Two things are certain, the results out of Florida were encouraging for Mitt Romney, but discouraging for Republicans as a whole.
Although none of the other three candidates came anywhere close to challenging Romney in the Sunshine State, all three have vowed to remain in to the race deep into the campaign.
What the candidates don't realize is that their needless and prolonged competition is cancer for the Republican Party.
Take a look at the voter turnout numbers in Florida - which will be a vital swing state, a must-win if the GOP thinks it's going to oust President Obama from the Oval Office. When compared the the number of people who showed up to choose between McCain, Romney and Mike Huckabee in 2008, the number of Florida voters who casts ballots yesterday looks pretty pathetic.
In fact, Florida is the first state so far this cycle where voter turnout has gone down when compared to 2008. Not an encouraging sign for Republicans, who need decisive wins in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania is they want to take the White House.
Competition clearly hasn't mobilized the Republican base, and it may be the best strategy for the GOP to clear the field, unite behind Romney and engage in a yearlong attack on the incumbent president.
While none of the challengers have any intention of stepping aside, the upcoming Western caucus states could spell trouble for Gingrich.
Young voters will be absolutely key to the standings in the upcoming caucuses, but it's worth pointing out that Ron Paul (the favorite among millennials) in fact underperformed in the Iowa caucus. Has Paul's organization and overwhelmingly loyal support been overstated or will youth turn out in mass and hand him victory in an upcoming state?
No comments:
Post a Comment