Newt’s pretty easy to spell so I guess he’ll still have a shot too. ;-)
If either one is perceived as a front-runner by the time the primary rolls around, they should be able to mount an effective write-in campaign.
Romney and Paul did awful in Virginia last time, although Romney had dropped out by then. I think it would be a huge advantage for Newt if he was the only other choice on the ballot than them. But if he doesn’t make it, then write-in campaigns for anyone else still in the race should be plausible.
Not sure if all the below actually made it on the ballot last time, but if so it’s quite bizarre that only 2 or 3 made it on this time.
Candidate Votes Percentage Delegates
John McCain 244,829 50.04% 60
Mike Huckabee 199,003 40.67% 0
Ron Paul 21,999 4.50% 0
Mitt Romney* 18,002 3.68% 0
Fred Thompson* 3,395 0.69% 0
Rudy Giuliani* 2,024 0.41% 0
Total 489,252 100% 60
Knute hopes you are right.