By Steve Morris

A raucous mob of Ron Paul supporters celebrated the libertarian long shot's 12 vote victory in the BCRO straw poll as approximately 150 of the party faithful gathered early Saturday morning at headquarters.

But not everyone in attendance celebrated. McCain campaign insiders expressed dismay at the lack of planning and execution on behalf of the BCRO.  Some have speculated that a disengaged BCRO Chairman Rob Ortiz allowed the event to proceed in a disorganized manner. 

The McCain team sent esteemed five-term senator from Virginia, the honorable Sen. John Warner, an expert on foreign policy and military affairs, expecting a large crowd of McCain supporters and a landslide McCain victory in the straw poll.  Many McCain supporters turned around and left when they were informed they would have to pay a fee of $10 to participate in the straw poll, others complained about that the BCRO's lax efforts to contact county committee.

"It is amazing how Ortiz could hold phone banks on behalf of Rudy for President, placing thousands of phone calls per night, yet somehow, an overwhelming majority of county committee were not informed about today's straw poll," fumed one McCain supporter.

Runner up in the poll was John McCain with 40 votes, followed by Mitt Romney with 27 votes, and Mike Huckabee managing to garner only one vote.  McCain is riding a 28 point surge in New Jersey over the past two months, driven by his primary victories in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida.  In addition to the speeches made on behalf of the presidential candidates, Senate candidates Murray Sabrin, Anne Estabrook, and a representative from "Jersey Joe" Pennacchio's campaign all received an opportunity to deliver their message to straw poll voters.