Poll Position: Who would be hurt worse, Romney losing Michigan or Gingrich losing Georgia?
After a couple of weeks of relatively low activity, the GOP primary process returns to hit full speed on the next two Tuesdays. Twelve states will hold primaries or caucuses on Tuesday, Feb. 28, or the Super Tuesday date, March 6. Add the Washington state caucuses in between, and we’re talking about one-quarter of all states in an eight-day span.
Two of the more prominent primaries will be Michigan’s next week and ours right here in Georgia on Super Tuesday. They’re prominent not just because of the delegates awarded — although Georgia, with 76 delegates, will be the biggest prize during this stretch — but because two of the candidates have such strong ties to them.
Who would be hurt worse by losing his "home" state primary?
- Gingrich losing GA (114 Votes)
- Romney losing MI (78 Votes)
Total Voters: 192
Loading ...Michigan is where Mitt Romney was born and raised while his father was a Detroit auto executive and then the state’s governor. Georgia, of course, is where Newt Gingrich lived as he rose to national prominence as a congressman and speaker of the House.
But recent polls show Rick Santorum is giving each man a run for his money in his respective “home” state. Most recent polls in Michigan, which Romney won by 9 percentage points in 2008, show the race between him and Santorum within the margin of error. Here in Georgia, polls show Gingrich’s large, early lead has narrowed to single digits.
Much of the speculation about these states has focused on whether, should Romney lose Michigan and/or Gingrich lose Georgia, either one’s candidacy would be fatally damaged. It’s unlikely that both Romney and Gingrich would drop out after losses. So, the question is: Which one would be most hurt by losing his “home” state?
That’s this week’s Poll Position question. Answer in the nearby poll and in the comments thread below.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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129 comments Add your comment
UGA 1999
February 24th, 2012
1:38 pm
Do what??? It is great isn’t it?
bluecoat
February 24th, 2012
1:46 pm
How does Romney cut taxes, increase military spending,balance budget?Same as Bush jr done,cut taxes,fight 2 wars,approve supplement drug plan,and leave all expense for the next adminisration to do the paying,while keeping the country afloat.Newt will be hurt most by a Ga loss,he has no safety net.
curious
February 24th, 2012
1:52 pm
Do What ??????
I’ll work on it. Meanwhile work on your spelling. “Gramatical” doesn’t make the grade. Try grammatical, instead.
No need for a response. It’s silly enough, already.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
“I’ll work on it. Meanwhile work on your spelling. “Gramatical” doesn’t make the grade. ”
There are two ways to spell it, but you’re right about being enough already.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:05 pm
“Newt will be hurt most by a Ga loss,he has no safety net.”
Newt will win GA.
Auburn
February 24th, 2012
2:11 pm
I sincerely believe Santorum can beat Obama and with gas prices soaring and an economy which will dip again it won’t be hard. Santorum can oulast the other two republicans and his nationwide popularity is soaring.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:12 pm
Auburn
WAR DAMN EAGLE!
Auburn
February 24th, 2012
2:14 pm
No true conservative can vote for Romney and Newt is throwing your vote away! Independants will swing for Santorum.
Partisay
February 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
“There are two ways to spell it, but you’re right about being enough already.”
Yeah, there’s two ways to spell it. If you want one of the ways to be incorrect.
Pick up a dictionary. “Gramatical” isn’t in it. You remind me of one of those know-it-all guys who are NEVER wrong.
By the way, I am giving credit for that quote to curious….
mamaj
February 24th, 2012
2:21 pm
Bring on November 6, and let’s just get this dog and pony show on the road–I’m ready to vote.
LinSanity
February 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
Let’s try to determine the direction of the Republican Party as a whole. I’ve watched the debates, its all just red meat to the base. All 4 of them. You can attack the President all day long, but this isn’t 2000 or even 2004 anymore. The electorate is far more savvy these days and talking tough does not a President make. As much as Mitt and Rick (Newt and Ron) want to whine about the failed policies of Mr. Obama, not one of their ideas have any merit. And the President is getting things accomplished without the Rs. To the masses it looks like a contingent of nuts who want to run the country. Sure will let them finish out-righting one another, and then they will have to be prepared for the fight of their political life. I suspect there will be a ton of walking back the things they screamed from the podium, and with that walk back, they will lose their base.
Sorry GOP, you have lost your relevance in the mainstream. Even moderates in your party have been out-righted by your current efforts. I hate to see a party that was a balance to our Democratic views go out like angry and desperate has beens.
md
February 24th, 2012
2:34 pm
“Oh, you mean it’s actually a policy disagreement over a bureaucratic insurance rule that he compromised on? ”
It’s folks like this that are the real scary ones……not getting into the actual nuts and bolts of the mandate, there was no compromise on the payment aspect.
And if one can’t see the shell game being played with that ‘compromise”, than we are in bigger trouble than we already are.
Travis McGee
February 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
Santorum would take the country back. . . way back. . . .back to the 19th century and that’s being generous.
md
February 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
“How does Romney cut taxes, increase military spending,balance budget?”
First, one has to listen to what he said……second, one has to understand what they are listening to.
Start with re-repatriation of foreign funds…..currently estimated at around 2 trillion…..the dems want to tax it to bring it back…..so it stays where it is.
Now, bring it back at very low interest or even zero interest, and what’s the benefit?? 2 trillion in our system vs offshore somewhere……earning interest here, being used here, etc etc
But the silly dems say no way…..they want all or nothing……so we get the nothing.
sheepdawg
February 24th, 2012
2:47 pm
all three are racist homophobics, sanitorium is carzier than the wild eyed witch bauchman. fun to watch the old white man party of ignorance and hate implode
Don't Tread
February 24th, 2012
2:50 pm
Since Gingrich is now running in the 3rd – 4th place, losing Georgia would be a big problem for him. Romney’s still running in the top two, so a loss for him wouldn’t be as bad (yet).
Bizisgood
February 24th, 2012
2:50 pm
“How does Romney cut all taxes, increase military spending and balance budget?”
The fact that this question is even asked reveals the lack of understanding of business and economics.
A person that does not understand the “creation of wealth” will never understand how cutting taxes actually increases revenue. It has been shown over and over and we still don’t seem to learn from history. There is not a set amount of money to go around. The fact that some make more than others, does not make other less wealthy. As a successful businessman, I can tell you that as the tax burdened is lifted, I am far more productive. I end up paying more taxes, even though it is a lower rate. This does not include the increase in jobs I provide.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:54 pm
“Santorum would take the country back. . . way back. . . .back to the 19th century and that’s being generous.”
Better than Obama taking us back to the Great Depression era.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
“You remind me of one of those know-it-all guys who are NEVER wrong.
You remind me of one of Bookman’s little troll dolls.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
2:56 pm
“all three are racist homophobics, sanitorium is carzier than the wild eyed witch bauchman. fun to watch the old white man party of ignorance and hate implode”
You remind me of the guy who shot Gabby Giffords.
Don't Tread
February 24th, 2012
2:59 pm
“And the President is getting things accomplished”…Yep, he sure is. Problem is, the “things” include dismantling the Constitution, making more people dependent on the government (you know, most people won’t bite the hand that feeds them), amnesty for anyone they think will vote Democrat later on, racking up record deficits and debt, devaluing the dollar, and the list goes on forever.
We need a little less “accomplishment” [sic], and a little more freedom.
sheepdawg
February 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
do what??? – peace and love my friend. Gabby’s on our side dude. Enjoy this election, and President Hillary afterwards. The tired old hatred and racism of the GOP is dying a slow, and funny , death.
Aloha
MarkV
February 24th, 2012
3:04 pm
“A person that does not understand the “creation of wealth” will never understand how cutting taxes actually increases revenue.”
One of those silly generalizations that mean absolutely nothing. If “cutting taxes actually increases revenue,” then let’s keep doing it. Let’s cut the taxes to half. Supposedly that will, increase revenue. So let’s cut to half again, on and on and on, according to the above we will keep “increasing revenue.”
Real American
February 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
Mitt’s logistics staff did a wonderful job today…at least every comedian thinks so.
md
February 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
“Independants will swing for Santorum.”
Doubtful……folks are independent because the are in the middle……I doubt they would support the gop candidate that is the furthest to the right.
DebbieDoRight
February 24th, 2012
3:06 pm
If Newt looses, his ego will be scarred for life. He may have to find another younger, wealthier wife to make up for the blow.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
3:15 pm
“Gabby’s on our side dude.”
Side of what? She quit.
“Enjoy this election, and President Hillary afterwards. The tired old hatred and racism of the GOP is dying a slow, and funny , death.”
yeah, that’s why the GOP destroyed the Democrats in 2010.
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
February 24th, 2012
3:15 pm
Newt’s wife is hotter’n yours.
midtownguy
February 24th, 2012
3:15 pm
Romney losing MIchigan would be much bigger because he has a chance to be the nominee, Newt does not. If “professional adulterer” Newt or “women belong in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant” Santorum” gets the nomination, Obama will be re-elected. Establishment Republicans know this.
I am still puzzled as to why Christie does not run. He could get the nomination and the White House, I believe. My favorite theory is that he, too, believes Obama will be re-elected and is waiting to run against a non-incumbent Democrat nominee.
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
3:16 pm
“If Newt looses”
Looses what, his tie?
Do what??????
February 24th, 2012
3:17 pm
“He may have to find another younger, wealthier wife to make up for the blow.
Or perhaps he can pull a John Edwards.
Dusty
February 24th, 2012
3:17 pm
Enter your comments here
@@
February 24th, 2012
3:22 pm
Gingrich losing Georgia. I’m thinkin’ he’ll withdraw if he does. Although…it’s been said he has a generous backer willing to donate additional funds.
Tiberius:
I told you I was out to a doctor’s appointment, but since you asked.
Good for you, @@. However, that didn’t answer ANY of my questions.
You asked:
What do YOU do on a daily basis?
Work with special needs children…the ones who made it.
More importantly, why do you think it is your job in life (if you actually do anything, that is) to put yourself out on behalf of unborn children
Because the numbers are against them.
Later I saw where you wanted to know how many minds have I changed.
Out of four, three. One friend who became pregnant out of wedlock. Two friends who were told their ultrasounds showed abnormalities. I have the advantage of sharing my experiences with children who are challenged. They’re not useless. They can actually be very inspiring to those of us who aren’t challenged to such an extensive degree. Turns out neither child had an abnormality. They’re both perfect in every way. No mental, intellectual or physical disabilities.
One friend opted for the abortion because the prognosis was undeniable. The baby would not have survived outside the womb. Vital organs were absent. We’re still very close. She needed moral and emotional support. Her husband and I were there for her. She still thinks about the one she couldn’t save but has had another since then.
I don’t seek to condemn, Tiberius. I just don’t think women should see abortion as a convenient method of birth control. Too many do these days. There are other alternatives.
I’m out.
Bernie
February 24th, 2012
3:30 pm
Let the offical pronouncements began ” I am officially suspending, my Campaign to spend more time with my Family”
Jefferson
February 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
You folks are setting yourself up for anger and heartbreak.
Dusty
February 24th, 2012
3:46 pm
Goodness….must be the strange weather. My first post today came back to me as “you’ve already said that’ and then comes up here as “enter your comments here”. Wonder what I’ll do next?
Anyway, relax, folks. Any GOP candidate will be a breath of fresh air, no matter the mysterious miasma much produced by Democrats as a smokescreen to the actions of Prez Obama.
Obama is like Sissyphus. Keeps pushing the big debt boulder up the hill but it falls right back on him..Not the fault of Republicans but on the Democratic leader Mr. Obama and his spendthrift ways. And he is their candidate.
You can’t fool ‘em. Americans know who is running up trillions of American debt. You can point fingers at Republicans and talk silly about wives, weight, wobbles and woes but you can’t make us forget the greatest spendthrift of all times, Barack Obama. Repeating a mistake is not the American way. We won’t do it again.
MarkV
February 24th, 2012
3:55 pm
Dusty @3:46 pm
Reads like a pep talk, Dusty. You figured the Republicans need to be convinced they can win?
Dusty
February 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
No pep talk. Just savy. I know the difference between trillions and tripe.
Democrats need to stop fooling themselves.
gm
February 24th, 2012
4:14 pm
Please could somebody tell when did Newt the adultry help bring the Olympics to Atlanta?
This guy can not point out one thing he did for Georgia, but the good old poor middle class whites will come out and support him because he has nothing to run on but bash the Obama.
Hey Newt, Obama is a threat to National Security? lets go ask the former top 10 terroist of the world who are now pushing up flowers in their grave, that kind of talk only works with the extreme right bigots and racist who did not vote for Obama the first time”””
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
February 24th, 2012
4:14 pm
Obozo is setting the country up for financial and economic disaster. He’s not only failed to lead on entitlement reform, he’s created an unsustainable big-government healthcare entitlement that will merely hasten the collapse.
Thanks, Democrats.
gm
February 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
Please could somebody tell me when did Newt the adultry help bring the Olympics to Atlanta?
Chuck Doberman
February 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
@ Dusty
“Repeating a mistake is not the American way. We won’t do it again”
While I admire your positive mindset, one must consider 2004 and the fact that the country absolutely (imho) made a huge mistake by electing the incumbent. I would venture “never say never”. Also you may want to consider that there is a large segment of the voting population that, while agreeing with you (at least to some extent) regarding the debt issues and the current President’s spending, also remember that the current GOP field offers nothing new economically other than further perks and benefits for the so-called “job creators” who have failed miserably at creating jobs throughout their 10 years of enjoying lower taxes than under Clinton. IMO they would be well-served if they actually proposed something to bolster and invigorate the ailing middle class AS A PRIORITY and not just as window dressing for a package that truly benefits wealthier folk (who are still doing fairly well relative to the average middle classer). I understand that most conservatives, wealthy or not, vehemently support supply-side trickle down economics, I just don’t understand why. I’m close to 50 years old and have yet to see any benefit from that economic philosophy beside making very-wealthy people wealthier.
On the other hand, I also don’t believe we can simply spend our way back to vitalty either, especially with our mounting debt. No, what we really need is a combination of both philosophies with each side contributing and policing. Problem there is, between the ridiculous, closed-minded pre programmed fanatics on both sides (Obama can do no wrong/ Obama is the cause of all that has gone bad in America) there is very little room left for those of us stuck in the middle. Truly, imo, it is the idiots on the fringes of both parties that are ruining this country. Huntsman is right, we need a third party and we need it now
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
February 24th, 2012
4:19 pm
[Newt] can not point out one thing he did for Georgia
—————–
Wrong.
Speaker Gingrich balanced the budget and reformed welfare while creating millions of new jobs and enabling a doubling of the stock market.
Obozo is a miserable failure by comparison with Speaker Gingrich’s accomplishments.
Odis
February 24th, 2012
4:19 pm
Romney losing Michigan would be worse. Even if Newt wins Georgia, no one really thinks he has a chance at the nomination, but if Mittens lose Michigan, he will look like an even weaker frontrunner.
Rafe Hollister
February 24th, 2012
4:21 pm
Seems Santorum is declining in the polls and Romney will win MI and AZ. The polls of the super Tuesday states is non valid until we get the results of AZ and MI. The dumb masses always want to jump on the bandwagon of a presumed winner.
If Gingrich loses Georgia he is done, but he is for all intents and purposes done now. People have been slow to turn on Santorum, but I think they inevitably will, due to over religiosity.
The country will be better off when we get a presumed nominee, that can focus 100% of the failing policies of our Prevaricator in Chief, our dear leader Barry Oblamer.
gm
February 24th, 2012
4:22 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout (Revised Downward
Once again what has he done for Georgia? now was that before his 30 page ethics hearings or after? or was that before he was ask to resign as speaker?
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
February 24th, 2012
4:25 pm
Don’t cry just because you were proved wrong, gm.
Dusty
February 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Sorry, Kyle, I’m off “subject”. Did not even see the last debate.
But gasoline prices!! WOW!.
Early this morning the gas stations I passed were advertising $3.45 /gal. When I came back a few hours later on the same route, they were up to $3:55/gal. I don’t even want to think about tomorrow.
If you see a “crazee” female zig zagging tomorrow on motorcycle, it may be me!! (Heaven help us all!)
gm
February 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout (Revised Downward
You are funny,
What that before he had 3 adultry affairs or was that before his hearing on ethics? now name me one thing President Obama has done Immoral, I will wait
Lil' Barry Bailout (Revised Downward)
February 24th, 2012
4:36 pm
What Obozo’s done is worse than some personal moral failings, gm.
$5 trillion in new debt. Record numbers of people on the dole. 8-10% unemployment for more than three years (worst since the Great Depression). Obozocare.