With 99% of the votes counted Mr Santorum received a total of 24.6%, Mitt Romney just behind him with 24.5%, and Mr Paul gained 21.4%.
Veteran firebrand Newt Gingrich was positioned in fourth place with 13% of the vote.
It is the first round of voting for a Republican candidate in this year's US presidential election.
After a volatile warm-up lasting months, the world's longest political marathon has now started in earnest.
Front runner Mr Santorum had two words to announce to Americans as he took to a stage after the vote: "Game on!"
He added: "Thank you so much, Iowa. You, by standing up and not comprising, by being bold and leading with that responsibility you have as being the first state and taken the first step in taking back this country.
"Let me tell you, what wins in America is bold ideas, sharp contrasts and a plan that includes everyone from across the economic spectrum."
Mr Romney, encouraged by his vote, said: "I want to restore the principles that made America the hope of the earth."
He added: ""Thank you so much for all your help and onwards to New Hampshire."
Ron Paul, speaking to cheering supporters after the figures were released, promised to continue the battle for the Republican ticket.
"We have brought issues front and centre and it won't be long before there will be an election up in New Hampshire and believe me, we are going to keep scoring like we have tonight," Mr Paul said.
"We have come out of an election where there is essentially three winners. I have no doubt we will raise the money and we have the supporters."
Mr Gingrich, who has been on the receiving end of negative advertising over what is seen as liabilities for being a veteran Washington insider, was subdued while speaking to supporters.
"Everywhere we went people were positive. I think we are at the beginning of an extraordinarily important campaign," Mr Gingrich said.
"The ultimate goal of this campaign has to be to replace Barack Obama and to get America back on the right track.
"One of the things that became obvious in the last few weeks in Iowa is that there has to be a great debate in the Republican party before a great debate with Barack Obama.
Iowa-born Michele Bachmann was in last place among the six candidates, just behind Texan Rick Perry.
It was a sharp turn for the Minnesota congresswoman after finishing in first place during the Iowa Republican party's summer straw poll.
However Mrs Bachmann remained determined to continue and push ahead as the battle moves beyond Iowa.
"I know I am the candidate who can beat Barack Obama," she said.
"Who knows there may be another Michelle in the White House."
Chairman of the party in Iowa, Matt Strawn, told Sky's Greg Milam that the vote outcome showed how much flux the party is in.
"The Republican party is still unsettled," Mr Strawn said.
He added: "There is never a dull moment in Iowa politics."
No comments:
Post a Comment