[codercpc]

In my opinion, so take it for what it is worth, if you really want McCain out, the best way to do that is have Rudy win Florida. They share many of the same voters, so it would put a huge skid on McCains traction to lose in Florida. If Mitt wins, I don't think it necessarily puts McCain out, only if Rudy beats him. So in reality the choice would be Mitt vs Rudy or Mitt vs McCain. And the only way for Rudy to stay in over McCain is a Florida victory. I don't think both of them can remain viable after Florida.

So if you really want McCain out, your best is to vote Rudy in Florida. Or at least make sure he has a better showing than McCain. Right now McCain is actually the one leading the big states, but that could change back on a dime if he loses momentum in Florida.

[9YearLurker]

Yep, Rudy’s a bit of a thug, but Mitt is oily.

Best thing now is for a flare in support for Rudy. Rudy at least was wildly more successful as mayor of NYC than Romney was as governor of MA. Best of all worlds might well be a brokered convention, and that best happens if Rudy is at the table, while McCain is stalled. I don’t vote until Super Duperdom, but I think I’m leaning in Rudy’s direction about now.

[teddyballgame]

I think after FL, Rudy finishes third and it’s a two man race between McCain & Romney. Whether or not the other candidates realize it.

[WOSG]

Nope. Rudy is toast. No hope.

The only one who can stop John McCain now is Mitt Romney.
McCain is 1 in national polls, Romney is #2.
Rudy is now *4th* in the national polls. A Rudy win in FL would be a fluke that would not stop McCain. Besides, the polls now show Rudy is *3rd* in Florida. And prolifers and consrevatives like me are *fine* with that. As bad as McCain is, Rudy is a more flawed and compromised candidate in other ways that, like Huck, would split the party up.

Thompson pulling out helps Romney the most. Romney is the most conservative among Romney, McCain, Rudy, Huckabee.
A Romney win in FL sets Romney up to lead in delegates by a wide margin and to win in Cali and most of the west states, and share some of the other states too. He would then be leading after feb 5th and then 1 on 1 in remaining states, Romney beats McCain.

We have 2 scenarios: McCain wins Florida and then wins Feb 5, or Romney wins Floridan and above scenario plays out.

Florida is a truly winner-take-all state.

[Matchett-PI]

I’m open to whatever option works. I’m keeping my powder dry until the last minute so as to let things settle out somewhat between now and next Tuesday the last date we can vote. There is supposed to be a debate on Thursday night this week. McCain must be stopped. bttt