My crystal ball is clouded, Save Jerseyans. Mike Huckabee’s decision not to run for president over the weekend leaves the 2012 GOP wiiiiddddeee open.
Without the charismatic former Arkansas governor, there’s no Republican candidate left with a lock on the all-important southern block. Bachman and Cain will vie for the tea partiers, Ron Paul will skim the contrarians, and Tim Pawlenty will still pray that SOMEONE in Iowa remembers his name. This confused state of affairs would seem to favor Romney, a known quantity and big “establishment” fundraiser for campaigns in New Jersey and around the country… but can he overcome Romneycare’s lingering stench?
Moreover, could Santorum win enough social conservatives to mount a dark horse upset? Or will Indiana’s Mitch Daniels enter the race, pick up high profile endorsements from Chris Christie and other party leaders and, having done so, battle Romney to a bloody stalemate?
Yes, I know it’s early, but the only thing that’s clear is how the choice of New Jersey and its celebrity governor could be crucial in the coming months. Where do you stand as of today? Let me take your temperature and VOTE below and give me your best argument for (or against) the candidate on your mind:
