The first-ever Republican caucus in Strongsville ended with a straw poll that had Ohio's front-running candidate ahead -- by one vote.

Mitt Romney narrowly beat Ron Paul in the local caucus, held Monday night at Old Town Hall.

About 75 area Republicans heard representatives from four Presidential campaigns -- Romney, Paul, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum -- talk about their candidates' platforms.

"In the past, the (presidential) race was pretty much decided by the time (Ohio) got to vote," Strongsville Republican Club President Dave Gusman said. 

This year, "there's a good chance we won't know who the delegate is by the time of the convention." he said.

The vote showed Romney ahead with nearly 35 percent of the ballots, followed by Paul with about 32 percent. Santorum garnered about 28 percent and Gingrich, 5 percent.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates were Gingrich delegate Val Palmer of Strongsville, Maryanne Petranek for Paul, Lisa Stickan for Romney and Dale Flowers for Santorum.

• We'll have more coverage of the caucus, which included a visit from an international news crew, later today.