[SteveAustin]

In a way, I guess Newt running might not be a bad thing because Newt isn’t going to focus on this stuff.

I think the GOP has a winning coalition for 2012 if we can focus entirely on economic freedom issues and freeing up the economy.

I’ve been talking to my independent friends. They get all riled up when Bachman or Santorum start up on social issues. But when we focus on cutting spending and regulations to start the economy they start thinking they can vote GOP.

[GlockThe Vote]

I speak to tons of people. The social issues are a pure loser.

[Yashcheritsiy]

I’ve been talking to my independent friends. They get all riled up when Bachman or Santorum start up on social issues. But when we focus on cutting spending and regulations to start the economy they start thinking they can vote GOP

That's funny, I know a lot of independents too, and most of them think that taking firm conservative stances on social issues is pretty important, right along with the economy.

Guess it just depends on the kind of independent (hint: they're not a monolithic group, no matter now much pollsters and commenters like to think they are).

[DNA.2012]

That myth is pushed every election season: "If only Republicans would go left on social issues, millions of Independent votes would magically swing their way!".

It just isn't true.