GOP UPDATE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan Photos Courtesy of Getty ImagesAs the GOP Battle continues its path across the United States, the clear cut winner in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado was Rick Santorum although the results were non-binding. However, Mitt Romney declared victory on Saturday in Maine and in a conservative straw poll with 38% of the vote to Rick Santorum’s 31%. Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul trailed behind but have said they will fight on and not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
The voter turnout in Maine was far less than expected, less than 6,000 voters.
Questions about Romney’s core convictions are raising burning questions as to the electability against President Obama in November if Romney were to make it as the leading nominee of the Republican party to run up against Obama. Romney is striving to make his point that he is a strong Conservative with his opposition to same-sex marriage, abstinence education in the public school system and his veto efforts on a bill that would have made it easier for young women to obtain abortions. His comment,”I am severely Conservative” has drawn strong and wide criticism from many in his party, in the political world as well as activists and radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh.
Even though the next 11 days will be quiet with no primaries, no caucuses and no debates, there are doubts as to whether Romney will be able to face President Obama in November. The next major event is a February 23rd debate on CNN and then the Arizona and Michigan primaries on February 28th and Washington state on March 3rd followed by ‘Super Tuesday’ on March 6th. At that time, 10 states will decide who gets the 437 delegates that are at stake.
We will see if Rick Santorum can try to keep his winning momentum going to overtake Mitt Romney in the polls.
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