Nearly 80 people entered the IowaPolitics.com caucus prediction contest, but only one correctly picked the top three finishers in each party. The key was correctly picking Fred Thompson's third-place finish on the GOP side; twelve people picked the top three Dems and top two Republicans correctly, but only the winner correctly placed Thompson in third.

That winner, Brian Sears, is a 17-year-old high school senior from a town in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Here's the bio he sent in after being contacted about his win:

"I've been involved in politics since 2001, serving on various campaigns, putting out voter guides, managing voter registration drives, and promoting citizen activism. This past summer, I represented North Carolina at 2007 American Legion Boys Nation; past attendees include former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator Joseph Lieberman. Other activities include Air Force Junior ROTC, Chamber Choir, global missions work, writing newspaper columns and church activities. After graduation, I plan to attend either the United States Military Academy, the Citadel, or the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. After college, career possibilities include the military, Christian ministry, and public service."

Sears wins a free one-year gold level subscription to IowaPolitics.com.