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January 15, 2008
Scrambled Eggs
Just when you thought the 2008 race for the Republican presidential nomination was finally beginning to show some structure, Michigan goes and messes everything up. That's right folks, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, a Michigander, handily won the GOP primary there this evening, besting Arizona Senator John McCain by nine points.
Michigan was clearly a must-win for Romney. He grew up there, his father was governor of the state, and after an expensive strategy of investing heavily in Iowa and New Hampshire failed to produce a first-place finish in those two states, he badly needed a victory to avoid a collapse of his campaign. And by notching a win, he has rescrambled the Republican field.
McCain had clearly grabbed the momentum after an impressive win in New Hampshire, with various national and upcoming primary state polls showing him ahead. A closer look at those polls, however, reflected softness in that support. While McCain gained a modest lead, GOP voters remained quite open to an alternative. Today in Michigan it was Romney. In South Carolina in a few days, it may well be Huckabee. Later in the month, Giuliani, who managed just 3% in Michigan today, is hoping he's the guy in Florida (if he isn't you can kiss Rudy's campaign goodbye.)
In other words, split results in upcoming Republican primaries appear very likely, which means the race will likely drag on at least to March 4th, (when Texas votes and could be decisive), or possibly further. Some analysts even speculate the GOP race could go all the way to the national convention this summer. Such a possibility is stunning to contemplate. This is the party of order! Republicans don't do primaries, they coronate nominees! Not in 2008 - further evidence that the coalition George W. Bush has held together for the last seven years is coming apart at the seams.
So, on the GOP presidential candidates go. No one has the upper hand and fundraising is tough sledding for all of them. (Romney's personal wealth gives him an advantage in this regard.) Looks like this race is going to go on for a good while.
Posted by houtopia at January 15, 2008 10:34 PM
Comments
Just thought you should know that we have been contacted at our blog-site near Houston and several residents have informed us that Half-Empty, a blog of the "Democrats Club" in Fort Bend County and avid Ron Reynolds supporter has been on a mission since September to run-down Dora Olivo (D) TX HD 27. These voters told us that the HE site has been blocking posts meant to defend representative Olivo. Apparently halfempty and a very influential family of bloggers in that community are responsible for this censorship.
I just thought this hypocrisy should be pointed out and the fact that their candidate does take money from some HillCo PAC (Perry Homes) political recipients that are supporting Reynolds. They also continue to attack another TPA progressive blogger for just pointing out the truth about their candidate and his civil case and admissions to the TX bar association.
Very disingenuous, if you ask me. Please look into this if you can.
Posted by: txblogger at January 21, 2008 03:28 PM