In a vote that mirrored Kansas, Barton County Republicans cast their ballots for underdog Rick Santorum, a former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. Santorum campaigned in Kansas Wednesday and Friday.
Santorum’s conservative pitch resonated with Barton County Republicans, who cast 154 ballots for him. Republican delegate leader Mitt Romney had 56 votes. Newt Gingrich had 41 votes. Texas Congressman Ron Paul had 17 votes.
Supporters of each of the four candidates spoke briefly during a lively one-hour caucus at the Great Bend High School auditorium.
Troy Byer spoke in behalf of Gingrich, the former Congressman and Speaker of the House. He liked Santorum’s social conservatism. But he thought Gingrich’s Contract With America proved he could get things accomplished despite opposition from the left and right.
“He made everybody mad, but Contract With America accomplished nine of their 10 goals,” Byer said.
Barton County student Ethan Smith spoke in support of Paul, who is the only candidate to serve in the military. Smith liked Paul’s support of a balanced budget and his support of civil rights.
Romney supporter Wendell Hickson called the 2012 Presidential election “the most important election in our lifetime.” Hickson said he believes the Republicans will unite with the eventual winner from a list of candidates he considers strong. Hickson believes Romney has the best chance of beating Obama one-on-one.
“Defeating Obama will not be easy and that is what this election is all about,” he said. “He does better against Obama than any other candidate.”
Hickson said Romney, the former Massaschusetts Governor, is a person of faith who maintains strong values. He likes that Romney has been involved in creating jobs. 
Dick Friedeman endorsed Santorum, who opposes governmental-controlled healthcare, affectionaly called “Obamacare.”  Friedeman said Santorum opposes healthcare measures that forces people into buying a plan they don’t want while limiting freedom for healthcare choices.
Friedeman painted Santorum as a true conservative candidate with political principle who has Christian beliefs.
“He is someone who can debate Obama and he is someone who can make a point,” Friedeman said.  
While the candidates drew debate, everyone agreed on the theme of making Barack Obama a one-term President.
“The main thing is that we beat Barack Obama,” Friedeman said.
Statewide, Santorum was receiving more than 50 percent of the ballots cast.
The 40 Kansas delegates will be divided under a formula that is partially proportional to the caucus vote. Romney has 441 delegates pledged to 183 delegates for Santorum, according to a tally by The Associated Press. It requires 1,144 delegates to earn the Republican nomination for President.