Posted on 01/27/2012 8:24:21 PM PST by Mariner
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (AP) Rick Santorum is tired, almost broke and going home.
The former Pennsylvania senator is taking a pause from Florida campaigning just days before the Tuesday primary that even he expects to deal him a third consecutive loss.
Santorum says he would rather spend his Saturday sitting at his kitchen table doing his taxes than campaigning in a state where the race for the Republican presidential nomination has become a two-man fight between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.
The cash-strapped candidate acknowledges that he simply can't keep up with the GOP front-runners in Florida.
"We're going to talk about the Constitution and talk about being a strong conservative," Santorum said at an event here this week. "And that's all we can do."
Outside advisers are urging him to pack up in Florida completely and not spend another minute in a state where he is cruising toward a loss. But Santorum insisted on Friday that he would return once he has readied his taxes for public release.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Well, seeing that he has already served 3. but I guess you know it all
And when newt flames out, and he will mittens will be all that’s left
You are very naive to believe that. Whoever has the media, has the votes. All your vote says you believe the propaganda.
I'm voting against their propaganda.
Paul and Santorum know they won't win - seems ego has no room for patriotism by their actions.
They are, basically, CAMPAIGNING for MITT right now because they know/America knows they will not win. If the truth hurts, good. It's my country, also, and I want it to survive and thrive - just like those who willingly died for it!!! FUMR - you commie!
And he has less than ONE left but I guess you know it all.
I’m with many on this thread that wish he was just going home and throwing his support behind Newt. Who is paying this guy to hang in there and take votes from Newt?!? Go home Rick! Like Perry, you are NOT ready yet!
I too am a conservative with morals. Sure Newt has his ghosts but they are out. It thought we saw the kitchen sink thrown out at Palin. This last week we saw that and more. It is only beginning. It makes me sick!
Am I electing a savior? No, I already have Him! I am voting for a man to go in there and clean up this mess. I’m voting for someone that can take out 0bama. I’m voting for someone to take it to the machine. Is Newt part of that machine? Maybe, but I know his love for this country. Mittens? Who is this guy? Sure as heck don’t trust him. Yuck!
Signed,
Irate from Italy :-)
Maybe he has 2 sets of books, one in the freezer? Just kidding, but apparently he does not want anybody doing it for him.
I do my own taxes also.
Oh wow My bad, what is 357 days until he’s run out of town.
Have any of us seen Santorum’s campaign finance data? Have we analyzed it? If so, maybe we can say some of the things that have been said, but I wouldn't base my views on a headline without fact-checking and analysis.
By the way, editors write headlines. The reporter may never have seen the headline before it was chosen.
Now on the points that have been raised:
1. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul have both pretty much ditched campaigning in Florida. They show up for the debates, and in Santorum’s case he puts in appearances for groups of Florida supporters who are strongly committed to him and have a legitimate desire to hear from their candidate. But both know that Florida is a winner-take-all state and have focused their attention elsewhere — Paul because he wants to build up a group of delegates committed to advancing the libertarian agenda within the Republican Party and Santorum because he knows he can't be anything but a spoiler in Florida. I would think FReepers who are supporters of Newt Gingrich would appreciate him for that.
2. On taxes: given the demands that Romney release his tax forms early rather than waiting until April, I think Santorum had no choice but to do them ASAP. Also, look at all the criticism other candidates have gotten for tax troubles — not just at the presidential candidate level but in many other campaigns. Many candidates and elected officials have blamed their accountants. By going home to do his taxes personally, Santorum has made it impossible to say anything other than “I personally screwed up” if something goes wrong. I can respect that — some things are too important to leave to someone else, though I have zero problem with people delegating taxes to others if they believe the other person is better qualified than they are.
Of course, everyone has a right to run. But he also has the right to drop out as soon as he could see that it was evident he had no chance of winning.
We ALL know what votes to Rick are doing for Newt. It will result in Romney obtaining more votes and winning.
If I was a Santorum voter, I’d be comfortable with Newt’s 98% pro-life voting record and live to see another day. Their positions are close enough on most everything else. Santorum could potentially be his VP pick and have enormous influence and respect. Instead he’s taking this road ...I have no earthly idea WHY.
Thank you for the info. David Limbaugh is speaking at the Texas County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner next week, which is one county away from me. You may have just given me the reason I needed to justify the drive.
Here's a local link for those interested: http://www.houstonherald.com/news/rush-limbaugh-s-brother-to-speak-at-county-lincoln-day/article_d2701f28-45de-11e1-929c-001871e3ce6c.html
I agree with you 100%, But I also know Newt has done things in the past like teaming up with San Fan Nan on the couch. that makes me think he could say or do something to flame out and hand it over to mitt if Rick is out.
Good point!
And then their is Geithner...Can you say TAX CHEAT? HA.
I really like him and if he could do what Perry did then he not only get a lot of respect from the base but he will also get much more help for his future.
Rick dropping out before the election here is Romney.s and the establishments worst nightmare and if we are to stop Govt health care, defend marriage, get better judges instead of the liberals Romney has put on the bench then hope fully Rick sits down with Newt and Newt offers him a great position for him putting country first
Was your '4' in days? No. Changing it, instead of keeping it honest, is so Mitt and Barry like. Showing accountability for an error is the conservative way. And that goes against the liberal grain to do so.
I like your post. I do not think Santorum has to drop out right when he is on a roll. I see there being a chance he could come in 2nd. Or close. And if he dd, msybe then he’d become more viable. I don’t think it has to be Romney or Gingrich. Stranger things have happened.
I saw that on Twitter. David Limbaugh is a steady, committed, family oriented conservative, and his endorsement of Rick says a lot.
that would be when a new president will take the oath.
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