Super Tuesday Sets the Stage
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThe GOP Candidates were eagerly looking forward to Super Tuesday this week. Would all their hard work at campaigning efforts pay off? Who would take the lead?
It came as no surprise that Mitt Romney won the most delegates, along with the most states. He accomplished six victories in one night winning Ohio, Massachusetts, Idaho, Vermont, Virginia and Alaska.
The delegate split breaks up in this way: Romney – 419, Santorum – 178, Gingrich – 107, Paul – 47. In order to win the nomination, one candidate must have 1,144 delegates. It seems like a tough road ahead. The competitors will not easily lay down their swords. They seem to want a fight to the finish and even though Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi primaries are soon approaching, an undeniable presidential nominee will most likely not become clear until May or the beginning of the summer. Even though Romney would welcome his opponents dropping out, if one just dropped out, it might be less than welcome at this point in time. Santorum and Gingrich often divide the anti-Romney vote and enable him to win contests that he might otherwise lose.
It is also no secret that Romney at times seems out of touch with middle-class voters and seems to reveal inconsistencies in his beliefs and his stands on certain platforms such as proposed tax cuts and the federal minimum wage. Santorum seems to identify better with the average American and feels that he has what it takes to change Washington. He still carries optimism and proved victorious in three Super Tuesday states; North Dakota, Oklahoma and Tennessee. Gingrich took his home state of Georgia. Ron Paul could not claim victory in any state.
Newt Gingrich must win in at least two of the upcoming primaries to be able to justify his place in the race.
But will the campaign funds hold out? Romney’s campaign raised $11.5 million in the month of February while Santorum’s campaign raised $9 million.
Not only are Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Hawaii holding their caucuses next week but Guam, Virgin Islands and American Samoa are also in the big picture next week.
The economy still remains the largest concern amongst voters as they head to the polls.
Mitt Romney has seemed to pick up some influential backers such as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia; Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn; former Attorney General John Ashcroft and the latest that will bolster him in the upcoming primary, Alabama Governor Bob Riley.
We wish all the candidates the best of luck and may the best man win in the caucuses that take place next week. We will keep you posted.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AP and GETTY IMAGES
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