers to lift him into the top tier. Evangelicals, home schoolers, young people, moderates, libertarians and disaffected Democrats formed an unlikely coalition that led to his strong showing. Can it be replicated or improved upon elsewhere? That’s the key question. “We have tremendous opportunity,” Paul said. “It won’t be long that there’s going to be an election up in New Hampshire, and believe me, this momentum is going to continue, this movement is going to continue and we are going to keep scoring.” With a huge smile at the end, he continued, “So tonight, we have come out of an election where there were essentially three winners, three top vote-getters.” “We will go on, we will raise the money, I have no doubt about the volunteers.” Indeed, Paul’s fundraising and organization make him formidable almost anywhere. As the field narrows ( Michele Bachmann is already out), can he gain support? We’ll find out in New Hampshire.
The closest Iowa caucus results in history produced a near draw, with Mitt Romney winning by just eight votes over Rick Santorum and Ron Paul a close third. Romney, considered the favorite in the Republican presidential race quest, did not notch a commanding win that could have ended the primary process early. However, a win’s a win, and after a year in which one candidate after another sought to be the conservative alternative to him, a pretty impressive one at that. Even more remarkable was the finish of Rick Santorum, whose candidacy was so moribund just weeks ago that many wondered why he was still in the race. The former Pennsylvania Senator was neck-and-neck with Romney, the one-time Governor of Massachusetts, for all of Tuesday night and into this morning. Romney being declared the winner by a mere eight ballots early Wednesday. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas was a close third with 21 percent of the caucus votes. “We will go on,” he said in an upbeat speech. “There is nothing to be ashamed of.” The race was so close, Romney couldn’t even claim victory in his speech. With 99 percent of the vote counted, he and Santorum each had 24.6 percent. ‘‘We also feel it’s been a great victory for us here,’’ Romney said early today, before the final votes were tallied. “Onto New Hampshire, we’ve got work to do.” ‘‘Thank you so much Iowa,’’ said Santorum, who is also off to N.H. ‘‘You, by standing up and not compromising ….. have taken the first step of taking back this country.’’ The GOP nominating process continues with the New Hampshire primary next Tuesday, followed by the South Carolina primary Saturday, January 19. The former favors Romney heavily, the latter not so much. Santorum and Newt Gingrich, who placed fourth last night in Iowa, will be contesting it hard. And Ron Paul … you can never count out Ron Paul. You may soon count out Texas Gov. Rick Perry, though. After finishing fifth in Iowa, he announced that he was returning to Texas to assess his candidacy. Last night’s Iowa caucus results: Mitt Romney: 24.6%
