Posted on 01/28/2012 1:45:42 PM PST by GR_Jr.
Mitt Romney has pulled ahead of Newt Gingrich in Florida with a nine-point lead, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. 'I think if Romney wins this, it's over for Newt,' one pollster says.
Reporting from Jacksonville, Fla.— After months of gyrating front-runners and inconclusive voter tests, a victory by Mitt Romney in the looming Florida primary would send the 2012 campaign down a well-worn path — pointing the most established GOP contender toward a highly competitive race against President Obama in the fall election.
If Newt Gingrich wins, the contours of the battle would be radically different: a prolonged intraparty struggle unlike any the GOP has seen in decades, pitting the former House speaker as an insurgent force against many present and former elected officials he once led, with unpredictable consequences in November if he is the nominee.
Romney has, for now at least, pulled ahead of Gingrich in the roller-coaster campaign for Florida. An opinion survey of Florida Republicans, released Friday by Quinnipiac University, showed Romney leading Gingrich by nine points, 38% to 29%. Rep. Ron Paul and former Sen. Rick Santorum were far back, at 14% and 12%, respectively.
"I think if Romney wins this, it's over for Newt," said John McLaughlin, a veteran Republican pollster who is unaffiliated in the presidential campaign. Looking ahead, Romney has the advantage in the Feb. 4 Nevada caucuses and other, largely symbolic contests next month, including a nonbinding Feb. 7 primary in Missouri, where Gingrich failed to qualify for the ballot.
The statewide poll, conducted Tuesday through Thursday, was the latest indication that Gingrich's surge after his Jan. 21 win in the South Carolina primary had evaporated in this week's summerlike heat. The same survey had Gingrich ahead by six points just after South Carolina voted.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
BS. Gingrich wins by 5.
I think Newt folks are just keeping their cards close to their chest.....aka lying like hell to pollsters.
Yesterday’s poll. Means nothing. People’s minds are still in a state of flux with all the back and forth and I don’t think we will know until actual votes are counted. Carter was leading Reagan in all the polls almost right up to election day 1980.. and then lost 47 states.
I hope Newt can pull it out. I’m not optimistic though Fla voted establishment last time.
Thanks GR_Jr..
Then Rick and Newt won, so it became a "long an drawn out primary, with only an handfull of delegates decided.
Now, with only 50 out of over 1000, they are again saying a Mitt win means its all over, but a Newt win would just drag the process out further.
Does this make sense to anyone? Why doesn't the RNC just coronate Mitt now and get it over with?
Why should I believe the Los Angeles Times?
GALLUP DAILY: GOP Ballot Tracking: Gingrich 32, Romney 26 (1/28/12)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2839345/posts
ALL Polls are propaganda every time all the time..
Even if the Poll goes the way you want it to..
Only weak minded individuals with no real values accept and /or depend on Polls..
What do you believe and how much do you believe it?..
If you are a sheep you need a Shepard..
It’s not over til it’s over.
Anybody who can donate should go to Newt 2012 and donate whatever they can. Romney has outspent Gingrich 5-1 in Florida, and he has been campaigning here since 2008 and figured out the procedures. Gingrich and in fact all of the other candidates were actually doing something else with their lives, but Romney was already out there setting up his strategy and buying favors (such as Rubio’s favorable comments, because Romney “endorsed” Rubio in his campaign), so Romney was way ahead in Florida and should actually be doing better.
The tricky thing with early voting - where Romney got a lot of seniors and snowbirds who are probably registered in two states - to do early voting for him may be what puts him over the top. I have read that many of them regret their votes, but unfortunately it’s too late now. However, it shows you how tricky he was.
Also, if the race were just between Gingrich and Romney, Gingrich would win overwhelmingly. But with Paul and Santorum sucking off that crucial margin, the victory has gotten more difficult.
But it can happen.
I was supporting Newt until the last two debates. Now I am for Romney. But whomever is on the ticket against Obama, even if we had a dead mouse on the ticket, I would vote for the dead mouse.
FL won’t be as huge a win as it is in normal years; it has had half of it’s delegates stripped for holding it’s primary early.
I don’t know...some FL tv stations have stopped taking Newt’s ads...they say they need time to check out their truthfulness first...of course...they have no problem taking Romney’s.
Funny . Last week everyone believed the SC polls.
All the early voting is a wild card in Florida. Newt and Mitt and have swung back and forth according to the polls during absentee and early voting. Florida is a huge and diverse state. I think it will be close.
Thanks Rick and Ron. If Newt loses, we have you to thank.
Both should be home with their families and feeling good about having directed their supporters to Newt before leaving.
I agree about the early voting, Livius. It will probably favor Mittens. Loved what you said about the other candidates “doing something with their lives” while Romney and co. were out manipulating and lying to seniors.
Reminds me of Bam and his worthless life. Campaign or bust.
Who cares about getting anything done for the American people?
Then, you’re no better than flip-flopping Romney! Sheesh! How can someone go from supporting one candidate to another, based on two debate performances. Were I Newt, I’d tell you good riddance, and don’t let the door hit you in the backside on your way out!
Based on historical statistics, GOP-E analysts believe that the 12% FL Hispanic vote will “go with the perceived winner;” therefore, Romney has a vested interest in projecting himself as the winner regardless of the facts.
I am not one who “buys” into these types of generalized theories; especially in this highly unusual race. Lets not let all the propaganda panic us. I seriously doubt that Romney has a large lead and there is still time.
Why are you for a liberal? Please get educated about the issues, the candidates and who would best lead our country. That’s Newt. BTW, this is Freerepublic. No Romney, No Way, No How. Bye!!!!
Go Newt!
You know that sounds pretty dumb, right? What was said in the last two debates that would change your mind?
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