Article updated: 1/4/2012 5:38 AM

Romney declared winner over Santorum, by 8 votes

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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, takes the stage with his wife Ann at his caucus night rally in Des Moines, Iowa.

Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, joined by wife Karen, left, addresses supporters at his Iowa caucus victory party Tuesday.

Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, tries to quiet the crowd at his caucus night rally, Tuesday.

Associated Press

David Gott, right, of South Amana, Iowa, discusses one of the Republican party platform planks up for consideration at the Honey Creek, Marengo, Washington precinct caucus siteTuesday in the home of Eric and Kim Zuber in South Amana.

Associated Press

Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a caucus day rally Tuesday at the Temple for Performing Arts in Des Moines.

Associated Press

About this Article

Vote by precious vote, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney battled improbably to a virtual draw early Wednesday in Iowa's Republican presidential caucuses, the opening round in the race to pick a challenger to President Barack Obama in the fall. Officially, Romney won by 8 votes. Santorum and Romney garnered about 25 percent of the total, while Ron Paul was in third with 21.5 percent.