Posted on 12/27/2011 7:04:15 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
With a week to go, Mitt Romney appears to be in good shape. But Iowa (as Nate Silver reminds us) can be highly volatile, and it’s certainly possible that Romney could finish as low as fifth there. Even if he finishes first or second, a surprise third-place (or second-place) finish by one of the current longshots might spark a surge for that candidate, just as Gary Hart’s distant second in 1984 was followed by his stunning upset of Walter Mondale in New Hampshire. What if it’s Rick Santorum who breaks into the top three?
I’ve been saying for some time now that it’s likely that the GOP nomination will go to a candidate who qualifies on two counts: He or she must have orthodox positions on policy issues important to conservatives, and he or she must also have conventional qualifications. Since late summer, only Romney and Rick Perry remain from a group that once included some seven or more plausible nominees, and so I’ve been saying that their combined chances of winning the nomination are very high. (I’ve usually floated a number around 95 percent or so.)
What of Santorum?
[snip]
.... Basically, if Romney has to match up against Paul, Gingrich, Bachmann or Huntsman one on one after the early states, I think Romney is as close to a lock as you can get in politics. Against Perry? I have no idea. I guess I’d say that Romney would be the favorite against Santorum, but I’m not at all sure that he’d be an overwhelming favorite. Or, to put it one more way: If there’s a 5 percent chance that someone other than Romney or Perry gets the nomination, I’m increasingly inclined to think that most of that 5 percent belongs to Santorum.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
"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
Santorum? Sure, he could. If Newt implodes, he’s the next non-Rom in line.
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.]
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.
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
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.
Whut? Where? In Bizarro World?
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
I’m in. Why don’t we trust a bright, trustworthy conservative over a powder keg genius?
ROTFLMAO!!! That is so true...probably one of the FEW American politicians at ANY level you could say that about...
Charisma worked for Reagan.
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.
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.
Stand on principles? That's crazy talk.
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.
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.
Integrity and conviction worked for Reagan.
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.
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