The vote tabulation of the top three candidates in the 2012 Florida primary is official: Mitt Romney at 46.4 percent, Newt Gingrich 31.9 percent and Rick Santorum 13.3 percent. The percentages don’t lie: If either anti-Romney candidate was not on the ballot, and all Gingrich’s votes went to Santorum, or vice versa, Florida could be facing another traumatic recount. On the other hand, if only half of either of the anti-Romney candidate votes had gone to the other candidate, Romney’s victory would be a tenuous single digit victory.
Even though only four of the 50 primaries or caucuses are complete, do either Gingrich or Santorum need to drop out of the race to stop the Romney tide before it’s too late? if so, which one? Of course, the Gingrich camp feels Santorum should drop out, and is hinting to that effect by saying voters should not waste their vote on Santorum. Santorum replied that it was early in the race, and Gingrich should not rush the situation.
Santorum has a point: It is early in the primary schedule, and although Gingrich has a solid lead over him, the Republican masses are not clamoring for Santorum to cede. Besides, Santorum is as conservative, if not more so, than Gingrich, and does not carry the baggage Gingrich does. Romney’s campaign tactics, and subsequent blowout victory in Florida, proved that Gingrich’s baggage is a liability.
However, the November election format needs a rough, tough, Republican candidate to withstand the Chicago-style election tactics President Obama and his campaign staff will unleash. Does Santorum have the experience, knowledge, and backbone to stand up under the withering attacks he will certainly endure if he’s the victor in the Republican primary? On the other hand, is there any doubt Newt Gingrich can not only withstand any nonsense that emanates from the Obama camp, but possibly return it double-fold? (Is there anyone who believes the upcoming Presidential election campaign will be a Sunday school picnic?)
Therefore, at the present time, Gingrich and Santorum resemble the irresistible force that meets the immovable object; a standoff. Suggestion: How about a Gingrich-Santorum ticket, or a Santorum-Gingrich ticket? Yes, one of them would have to drop out as a candidate for now, but think of the assets.
A ticket like that might consolidate the conservative voting bloc, including the evangelicals. It would combine Gingrich’s brashness with Santorum’s refreshing honesty, and include Gingrich’s invaluable political knowledge, and comprehension of how to survive on the hill.
Would Gingrich head the ticket? At first glance, yes, but it’s not indelibly etched in granite. Taken into consideration would be what the Republican electorate prefers, and what the Washington establishment would stand behind. Agreed, the two rivals on the same ticket is a longshot, but if it’s the route to victory in November, why not?