The 2012 Iowa caucuses are finally here as candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination compete against one another in the leadoff vote of the election season.

The race for the Hawkeye State has proven unpredictable and appears to be heading toward a photo finish with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum in a dead heat.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, U.S Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), and Texas Gov. Rick Perry find themselves fighting to place in the top three. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who has invested little time and resources in Iowa, is on the ground in New Hampshire with his sights on the state's primary election, which will take place next week.

Check out the live blog below for the latest developments out of Iowa.