Two women from eastern Iowa played a crucial role in explaining the final tally of the Iowa Caucuses to the rest of the world early this morning. Mitt Romney’s 8-vote victory over Rick Santorum was decided as results from Clinton County were finally delivered to the state central committee well after 1 a.m.
Edith Pfeffer, chairwoman of the Clinton County Republican Central Committee, was contacted by CNN to help explain a discrepancy in the numbers. CNN’s John King was interrupted by Pfeffer on air.
“The numbers we’re receiving from the state do not match the numbers we just received from the county chairwoman in Clinton County,” King said. “What do you mean the numbers don’t match?” Pfeffer piped in, drawing laughter from the crew at CNN.
Pfeffer was tracked down by Carolyn Tallet – who had to go to Edith’s home and wake her up after she didn’t answer her cell phone to report the numbers to the state. The conversation between Edith, Carolyn and the CNN reporters was a hit with viewers.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper pointed that out to Tallet. “You’re trending worldwide, apparently, on Twitter. Are you big on the Twitter?” Cooper asked. “Not so good. I just got an iPad for Christmas, but I don’t know how to work it yet,” Tallet said to another outburst of laughter.
Tallet was back at work today and said she’s ready for her time in the spotlight to be over. “It’s two minutes of fame and it’s said and done, but we were glad to be part of it,” Tallet said. “They wanted us to go live on CNN today and we both declined.”
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer ended the early morning call by praising Edith and Carolyn’s efforts. “You’ve done amazing work. All of us are very proud of you and we’re proud of Iowa,” Blitzer said. “And you know, from little kids, we always learned that every vote counts and that was underscored on this day.”