Final results of the Free Republic 1/9/2012 non-Romney Conservative Straw Poll (see post 548)

Jim Robinson

[Crichton]

1. Santorum
2. Perry
3. Gingrich - most likely of the three to endorse gay marriage or global warming or whatever else the Left wants

[maine-iac7]

NEWT

it’s Newt or the end of our country = real simple

but too many people have been schooled in gov’t propaganda/indoctrination schools - where individual thought was not in the curriculum

[laffnatu]

Perry! Then Newt! They are the “Right” choice!

[TheCornerOffice]

I’d choose Newt because of his extensive, in-depth knowledge of history and world affairs, his ability size up a situation (strategic dealings with world leader or debate question) and see not only the big picture, but multiple perspectives that allow him to come up with insightful, innovative ways of expressing an opinion that boxes in his opponents.

I believe his conservative leanings are sufficient.

I believe his religious conversion is genuine.

I believe he can and will represent America well in dealings with leaders of other countries (friend and foe).

I believe he will take seriously the economic challenges and apply his problem-solving skills effectively.

I believe he is our best chance of defeating Obama from the current list of choices.

[Rumierules]

Rick Santorum.

I’ve been impressed with him.

Hope he is still a realistic choice when we vote in Florida.

[Wolf-Lake]

Newt

[bamafour]

Newt

[MrEdd]

Santorum.
Could hold my nose and vote for Newt.

With me, if it were Perry I go third party or write in the general election again, same as I did when they went with McCain. That is not negotiable.

[Texan]

Perry

[bcsco]

Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry in that order. At least that’s how I feel right now. As for Paul or Huntsman, pffft.

[shield]

Perry

[Redleg Duke]

Newt, of course!

[Inspectorette]

Even though it's most likely wishful thinking, I'm still hoping (and praying) for Perry. He has, without a doubt, the most qualifications to be POTUS: Successful three-term governor of a huge state that is doing well economically; pro-life; served his country as a C-130 pilot in the USAF; LOVES our country; good family man with a gorgeous wife accomplished in her own right; humble roots; tough as nails.

Alas, his speaking manner (slow-talking Texan) and early debate gaffes have doomed his candidacy. It pains me to see that he has become a late-night joke for the likes of Leno, Letterman, etc.

[Earthdweller]

Santorum

[Cato in PA]

Newt, reluctantly. I’ve been rooting for Santorum since this all got started, but his lackluster performance after “winning” Iowa was disappointing. He’s a better conservative but a lousy salesman. If we’re going to pry votes away from Romney, and presumably Obama, we need the candidate who has the best chance of getting people to change their minds.

I like Perry, but he’s lost his support and probably isn’t going to get it back.

[CynicalBear]

I’ve narrowed in for Newt

[dfwgator]

If it isn’t there for Perry in SC, I hope he drops out...but I would be very happy if he is Santorum or Newt’s VP Pick....considering that Perry is the only governor in the race.

[SunStar]

Newt.

[Tigen]

Newt

[Psalm 144]

HAD to choose TODAY?

Newt.

I prefer Perry, but I don’t see any evidence for a rally.