LAST NIGHT SAW US voters head to the polls for the first time in the race for the White House, with Republicans gathering for caucuses to select their candidate in Iowa.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney appears to have emerged with a narrow victory in the conservative state – but only edged out rival Rick Santorum by eight votes.

Other candidates, including Texan Rick Perry and Tea Party firebrand Michele Bachmann, may be forced to reconsider their campaigns after weak performances. Here’s the night in pictures:

In pictures: Feelings run high as US presidential race kicks off

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Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa
Behind the scenes in Iowa

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Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

Behind the scenes in Iowa

More: Mitt Romney secures Iowa win in tight GOP presidential contest>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.