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[Michele Bachmann DROPPED OUT] A much-needed boost solidifying her as a mainstream contender, although victory in her birthplace might allow rivals to discount a win. [Newt Gingrich] A chance to cement a role as front-runner ahead of Mitt Romney. Also might reduce the nomination to a two-man race between candidates who have spent little time tramping Iowa this year, focusing instead on TV appearances and debates. [Ron Paul] That a broad slice of Iowa Republicans is totally fed up with government. Paul has been drawing big crowds in the state, and some predict the climate of voter disgust gives a good shot at finishing high in the caucuses. [Rick Perry DROPPED OUT] A badly needed lift for a campaign that surged early as a credible Romney alternative, then sank. Perry and a large posse of influential Texans are barnstorming Iowa, a mark of how crucial he considers the caucuses. [Mitt Romney] That he's survived an onslaught of "anybody but Mitt," particularly among Christian evangelicals. And that — despite spending little time in Iowa this year — he heads to home turf in New Hampshire with a good chance to head off a longer, costlier nomination battle. [Rick Santorum DROPPED OUT] A bolt of lightning. He's worked hard in Iowa, traveling often to the state this year. Despite that and an enthusiastic core of supporters, he has not yet been able to overcome his low poll numbers. [0] 
What a win in Iowa would mean
2012 Republican presidential candidate bios - Omaha.com interactive documents
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