Straw poll winner Mitt Romney took a jab at national GOP frontrunner Rudy Giuliani and Sen. John McCain for not participating in today's event.

"It is too bad the other guys weren't competing here," Romney said. "If they thought they could be successful, they would have been here. Their decision was not based on a decision of strength. They guys would have played if they thought they could have won."

Romney was criticized in June by some insiders for making the decision to compete in the straw poll, but his campaign stressed he was committed to the process. That process began Saturday, he said.

"We get started here," Romney said. "This is the kick-off for my campaign."

The last two GOP nominees won the Ames straw poll and the Iowa caucus.

-- By Chris Dorsey