Could Rick Santorum win the Republican nomination?

Washington Post ^ | December 27, 2011 | Jonathan Bernstein

[Cincinatus' Wife]

....."Perry set himself apart from Santorum in a session with the Quad-City Times editorial board last week - simultaneously praising the former Pennsylvania senator while setting himself apart.

"If we tie on our faith and our values, then what would be the tie-breaker?" he asked. He said it was his executive experience and economic record in Texas."... Source

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Texas Employment Update!

[Tanniker Smith]

Santorum? Sure, he could. If Newt implodes, he’s the next non-Rom in line.

[HighlyOpinionated]

If Republicans and TEA Party members want a true Conservative Candidate ... then Santorum should win hands down.

I think he has fewer skeletons in his closet than any of the other Candidates ... he could be the ‘sleeper’ who like Phoenix, rises from the ashes the Media and liberal GOP have made of the Republican Party.

I predict that the Liberals will be unable to rally their voters as they did in 2008. AND that the challenges in many, if not all, the “57” States regarding Obama’s citizenship may be more than the Liberals can buy their way out of. [Buy with money and/or muscle and/or judicial fiat.]

[Carbonsteel]

Unfortunately most Republicans voting in the primaries will follow in lock step with with whatever candidate the media props up for them and the really sad part is, that's usually the worst choice.

[Yaelle]

I can’t stomach newt. I think he would make a poor president. He is emotionally damaged and needy. Yes, he is a genius. But he is socially disabled. He is untrustworthy because his motivations are all within his own skin.

Santorum is smart, decent, trustworthy, an unabashed conservative. He does lack charisma, but it’s that charisma that gets those others into trouble. Santorum could actually drive the babysitter home without trying to cop a feel.

I’d like to see him get a nice chunk of caucus votes.

[Ranjit]

So many in this forum as been posting about how Romney and Gingrich are rhinos & they are going to loose against obama! If that is the case, why don’t we stand on principles and support sanatorum . Even if we loose, we can be proud of our vote. Not with Romney & Gingrich

[Yaelle]

You are right. At least 50% of republicans are Fox News republicans. Like my elderly parents. They think Romney would be a fine alternative to Obama. They say that basically any of our candidates are. And that is because they watch Fox religiously, and Romney is quite respected there. They never point out the truth about him and his positions.

[Gaffer]

Whut? Where? In Bizarro World?

[Ranjit]

So many in this forum as been posting about how Romney and Gingrich are rhinos & they are going to loose against obama! If that is the case, why don’t we stand on principles and support sanatorum . Even if we loose, we can be proud of our vote. Not with Romney & Gingrich

[Yaelle]

I’m in. Why don’t we trust a bright, trustworthy conservative over a powder keg genius?

[who knows what evil?]

Santorum could actually drive the babysitter home without trying to cop a feel.

ROTFLMAO!!! That is so true...probably one of the FEW American politicians at ANY level you could say that about...

[for-q-clinton]

Charisma worked for Reagan.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

It’s a long shot for sure. But if voters are looking at Santorum, they can’t help but give another long look at Rick Perry, who has the Texas record and the conservative credentials.

The “love affair” with Newt is souring.

The reality of Ron Paul has people alarmed.

The GOP establishment’s maneuvers for Romney are front page insults to 75% of GOP voters.

Gov. Rick Perry has the money and organization, and the message of small government.

[HamiltonJay]

Santorum can’t win a general election, but as crazy as this primary has been, who knows if he could win the nomination.. I don’t think so, but who knows.

[Hoodat]

If that is the case, why don’t we stand on principles and support Santorum.

Stand on principles? That's crazy talk.

[chuckles]

Just got a factoid that is disturbing. There has never been an incumbent president, that has lost the presidency, that had no primary challenge. If Obama isn't challenged, he will win, according to history. We will need the best we can get to win. The only winner I see that can chop Obama off at the knees is Newt. Romney has Obama care lite, Perry has the Alzheimer syndrome, Paul is unelectable in this galaxy, Santorum and Bachmann are fighting for 1%.

The history of the Repub party says they will put Romney in and we will have another Dole/McCain type fiasco.

I think many here that believe Obama will be an easy beat are in for a lesson. We better have someone that can balance the budget, speak in complete sentences, and get things done or we will be trounced. I don't give a crap if he divorced his ex wives or they divorced him. I want someone that can add and subtract.

[Gaffer]

I could believe Perry over Santorum....I’d even vote for Perry over Gingrich, primarily because I KNOW what Gingrich is capable of. If it’s between Perry, Romney and Gingrich on the Georgia ballot I’ll go with Perry in spite of his in-state tuition thing because I know Gingrich has the potential to backslide BIG TIME.

[Hoodat]

Charisma worked for Reagan.

Integrity and conviction worked for Reagan.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

You also need someone who has proven experience as an executive.

Match Perry’s record with Obama’s record.

It’s current and it is striking.

You many not care about Newt’s baggage but you should because it will be rubbed in the electorate’s face and half of them are women.