[SamAdams76]

In the 1980 Iowa caucus, Reagan finished a close second to George Bush. Bush had 31.6% of the vote and Reagan had 29.5%. Even so, it was considered a crushing blow for Reagan (who recovered quickly in NH).

If Gingrich comes in 4th tonight, as it appears he will, I will have to say that Newt is pretty much finished. Looks like Santorum is going to be our best hope to prevent Romney's nomination.

[tennmountainman]

Thanks for the history lesson. I knew Reagan did not finish 1st, but did not know where he finished. Santorum may end up being the Anti-Romulus.

[D-fendr]

Both Bush and Reagan had depth and staying power. That’s not the case with Santorum or Perry. Perry is skipping New Hampshire.

The Iowa bump will be short lived, N.H. is one week away and will be the new latest thing.

Huntsman is going all in for N.H.; Ron Paul will do well there, but won’t count; Romney is likely to do better than he does in Iowa. Gingrich is behind Romney and Paul, about even with Huntsman and about double Santorum.

Santorum will get a bump, but I don’t see him beating Newt there. Then comes the South and if Newt could well trounce the other notRomneys.