Complex sentence: Although Robinson had placed first on that ballot, with 655 votes, there was a loud "anyone-but-Svend" faction, and he sensed that most of Nystrom's supporters would go to McDonough on the second ballot, giving her the victory.
Split into simpler sentences: Although Robinson had placed first on that ballot, with 655 votes, McDonough seemed to be successful with her "anyone-but-Svend" rallying-cry to Nystrom supporters. He sensed that most of Nystrom's supporters would go to McDonough on the second ballot, giving her the victory.