AMES, Iowa (AP) – Michele Bachmann is the winner of the Iowa Straw Poll. For the tea party favorite, it was a display of popularity and organizational strength — five months before the Iowa caucuses begin the GOP presidential nominating season. Texas Congressman Ron Paul finished a close second. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has sparred with his home-state rival Bachmann in a debate and on the campaign trail, finished a distant third.

Pawlenty made it clear he’s not dropping out, despite a disappointing finish. He said, “We have a lot more work to do” — but that his campaign is “just beginning.” Today’s poll doesn’t necessarily predict who will win the Iowa caucuses. But it shows that Bachmann has some support in the state — as well as the strongest get-out-the-vote operation and widest volunteer base.

In speeches throughout the day, candidates assailed President Barack Obama and offered themselves as the answer to America’s high unemployment, rising debt and stock market swings.