Romney? Huckabee? Rudy? Who knows?

December 21, 2007

With less than a month to go before Republicans go to the polls in the Palmetto State, I figured I’d write tonight about the contest for the GOP Presidential nomination.

First, I have no idea how this thing will end up. If anyone tells you they know, they’re lying - or just trying to impress you with their prognastication skills.

Most national pundits will tell you it all hinges on the early states and that some candidates are better positioned there than others. Will that momentum carry on to Florida, California, etc? Who knows? Could someone be shutout of the early states but come on strong in the larger ones? Who knows?

How will the votes shift when candidates start withdrawing from the race…after Iowa…after New Hampshire…after South Carolina? (Don’t forget about Michigan.)

What I do know is this: on any given day you see different information from different reports. And there has been alot of movement for almost all the candidates during the past several months.

Using quick google searches, here’s what I’ve found in the early voting states.

On the national level (NBC/Wall Street Journal poll), it appears Rudy’s lead has slipped and now Governor Mitt Romney has tied him for first.

Personally, I don’t give the national polls much weight since the votes in the primary come in on a state-by-state basis and momentum can change quickly if someone falls behind too quick.

In Iowa (the first state to vote), The Washington Post/ABC poll has it down to a two-man contest between Governors Huckabee and Romney - with no other candidate garnering double digits.

In New Hampshire (the next in line), Rasmussen has Romney in the lead with McCain gaining ground after Democrat/Independent Seantor Joe Lieberman endorsed his colleague from Arizona.

Right here at home, there’s conflicting reports but mostly they appear to point to again Governors Huckabee or Romney. Rasmussen has them tied for first while CBS has Huckabee first and Romney second.

As you know, my guy is Romney. He’s been the one that’s been attacked from Day One and so far he’s done very well. Others have surged or fallen but he steadily has impressed voters once they get to know more about him.

How many of you actually had heard of him until the past few months? He didn’t carry the same name-recognition of others but his message is obviously resonating with Americans.

Particularily it seems folks appreciate his tough stance on illegal immigration. Recently, I learned that SC may also be at-risk to having illegal aliens awarded scholarships or in-state tuition and I plan to file legislation to close any loopholes that may exist in current law. (Senator Kevin Bryant and I plan to file companion bills).

For me, several things led me to Governor Romney.

* He’s a proven leader with executive experience.

* He’s not a Washington Insider. He’s a successful businessman who can fix our spending problems.

* He’s a problem solver (Erased Massachusetts’ $3 billion dollar debt and rescued the scandal-plagued Salt Lake Winter Olympics).

* He’s not going to embarrass us (scandals, personal problems, etc).

* He has a vision for a positive future - stronger economy,stronger military, stronger families.

Regardless who you support, please remember to get out and vote next month in either the Republican or Democratic Primaries in SC. Both primaries should have a huge impact on the national landscape and will probably determine our next President.

Comments

6 Responses to “Romney? Huckabee? Rudy? Who knows?”

  1. Mom on December 22nd, 2007 3:48 pm

    Well written article. Let’s hope our guy wins and wins the Presidency.

    Mom

  2. COMMUNITY UPDATE: January 2008 : Nathan Ballentine on January 2nd, 2008 2:59 am

    […] the SC Democratic Presidential Primary will take place this month. Regardless of your party or your candidate preference, I encourage you to have your voice heard. The Republican Primary is January 19th. The following […]

  3. Sandra Schmale on January 2nd, 2008 4:50 pm

    Nathan:
    Points well taken on Romney’s experience, however, I say we take a longer look at Huckabee. He also has the experience of being a Govenor and brings strength in character AND refuses to run a negative personal campaign - but rather speaks to issues we must deal with, with strong, firm commitment, i.e., illegal immigration and foreign policy in the middle east. The one thing that probably keeps him from being the front runner for the Republican Party is his shameless commitment to God, through Jesus Christ.
    Hope to see you at the debate in Myrtle Beach.
    In his name,
    Sandra

  4. donald gray on January 2nd, 2008 5:24 pm

    Romney has lots of his own money elevating his campaign.
    I, for one, will continue to contemplate my options on the Democratic side. We truly need somebody to rectify the seven years of Bush mistakes. dg

  5. Will Floyd on January 3rd, 2008 6:40 am

    The two strongest candidates are Governors Huckabee & Romney. While I like Romney’s track record, I have struggled with the decision of who to support.

    The two public servants I trust and respect the most, you and Jim DeMint both endorse Romney. I know both of you are men of integrity and would not endorse any candidate that did not uphold the work ethic, beliefs and values you represent and that is good enough for me. Count me in for Romney and I appreciate the honest guidance you give your constituents. You remain a shining example of what is office holder should be.

  6. Mom on January 4th, 2008 8:34 pm

    Nice!

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