[dirtboy]

Santorum showed how a candidate can rise from single-digits to the lead in a couple of weeks, so I don't think Perry should drop out now, as Perry's polls numbers could swing upwards and we IMO do not have a clear anti-Romney candidate at this point. However, if Perry fails to get traction in SC and remains mired around five percent, he really should get out at that point. Dittos for Newt or Santorum if they sink down into single-digit territory as well. And if one candidate out of the troika of Perry, Santorum, or Newt comes in well head of the other two, those two should get out before Florida.

Mitt's only chance (and his game plan) is for the anti-Romney vote to be divided up until it's too late. Conservative candidates should not oblige him.

[CainConservative]

BINGO!!

[skeeter]

Perry's numbers no doubt will improve in SC.

IMO the nightmare scenario will be the three candidates below Romney remaining neck & neck until it is too late.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

FReeper "dirtboy" you have been the most vicious anti-Perry poster on FR so DO not believe that I or any other FReeper who knows your MO is fooled by your "reasonable" appeal.

Gov. Perry is the best candidate to fight it out with Obama -- and the only one who isn't standing in quicksand. Perry has a record that Obama cannot dismiss.

[mikhailovich]

I'm sure Rick Perry is to blame for some of his miscues along the campaign trail, but I think Fox News has practically black-balled him as well. They have seriously damaged him and convinced viewers that Romney is the go-to candidate. I think this is why he's having trouble reclaiming support. Others will surely disagree, but I believe it to be true. When viewers watch Fox News telling them that Romney is the chosen one, week after week, and will barely even mention Perry's name, you have to figure a certain percentage of folks are left with the impression that nobody gives Perry a chance, and so we better move on to someone else.

my .02