Santorum was in the state more than anyone other than
Huntsman. Romney never went after Rickie with negative ads.
It’s a terrible showing for Rickie the Sweater.
Gingrich, Santorum and Perry need to go to a pub for a few beers and sort this out before SC. If all three stay in, Romney will win SC by default and his momentum will then be unstoppable. I don’t think they can wait until FL to see who is going to be the conservative standard bearer for the remainder of the primaries.
The GOP seems to be headed for another pick based on the “it’s his turn” theory of mediocrity. This is the mentality which saw Dole get the nod in 1996 and McCain in 2008. The number 2 from the previous primary gets the brass ring, because they have the money, name recognition and establishment support which is very difficult to overcome by any newcomer. A very poor way to select a candidate, because you’re counting on someone who was rejected by your own party 4 years previously to now be acceptable to the entire electorate. There’s something to be said for a fresh face (Reagan, Bush Jr).
http://www.sos.nh.gov/presprim2012/RepSummaryPres.htm
Here’s the official numbers!
97395 Romney 39.39
56485 Paul 22.84
41626 Huntsman 16.83
23312 SANTORUM 9.42
23174 NEWT 9.37
1761 Perry .71
942 Roemer
485 Karger
347 Bachmann
248 Robash
181 Johnson
160 Cain
247223 Total