But once again the real issue isn’t fringe candidates like Santorum and Newt Gingrich but the anointed candidate of the GOP establishment: Mitt Romney. It’s a bad night when you can’t get more votes than you did the last time you ran (and lost), and Romney consistently underperformed in all three states. In part, this may have been because Gingrich wrote all three states off, which meant hard-core conservatives who distrust Romney could rally behind a single candidate. But more pointedly, the results show a real lack of enthusiasm for Mitt, the same problem that dogged him in South Carolina. Turnout was lower in counties that Romney carried in 2008, and his percentage of votes was lower as well.
Does any of it matter? Not as far as the nomination is concerned. The cards are stacked in Romney’s favor, as are the dollars. Yes, the party faithful will go home with him when the bar closes at 3 am, but not before and only because they have to go home with somebody. The longer the GOP primary season goes on, the more flawed Romney looks. If he can’t seal the deal when faced with three weak, underfunded candidates, how will he fare against an incumbent president who is on track to raise nearly one billion bucks?
The federal circuit court ruling on Proposition 8 may give Romney one opening. Marriage equality remains the one topic that the once pro-gay Romney can use to establish his bona fides with Religious Right voters and to hammer Obama. That’s why he made such a big deal of the court ruling. He needs to get evangelicals on his side to put the nomination away once and for all. We’re going to prove the ideal punching bag for Mitt to prove he’s not a weak sister after all.
photos by Gage Skidmore
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
divkid
john gallagher “….how will he fare against an incumbent president who is on track to raise nearly one billion bucks?”
well, that’s that then.
what your missing out of the equation, however, is … events, dear boy, EVENTS.
…like a major fuck-up derailment such as the israel’s likely/perceived likely attack on iran’s nuclear facility (this is the last conceivable opportunity to do so). another war anybody!?
can the president stand up the israeli lobby (should he?) … how will the evangelical right, those false-friends of zion, capitalise.
so many dilemmas. so little money.
the other Greg
The Grumpy Old People’s (GOP) Party, whose grandkids have all been to “juvy” for meth, have spoken!
Robert in NYC
Don’t underestimate this dumb electorate. Santorum could well get the nomination judging from his success in Minnesota. If he takes one more state, he could well be the nominee. Republicans want a real conservative and Santorum is the last guy standing. That’s just who’ll we get if disgruntled Obama gays vote for Santorum out of spite and anger or stay home in November. Voting for Ron Paul to punish Obama is going to help Santorum.
Elmwood Mac
Funny thing is this delusional putz probably went to bed last night thinking he has a chance to be President. That some funny shite!
Drake
@Robert in NYC:
“… judging by his success in Minnesota. ” That state had a wrestler for a governor not long ago, and is where Michelle Bachman is elected to spout all her phony facts. The rest of the country is not that bad.