Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Rick Santorum’s campaign? (Rick Leaving Florida)

Legal Insurrection ^ | 1-25-2012 | William A Jacobson

[TitansAFC]

Rick Santorum has said he will be in the race for the long haul, and I have no reason to doubt his sincerity.

But what message does it send his supporters in Florida that he’s not even hanging around for election night?

Failing to show early signs of momentum in the Sunshine State, presidential hopeful Rick Santorum on Wednesday signaled he may be cutting out of Florida before the state’s Jan. 31 primary.

Speaking to reporters here, the former Pennsylvania senator said was unsure if he would be in Florida the night of the primary, committing only to campaigning in the state over the next two days. On Saturday, he’ll head home to Virginia for fundraisers and to prepare his tax records which he plans to soon make public.

His voters strongly prefer Newt over Romney according to the latest PPP poll:

If Rick Santorum drops out between now and next Tuesday, Gingrich will be the beneficiary. His voters prefer Gingrich over Romney 50-23, and in a field where he’s no longer a candidate Newt’s lead expands to 43-36.

Will an unofficial drop out, at least in Florida, be the differerence? I don’t see how he revives his campaign unless he can be competitive in one of the prize states.

But he can do damage at the debate Thursday night, and leave with a bang.

[Gator113]

I wouldn’t put it past him to show up at the debate to announce that he’s dropping out and endorsing Romney. LOL

Actually, he could.

[upsdriver]

Florida is winner take all. If Santorum has no chance of winning it there’s no reason for him to waste time and resources there. He’ll go work to work in the Super Tuesday primary states. I doubt he’ll do any better there.

[Cobra64]

He has to get home to get his taxes, b/c ya know what he said: “I do m’own taxes, and they’re on my computer at home, and nobody’s home to get ‘em...” What a goofball.

He is a goofball. He reminds me of this guy...

[Cobra64]

Time for him to pack it in. Unfortunately I think he will endorse the liberal.

Ya think...?

[Sun]

STAY in the race Rick, but leave Florida, the land of liberal snowbirds, who often vote twice, in Florida, and their home state.

[Hugin]

He’s hoping Newt will somehow crash and burn, and he will be the last “not Romney” standing.

By the time he gets home and releases his taxes, nobody will care.

[Hugin]

That’s quite a statement. Somehow Santorum always did remind me of an 8th grade hall monitor.

[ken5050]

Partially correct...Santorum is leaving the state because he’s running out of $$..if he was in it for the long haul, you stay..maintain a presence..putting down a marker for the NEXT context. If he leaves now, it’s hard to convince backers and voters next time lout that they aren’t wasting their time and $$.

[caww]

Santoum will be played by both sides as long as he's willing to be played. He certainly realizes he's doing this for his own political advantage regardless if he knows or not he's done. But I'm not so sure he needs to bow out just yet....much depends on how badly the establishment can ruin Newt and they are going head strong as I write.

Drudge is really p*ssing me off as are Fox and Beck, Coutler etc. Don't listen to them anymore for they've bellied up to the Democrates IMO. Disgusting doesn't say enough!