Posted on 01/14/2012 3:50:40 PM PST by Bigtigermike
(Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has opened a wide lead over his rivals in the South Carolina primary election race, trouncing Newt Gingrich and gaining momentum in his march toward the party's nomination, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, could all but quash his rivals' presidential aspirations with a victory in South Carolina on January 21 after winning the first state-by-state nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Voters in South Carolina - who have favored Republicans in nine of the last 10 presidential elections - appear to have shrugged off attacks on Romney by rivals who accuse him of killing jobs as a private equity executive for Bain Capital in the 1990s.
The poll showed 37 percent of South Carolina Republican voters back Romney. Congressman Ron Paul and former Senator Rick Santorum tied for second place with 16 percent support.
Gingrich, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, has fallen far back after holding a strong lead in South Carolina in December. He was in fourth place at 12 percent in the Reuters/Ipsos poll.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Well, kudos for lasting as long as you have on Free Republic. My only question is, why are you still a registered Democrat?
Those of us who didn't vote for "Greene for Senate", know better.
I am really REALLY feed up with the campaign commercials. Can't wait for Tuesday to cast my "anyone but Romney" vote.
Well hell....half registered Dems....i woulda expected worse
Lindsey Graham keeps winning his Senate seat without running against a viable Republican opponent. Some of us are that stupid.
Social liberals claiming to be ‘fiscally conservative’ always stab us in the back. No sale. I’ve caught 3 Newt supporters just today saying that social conservatism cannot win.
Guess what, you just cost Newt the nomination.
Yes, social conservatives matter. And if Newt got that then he’d be winning. But he doesnt, because, as I said earlier, his support isn’t conservative. It’s moderates and independents, that would rather see Romney win then nominate a social conservative.
It’s sad, really sad. But true.
Gingrich is the ONLY one on our side who's got the requisite skills, gravitas, experience, track record, guts, intelligence, and support, to knock out Romney AND Obama in 2012.
He's also the only one who has demonstrated the requisite fealty to America's Founding Ideals and national character to be worthy of the job.
He really shot imploded, didn't he? I was impressed with him being the voice of reason during the debates. He was great, but now he looks like the only thing he is interested in is revenge against Romney and the country be damned. He really lost his message and focus.
We’re being McCained again.
I expected the poll to show Romney Paul Newt Santorum given the splits.
But Romney Santorum Paul Newt? That makes no sense to me. I can’t really understand how the poll would underestimate Newt while not doing the same for Santorum.
For all your posts on this thread, I applaud in your general direction.
I know, I know, but at this point in 2008 how many McCain supporters could you find? The independents who you will not find on political forums like FR, are steering this ship. I agree with Rush, if Newt or Santorum want to surge and knock Romney out of number one, they are going to have to turn their broad-fire attack back on Obama. What they have been doing this last 10 days or so is hurting them more than helping.
That is a sobering reminder.
I guess I’ll have to hold my breath for 8 more days. ;>)
When I registered to vote hereabouts if one wanted a say in local elections one had to be a Democrat . The two Republicans in the county didn't count for much (that is very different now). I came to appreciate being able to write to the then Democrat governor and starting my letter with "As a registered Democrat..." which allegation could be and was checked. The Democrats have better parties and picnics than do the Republicans. I get all the Democrat spam and hear the Democrat buzz so I know what they think they are going to accomplish, at least with the locals. I even voted for the Democrat candidate for School Superintendent once when the Republican candidate was hopelessly venal while the Democrat was competent and worked out well.
I retain my registration because I seem to be able to stay on top of some things better. I also see less and less reason to register as a Republican. There has not been much worthwhile in that party since Reagan.
Truer words were never spoken, my friend. Even now, Sarah could enter the race, and rally the base around her. I don't think there's another living American who could pull us together like she could.
From what I understand, that is what's wrong with NH. You can be a resident for a day and get to cross over parties to vote.
That is the only way a nut like Paul could come in 2nd anywhere.
Romney supporters on FR have gone underground posing as Ron Paul supporters because JimRob doesn't put up with them.
Then again you do have stupid trolls who might take the bait and answer your question with their Romney talking points.
Neal, remember that line from the Harvard professor in 1972 who said he was shocked that Nixon was reelected because he knew NO ONE in MA who was for Nixon.
Does SC have an open primary? I have asked the question but never got an answer.
SC’s primary is open.
Florida’s is not.
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