(CNN) -- Tuesday night's tight contest for the top spot in the Iowa Republican caucuses reflects the ongoing tension that exists within the Republican Party. This struggle between the conservative religious voters -- whose voice is strong and loud in Iowa and was represented by Rick Santorum -- and the more moderate, mainstream voters, represented by Mitt Romney, is indicative of a fight for the soul of the Republican Party. What is so interesting is that four years ago, Romney's 25% share of the vote was not nearly enough to give him the victory. But this year, that same 25% is enough to keep him alive.
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Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum virtually tied for first place in Iowa
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Maria Cardona says the contest shows Romney can't make the sale to conservatives
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She says he has swung right to win their votes, which would hurt him in general election
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It also indicates that Romney still has an uphill battle to convince the majority of @placeholder voters that he is the one who can fully represent core conservative values and principles.