GOP presidential race could turn into a regional delegate battle (Good primary summary)

WashPo ^ | 2-8-12

[CharlesWayneCT]

I’m not settled yet. I’m still a fan of the “let them compete” school, like Sarah Palin — drag out the process.

I’m just tweaking those who argued against me a couple of weeks ago insisting that Santorum had to quit.

And I wonder, looking back, what they think would have happened if Santorum had dropped out right after South Carolina, before the two bad Gingrich debate performances.

For example, Santorum had two good debates, landing solid attacks on Romney, and keeping him off-balance. GIngrich did poorly, the 1st debate he claimed because people couldn’t cheer, and the 2nd because Romney wouldn’t tell the truth.

But if Santorum hadn’t been there to knock Romney and “win” the debates, Romney would have been considered the winner.

And if Santorum hadn’t been in Florida, Romney would have taken more than 50% of the vote.

And if Santorum wasn’t in Colorado, Romney would have easily had 50%. Now, maybe Paul would have beat Romney in Missouri. But Romney would likely have won Minnesota as well.

And we’d be hearing about how Romney had overcome the problems of South Carolina, having won every contest since except the “non-binding primary” in Missouri.

I think how things turned out was much better than what they wanted, when Santorum was a stalking horse for Romney and should get out before he embarrased us all and gave Romney the win.

[Psalm 144]

“When did Florida secede from the South?”

When it became the end of the line for old Yankees and the start of an opportunity for young Latins.

[RoosterRedux]

When did Florida secede from the South?

You're not from the South, are you?

North Florida and the Panhandle are Southern...and they voted for Gingrich.

[RoosterRedux]

Yeah...but give Scientology another century and it will have all the credibility of the LDS!;-)

[VinL]

I’m just tweaking those who argued against me a couple of weeks ago insisting that Santorum had to quit
********************

Well, just for the record, I wasn’t one arguing against you.

I support Newt only for 1 reason- that notwithstanding his faults, he did mastermind the takeover of the house and did change DC with the Contract for America. As you know, in 2013, we have to immediately reverse the socialism- if not, it will become embedded with well over 50% receiving some “entitlement” from the fed gov’t. Thereafter, the only way that will change is when the country hits the wall.

I am sincerely convinced that Newt is the only one with the mindset and temperament to actually confront the issue— that’s simply his nature. Few doubt that- which is why we see the DC interests so universally opposed to him.

AS to Rick dropping out. If he had done so after Fla, Newt may have won Co and certainly Mn. - Perry, Rick, Sarah Cain would have coalesced around him- But, it’s conjecture at this point. It may not have happened that way.

Finally, I believe that Newt’s now talking brokered convention because that likely seems the current reality to him. If Rick catches fire and continues to win states, then Newt should support him. But, if the up and down trend continues, then no one will amass sufficient delegates- in which case, an alliance between Rick and Newt would serve to counter the considerable force of the GOP-E at the convention.

Rick’s direct challenge to Mitt in Mich may be make or break—if Rick wins, he’ll be formidable— If Romney pours all the money into the pot and damages Rick as Romney did Newt in Fla— the dynamic changes again.