January 19, 2012
This past week, Rick Perry has announced that he will be dropping out of the race of the Republican candidacy. After falling into last place in the South Carolina polls, and being urged to end his campaign in order to support the anti-Romney movement, Perry has decided to give his support behind Newt Gingrich.
In his speech, Perry spoke of Gingrich being the "conservative visionary" to win the GOP nomination. However, how strong can his support truly be if he feels the need to mention that Gingrich " is not perfect". Although Perry was severely losing to the other candidates, this appears to be a move of arm twisting on Perry's behalf.
With this seriously effect the election? With Perry's endorsement, Gingrich can now attract more votes from Perry supporters. Considering the fact that the two candidates were drawing votes from a similar type of voter, the elimination of Perry entails that all support from this similar group of people can be thrown behind Gingrich.
However, many have speculated that this endorsement will not greatly change the race at all. With Perry only bringing in 4% of the votes in South Carolina, this move is being used a plot to combat the Hunstman's endorsement of Perry. Although not a definite game changer, one candidate will be effected by Perry's decision, Rick Santorum. WIth Santorum trailing just behind Romney, Perry could have been the boost he needed to take the lead in this race. Ironically, with the speculation of Santorum being encouraged to drop out and support Romney, Santorum actually won the Iowa caucus- not the first declared winner, Romney.
With the removal of Huntsman and Perry from the race, the movements or decisions of the candidates (and the drop outs) are unpredictable. Will Allegiances form to create a Romney vs. Anti-Romney Republican Primary? Will more candidates drop out unexpectedly, or will a new front runner emerge? More to come.
http://theweek.com/article/index/223455/rick-perry-quits-and-endorses-newt-gingrich-game-changer
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