And now it's time for some Santorum...

[BentSailor]

And it is totally not my fault that sounds icky!

With tonight's hat-trick, the last of the "I am not Romney" candidates moves into the spotlight for a turn at Republican Primary Carousel. With everybody else (still in the running) having had a turn, it's time for the mob to move onto the last guy who hasn't yet blown it by... well, being actually looked at by the public!

For what it's worth, I think this one might last just a touch longer than the others. Santorum hasn't pitched quite as many brainless economic policies as the others (though that is a low bar to set) and, more importantly, he is running on a socially conservative & high religion platform.

As I said from the start (and has been confirmed by everyone from Fox News to the Washington Post), the Catholics & evangelicals that make a major portion of the Republican base are not friends of Mormonism. In fact, they are (as institutions) pretty strident in their opposition to major elements of the faith. Like it or lump it, religion plays a major part in US politics and it's about to become centre-stage.

Santorum, I believe, would be annihilated in the general election due to where he sits on social issues & religion, but when it comes the Republican base - he's got some major advantages of ole Mitt. Ought to get interesting

[Tempest]

I've never thought Santorum could win a national election. I have been impressed with the way he articulates his positions and is fearless in his convictions. I don't know how much these latest wins are a vote against Mormanism as opposed to a vote against Obama Care and Romney Care given the recent rulings from HHS.

Catholics are not pleased with government telling them what they have to do in their institutions. I would venture a guess that regardless of ones religion, these rulings will continue to be hotly debated. I think the Obama administration has made a huge tactical error. Unless of course they wanted this battle?

[killarney_sailor]

I agree with Tempest in several respects. I think Republican voters look at Santorum and see a basic honesty and consistency that has been lacking from people like Romney and certainly Gingrich. Sort of like the feeling that a lot of people have about Ron Paul. Having said that, both Santorum and Paul have the same problem. They are honest and consist about policies that do not resonate with a significant majority of non-Republican voters. If I am Obama I would very much want to run against Santorum because of the policy problems he has. Romney, in the general election could come across as a reasonable, moderate alternative to Obama so it would be tougher (although Romney has his obvious problems).

Looking at it more broadly, I wonder if what is happening in this election is really a continuation of the process of redefining what the Repulican party really is, and how disparate interests (Tea Party, Evangelicals, Fiscal conservative/social liberals, Big Business) can make a lasting accomodation - if indeed they can. From the Republican perspective it must be very frustrating, to have a vulnerable, incumbent president with all the economic baggage that Obama has, and not be able to put forward a strong alternative to the American people. It does not matter who emerges from the primary process: Romney, Santorum, Gingrich - they have all been revealed to be very flawed candidates. I suspect a lot of right-leaning voters may just decide to stay home in November because they will have no enthusiasm for the GOP candidate.

[Alibaba]

Santorum.. The Comeback Kid.. personally I hope he wins a few more Primarys. AS MY Former Pennsylvania Congressman, Senator and politcal opposite, It gives me a chance to revive some of my old Santorum jokes, and memorys Of all the times he Stuck both his feet in his mouth.

[LandLocked66c]

When is Ron Paul's turn?

[LandLocked66c]

[BentSailor]

Originally Posted by Tempest

I don't know how much these latest wins are a vote against Mormanism as opposed to a vote against Obama Care and Romney Care given the recent rulings from HHS.

Exit polls that actually ask the question of religion have shown it to be a a significant issue for Romney. It's not the complete picture and, unless someone has done some exit polling and not reported it about yesterday, we're not likely to know how much it played in these primaries; but it is a big element that Romney really cannot do much about.

Personally though, I still think this is the result of it being Santorum's turn. There is a demonstrated willingness in the Republican polling and primaries to jump on the next band-wagon as the flaws of the previous Not-Romney come to light. Santorum is pretty much the only one left who hasn't been taken for a spin.

As to the people that should actually have a say on RomneyCare, we're not going to hear about that until "Super Tuesday". Last poll I saw of Massachusetts citizens has only 21% against the law.

Catholics are not pleased with government telling them what they have to do in their institutions.

My understanding is that the Catholic institutions are being told what they have to do to keep receiving money from the government. That's not to say that people are not complaining about the rules, but it should be par for the course in that any institution taking money from the government for performing a service do so as per government instruction.

[knothead]

Ron Paul still has the best theme song.

[BentSailor]

Originally Posted by knothead

Ron Paul still has the best theme song.

I seriously don't want to hear the Santorum theme song... let alone watch the video.

As you raised the subject, Ron Paul is still failing to "convert". More importantly, the major things I agree with him on are actively booed & jeered in the debates. I don't see his presidential candidacy getting any more likely.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by Tempest

Catholics are not pleased with government telling them what they have to do in their institutions. I would venture a guess that regardless of ones religion, these rulings will continue to be hotly debated.

At least the ones that are Catholics first and Americans second.