He’s being kind by listing a Final Four
It’s Cruz or Walker
Huckabee is in there solely because of the social issues and his support for him the last time around. But Cruz has all the religious attributes Deace liked in Huckabee plus more which is why he gave Cruz the better chance of winning in an earlier article.
Jindal could have been a contender but he went after Cruz on his “Obama is the biggest sponsor of terrorism” comment” indicating Jindal might weasal out later on. If Deace is trying to make a decision by August, chances are there won’t be time for Jindal to break ahead.
Walker - I bet Deace’s wife likes him more than Deace. Being a Governor could trump Cruz, but is it enough? I think they’ll wait for the debates to see that sort out.
But I think it’s pretty clear Deace is going towards either Cruz or Walker and just being kind to Huck and Jindal.
One thing to note, no mention of Trump. Deace isn’t buying that crap either which is a good thing.
Cruz wins IA and SC, finishes 3rd or better in NH and he’s on his way to the nomination. All entirely doable.
Deace is a legend in his own mind. There was a vacuum of GOP power for a while when Gov. Branstad stepped aside. The vacuum was somewhat filled by Bob Vander Plaats and Deace, among a few others. Their influence has conspicuously waned with the return of Gov. Branstad.
Cruz will make a strong enough showing in Iowa to embarrass his naysayers, but it’s most likely Walker, with Branstad and Ernst backing, will finish first. And it’s certainly possible newbies could flood in for a Trump first place, but most likely they would leave party control to the Branstad crowd.
I like your optimism. The polling that shows Trump out in front is bogus...I have been trying to tell people that. Most of the polls used aren’t even Republican polls.
Deace was on the Cruz bandwagon early I thought...he liked Huck last time around. The only place I disagree with you is that I think Walker is out and the top 2 are Huck and Cruz. The thing is that Cruz has a TON more money and better ground game. He will outlast Huck.
Jindal, not a chance and I am not sold on Walker in IA. Maybe he will win; wouldn’t surprise me, but not certain.
I agree with you on Cruz in SC and I think top 3 in IA and NH. And, he will sweep the South, TX, etc. Surprise call...Cruz takes Florida.