With just a few days left before the Iowa caucuses, polls show an overwhelming majority of likely voters in the Hawkeye state prefer a conservative candidate over a moderate or a libertarian. That majority just can't seem to agree on which conservative and that leaves the very real possibility that a moderate or libertarian will win.

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According to the most recent poll of likely caucus goers, Moderate Mitt Romney and Libertarian Ron Paul each have 17% of the support. Collectively, the conservative candidates (Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum) have 53% of the support. Given that three of those four contenders have taken a turn at the top of the leader board and the fourth is currently surging toward the top, it's obvious that there has been no clear, consistent and lasting leader among them for Iowa's conservative vote. But when you look at their records, there should be.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann has spent the last year telling the American people what she has fought for but not what she has won. That's because her victories are few and far between. While her ideals are definitely conservative, she has yet to prove herself to be an effective leader during her three terms in Congress and before the first official vote has even been cast, her campaign is falling apart. Her most memorable moments in the GOP debates have been spent attacking fellow conservatives and conspicuously not attacking moderate Mitt Romney leaving many to speculate that the real job she seeks is that of Mr. Romney's Vice President.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich benefited from the fantasy debate matchup between the quick witted Mr. Gingrich and President Barack Obama without his teleprompter. But almost as soon as his poll numbers began to rise, his fellow Republicans and the media reminded the American people of his less than conservative record. Previous positions on issues like global warming, his consulting for government-backed Freddie Mac and how he has conducted his personal life quickly turned Mr. Gingrich from a frontrunner into another flavor of the month. Yes, he is a strong debater but he is not a strong conservative.

Former Senator Rick Santorum is currently enjoying a small bump in the Iowa polls, but this undeniable social conservative has a record of big government and big spending ideas when it comes to fiscal matters. A new ad from the Perry campaign not only reminds voters of then-Senator Santorum's demands for a billion dollars of earmarks and his landslide re-election defeat in the swing state Pennsylvania, it shows Mr. Santorum himself saying he's "very proud of all the earmarks" he's put in bills. With fiscally responsible government at the top of conservatives' wish list, Mr. Santorum hardly fits the bill.

Texas Governor Rick Perry remains the only true conservative in the race with the right kind of experience and a strong record of success. He has presided over a border state whose employment growth was 43% of the total number of jobs added to the US economy over the past 2 years. Speaking about the decision now facing voters, Governor Perry recently said, "If they are looking for someone who's got the executive governing experience in creating jobs and creating an environment where men and women can have the dignity to take care of their family, there's not anybody on that stage that even gets close to what I've been a part of in the state of Texas."

Of course Mr. Perry's stumbles in early debates caused his initially high poll numbers to drop. But strong debate performances since then and his consistently conservative positions in favor of tax reform, smaller federal government and states' rights have broad appeal. Governor Perry's record, proposed policies, character and proven leadership abilities make him the clear choice for Americans who want a conservative GOP nominee who can defeat President Obama in the general election and put the country back on the right track.

Certainly all of the Republican candidates have the right to continue their runs for as long as their energy and money lasts. But conservative Iowans don't have to help Mrs. Bachmann, Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Santorum postpone the inevitable. And they definitely don't have to help Mitt Romney or Ron Paul by splitting the conservative majority on January 3.