From her observation of the recent Republican presidential candidates debate and Iowa Straw Poll, State Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, came away with a better idea of who the contenders and pretenders are in the race for the 2012 GOP ticket.

She has an early favorite, and it isn’t latecomer Rick Perry, the Texas governor who announced his candidacy Aug, 13, the same day U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota won the Iowa Straw Poll to affirm her status as a serious candidate in the Republican race to challenge President Obama in 2012.

Perry, a write-in candidate for the straw poll, strategically stole Bachmann’s thunder.

“(The media and others) are drumming up a candidate who has no organization, raised no money and who used to be a Democrat to get into the race,” Roach said of Perry, a multi-term governor who has a conservative record as a tax cutter and job creator but stands in stark contrast to the accomplishments of other Republicans. “If he wanted to (run), he wouldn’t wait until August,” Roach added. “I don’t want a reluctant candidate. I want someone with the stick-to-it-ness.”

That someone is Mitt Romney.

Roach (pictured) says the former Massachusetts governor has the necessary means to challenge and win a difficult race for the White House.

“Romney has the organization and money. He has demonstrated that … and that’s what it is going to take (to win),” said Roach, who attended the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ annual conference in Des Moines, Iowa, as state director for the organization. The fiery politician, a six-term senator who represents District 31, was appointed to the key leadership role in April.

Roach also attended the closely scrutinized debate and Ames Straw Poll, a first for her.

“It was an incredible experience,” she said.

Roach’s early vote goes to Romney. They share similarities. They are seasoned politicians who are quick on their feet. Both are big on family and faith. Both were raised Mormon.

“Romney gave a good presentation. He seemed presidential,” Roach said.

Romney – along with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman – didn’t actively campaign for support in the straw poll, despite their names appearing on the ballot.

Roach said the debate nevertheless showcased a wide spectrum of personalities and possibilities, giving voters a choice. The list of candidates range from a woman and former lawyer, Bachmann, to an African-American businessman and politician in Herman Cain. There is U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, a former medical doctor with a Libertarian slant, and Jon Huntsman, a mediator statesman and charismatic Republican technocrat.

“They are broadening out the Republican spectrum for the public,” Roach said. “They have a little bit of everything that makes the debate interesting.”

The Republican presidential field promises to weave and shift, making for a much more competitive race, Roach said.

Bachmann, like Perry, has her share of shortcomings, Roach said.

“There is a lot of attraction for Michele Bachmann, but I don’t think she could win a general election,” Roach said. “When you look at (2008 Democratic presidential candidate) Hillary Clinton, she has the demeanor and the record of someone who has gotten over being the ‘female issue.’

“Unfortunately, perception (of style) over subject matters to a lot of swing voters, so while I think Hillary Clinton would be a good female candidate who absolutely could win, I can’t say that about Bachmann,” Roach said.

Bachmann might be better served to remain an effective voice in Congress, Roach said.

“The Republicans need to be focusing on a candidate who can win,” Roach said. “The candidate who has the best organization and the best ability to bring in money has already been demonstrated. That well-spoken, educated and accomplished candidate is Mitt Romney.”

Whoever wins the GOP ticket, Roach is looking for a change in the Oval Office come 2013.

“Absolutely,” she said. “Our country is desperate right now for someone who can lead us in economic recovery. There is virtually no perception that Barack Obama can do that.”