Rick Santorum declared Iowa winner

The Politico ^ | January 21, 2012 | Reid J. Epstein

[2ndDivisionVet]

GREENVILLE, S.C. — On the eve of the South Carolina primary, ­ Iowa Republicans dealt Mitt Romney’s campaign a blow by formally declaring Rick Santorum the winner of their Jan. 3 caucuses.

At 18 minutes before midnight Friday, South Carolina time, the Republican Party of Iowa released a statement revising its Thursday announcement that reported Santorum ahead of Romney but also saying the two-week-old race had no clear winner.

“In order to clarify conflicting reports and to affirm the results released January 18 by the Republican Party of Iowa, Chairman Matthew Strawn and the State Central Committee declared Senator Rick Santorum the winner of the 2012 Iowa Caucus,” the state GOP’s statement read.

The news that Romney — who for two weeks celebrated what he jokingly called a ‘landslide’ eight-vote victory in Iowa, only to see it reversed this week when the state GOP certified Santorum the leader by 34 votes — officially lost the first contest muddies his narrative, especially as Newt Gingrich surges in the polls in South Carolina...

[Blado]

Hey Rick, that and $1.50 will get you across the Bay Bridge. Oh wait.. it’s more now?

[cricket]

Perhaps Mitt wanted it that way. NH has more 'impact' and historically; whatever Iowa does; NH determinedly; does the opposite. 'Who knows' and whatever. South Carolina tomorrow; and am pulling for a Newt win. . .big time.

And yes; the RNC/GOP Ordained, candidate; not knocking any socks off. . .not now; OR later, folks.

[cricket]

If he wins; we are in bigger trouble; not less.

[Tennessee Nana]

Willie Mitty doesnt do losing very well...

[Darkwolf377]

It would be unkind to caption that photo with what it brings to mind, so I won’t.

[ScottinVA]

Yep.. Santorum has the only win in a truly contested state (Face it.. NH was Mitt`s all the way), and HE`S the one who should leave??

[Lauren BaRecall]

So all this blah blah “since 1980 EVERY winner of the SC primary went on to win the nomination” doesn’t mean much because they moved the date up?

Well, well.

[littleharbour]

I’ve never understood the logic of those who believe that they can win the support of others, by attacking the candidate the others support. Gingrich has been saying very nice things about Santorum, while making it clear he doesn’t believe that Santorum has the organization or resources to compete against Romney in the long haul. Those of you who want Santorum supporters to turn to Gingrich when, likely, Santorum drops out, should try to be a bit more gracious. The honey vs. vinegar analogy still applies to most things in life.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

Roy Orbison wasn't fat, nor was he a lady. But he sure could sing.

[harpu]

Yes, Maggie, BREAKING NEWS!!

[InterceptPoint]

May newt and Rick somehow Both come in ahead of Romney somehow tomorrow!

I have to disagree with that.

Newt will win but we are best served if Santorum under-performs and decides to drop out of the Florida primary. We need votes going to Newt and not split between multiple conservative candidates. Rick is not going to win. He had a nice run but now it's time for him to go.

[Caipirabob]

On the eve of the South Carolina primary, ­ Iowa Republicans dealt Mitt Romney’s campaign a blow by formally declaring Rick Santorum the winner of their Jan. 3 caucuses.

Per the plan, denying Rick Santorum any momentum for this campiagn. The rinos in the GOP need to be purged or we need to disband/reform the GOP entirely. They are corrupt and possibly not salvageable after a maneuver like this.

[Caipirabob]

I agree. Rick Santorum got screwed and deserved FAR BETTER as did all of us!

The GOP has declared war on all conservatives. High time we return the favor.

[Rational Thought]

Here's where you're wrong. There will be more damaging stories about Gingrich's past coming out in the next couple of weeks. You might decide to ignore the stories, but I'm far from certain the rest of the electorate will. If they don't, you will be still looking at a Romney nomination, as there would be no other choices.

In my opinion, Santorum is still the best overall choice as an opponent for Obama. But, looking at the bigger picture, even if you're a Gingrich supporter, it's dangerous this early on to put everything on the line with a guy with this much baggage and one who has a history of making self destructive statements.

Think of the candidates this election season who have had such devoted supporters here, only to see them let their supporters down. Bachmann, Perry, and Cain are three great examples. Let's be patient here, and let events unfold.

I hope for either Gingrich or Santorum to win SC today, as my short term strategy is ABR.

[BagCamAddict]

Bump.

[kindred]

"I’m a Newt supporter and have my own issues w/ Rick S. regarding his record and stances. However, this is another glaring example of the blue blood, RNC manipulation of the conservative electorate with pay to play politics. How many weeks did we have to endure Rove and the Republican elite ...
It is truth. I have despised the rino right for their liberal marxist go along dealings with the evil marxist left and all the damage they did when George W Bush was President. We do not need a rino in the liberal GOP, we need a conservative who will go to war against all liberal marxist politicians who hate God, family, and country.

[ohioWfan]

They should have done this immediately, and not so far after the fact.

It might have done Rick more good, if the Iowa GOP weren't such schmucks.

[PapaBear3625]

Newt will win but we are best served if Santorum under-performs and decides to drop out of the Florida primary. We need votes going to Newt and not split between multiple conservative candidates. Rick is not going to win. He had a nice run but now it's time for him to go.

If Santorum loses SC and is polling badly in FL, his best bet would be to endorse Newt in exchange for the VP slot.

[NFHale]

Lighten up.

So Santorum is “a loser” and Obama is the winner???

Whether he becomes the nominee or not, Santorum’s on OUR SIDE...one of US.

You need to think about who the enemy is and redirect your gleeful bile there.

[Rome2000]

The only thing I know for sure is that this had better be the last time Iowa and New Hampshire go first.

It's clear that those contests are worthless and are used by the country clubbers at the RNC to sway the process.