The latest polls show former Senator Rick Santorum up by 9 points in Michigan, a state whose February 28 primary may provide much more than the 30 delegates riding on the contest. Mathematically it's not a 'must win' for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, but losing there (or even not winning by a large margin) may do irreparable damage to what was once considered his inevitable nomination.

Read more »

After his decisive primary win in Florida, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney may start his February with an endorsement that could impress some conservatives. Instead of heading to Nevada or Maine (the next two states to vote), Mr. Romney is headed to Minnesota presumably to pick up the endorsement of tea party favorite Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota).

Read more »

In case there was any doubt, the results of Saturday's South Carolina primary proved there's a proxy war going on in the Republican Party. While casual observers may see a battle between former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the real fight is between a party establishment that believes only a moderate can win in November and conservatives who want to block a moderate from winning the nomination.

Read more »

Tonight's GOP presidential debate in Sioux City, Iowa is technically the 13th time most of the candidates will appear on stage to discuss the issues and defend their records. But this final debate before the first in the nation caucuses is not only the last; it's the one that probably matters most. The latest poll of likely Iowa Caucus participants shows that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is holding a tiny lead over his nearest competitor, but he's been at or near that position throughout the seemingly endless string of debates while the anti-Romney crowd has migrated to a different challenger each month. Tonight's performances could determine whether that crowd of mostly conservative Iowans will finally settle on one of the other contenders or settle for Governor Romney.

Read more »

With the conclusion of the Ames straw poll, an Iowa institution that is usually less about the GOP nomination and more about filling time during a slow August news cycle, it's time for Republican primary voters to get serious about supporting the candidate of their choice. But can they even begin to make that choice if some might-be candidates will not fully commit to either running or not running?

Read more »