Paul, Santorum, Gingrich, and Huntsman: Mitt Romney's downfall

[Maxwell]

Paul and Santorum: The Collapse of Willard Mitt Romney.

Ron Paul wins the Iowa Caucuses! Rick Santorum takes a surprising second place


Iowa Caucus Results:
Ron Paul 24.56%
Rick Santorum 24.53%
Mitt Romney 21.43%
Newt Gingrich 13.3%
Rick Perry 10.33%
Michelle Bachmann 4.97%

Bachmann drops out, endorses Rick Santorum

“Things aren’t looking good for Mitt Romney, a nomination that was looking to be his, is now being bombarded by a resounding loss in Iowa, and a violent drop in his poll numbers in New Hampshire” – Chris Matthews

“It seems that the Republican establishment is in a panic mode of Ron Paul and Rick Santorums momentum, seeing him now within the margin of error of Mitt Romney in NH and Rick Santorum with Mitt Romney nationally, and now even Huntsman is moving up from Romney falling.” – Rachel Maddow

National Poll:
Mitt Romney: 25%
Rick Santorum: 24%
Ron Paul: 20%
Newt Gingrich: 10%
Jon Huntsman 10%
Rick Perry: 1%


NH Poll:
Mitt Romney - 26%
Ron Paul - 25%
Jon Huntsman - 24%
Newt Gingrich - 12%
Rick Santorum – 6%



 “None of the other candidates on this stage are proposing any real cuts to the budget, I am” – Ron Paul

“Look, I don’t want to cut a trillion out of the budget right away, I want this to work reasonably. We can’t resort to extremism in economic times like this. We need to push our economy in the right direction before we do anything drastic.” – Mitt Romney

“When he was a governor, Mitt Romney was on the wrong side of the issues: he supported gay marriage and was pro-choice. As soon as he left office to run in 2008, he abandoned these issues to become a conservative. Now, can we really trust someone who changes this quickly. I’ve been a social conservative no matter what, cause I am a real conservative.” – Rick Santorum

“What a lot of these candidates are proposing is reckless extremism, while what Mitt Romney proposes is whatever people want to hear. I am here to propose real solutions, solutions that might not be popular to some, but solutions that will put America back on the right track” – Jon Huntsman

National Poll:
Rick Santorum: 30%
Mitt Romney: 27%
Ron Paul: 19%
Jon Huntsman: 16%
Newt Gingrich: 8%
Rick Perry: 0%


NH Poll:
Jon Huntsman: 27%
Mitt Romney: 25%
Ron Paul 24%
Rick Santorum: 13%
Newt Gingrich: 7%
Rick Perry: 0%

South Carolina poll:
Rick Santorum: 24%
Mitt Romney: 23%
Newt Gingrich: 19%
Ron Paul: 14%
Jon Huntsman: 10%
Rick Perry: 3%

“Mitt Romney got savaged on that stage from all sides, economic Conservative, social conservatives, and even moderates, while Jon Huntsman and Rick Santorum did well on that stage. Pauls numbers stayed consistent, with more of his base getting rallied up due to his victory in Iowa, but more GOP fear coming through and balancing out.” – Chris Matthews

[Maxwell]

ELECTION NIGHT NH

1% of the Precincts reporting
Ron Paul: 25.9%
Mitt Romney: 25.6%
Jon Huntsman: 25.4%
Rick Santorum: 18.4%
Newt Gingrich: 5.6%
Rick Perry: 0.1%


“It’s too close to call now, but it looks like there is a three way tie for first place right now, with a surprisingly strong fourth finish from Rick Santorum. Things don’t look good for Mitt Romney, even if it’s a narrow win, considering just before he was leading by as much as 30 points before the Iowa caucuses before his third place showing there.” – John King


 “Now hold on John, it looks as if, with more results in, we have a clearer picture of the race now. Even though the winner still isn’t clear, it looks like Rep. Ron Paul will be getting third place now, narrowly. It’s all down to the surging Jon Huntsman and establishment favorite Mitt Romney” – Wolf Blitzer

32% of the Precincts reporting:
Mitt Romney: 26.3%
Jon Huntsman: 26.2%
Ron Paul: 24.5%
Rick Santorum: 18.5%
Newt Gingrich: 4.0%
Rick Perry: 0.1%

“Now our reporters at Romney headquarters say there is a dead calmness in the room right now. There aren’t many people there, a sure sign of weakness, but the people who are there are now patiently awaiting the results. Hoping for a glimmer of hope from this weakening campaign” – John King

“Well the Romney camp certainly has something to be afraid of here, but no longer is it Ron Paul” – Wolf Blitzer

That morning...

“It looks like the election is being called… for Governor Romney!” – Wolf Blitzer

Mitt Romney wins the New Hampshire Primary, Huntsman and Paul close second and third


100% of the Precincts reporting:
Mitt Romney: 26.0%
Jon Huntsman: 25.9%
Ron Paul: 24.8%
Rick Santorum: 18.6%
Newt Gingrich: 5.0%
Rick Perry: 0.1%

Rick Perry Drops Out, doesn’t make an endorsement, but makes statements favorable to Santorum and Gingrich.


"Even though Romney, from the brink of death, pulls a victory out, he still has plenty of competition for the position that he previously claimed throughout the primary race." - Chris Matthews

Delegate Count:
Mitt Romney: 11
Ron Paul: 10
Rick Santorum: 8
Jon Huntsman: 3
Newt Gingrich:0

[Maxwell]

South Carolina

National Polls:
Mitt Romney: 20%
Rick Santorum: 20%
Ron Paul: 19%
Jon Huntsman: 16%
Newt Gingrich: 12%

South Carolina Poll:
Rick Santorum: 26%
Newt Gingrich: 23%
Mitt Romney: 20%
Ron Paul: 12%
Jon Huntsman: 7%

Florida Poll:
Mitt Romney: 32%
Newt Gingrich: 23%
Jon Huntsman: 22%
Rick Santorum: 8%
Ron Paul: 5%

Nevada Poll:
Ron Paul: 30%
Mitt Romney: 29%
Jon Huntsman: 28%
Newt Gingrich: 5%
Rick Santorum: 4%

“Due to Gingrich’s performance in the South Carolina debate and his newfound monetary strength,  he’s being pushed into the top tier of the South Carolina primary, beating a 3rd place Romney by a full six point margin. However, Santorum’s strength with social conservatives in South Carolina is causing Newt to but head to head with the former senator” – Wolf Blitzer

“Thanks to Mitt Romney’s superior strategy and thinking ahead, Romney still maintains a strong lead in Florida, but for how long? What seemed like an insurmountable lead has now shrunk to single digits, with Huntsman and Gingrich surging. Santorum, rather, is looking towards South Carolina for his first win, while Paul is looking for his second win in Nevada, where he has considerable Mormon competition in Huntsman and Romney, looking like a rematch of New Hampshire.” – Chris Matthews

Skipping to the results (cause I am feeling a tad lazy)

Rick Santorum wins the South Carolina Primary, even in the midsts of Newtmentum
South Carolina Results:
Rick Santorum: 31.26%
Newt Gingrich: 30.00%
Mitt Romney: 18.54%
Ron Paul: 12.20%
Jon Huntsman: 8.00%




“I will continue to fight for the conservative values that I believe in, and the results show that America is fighting with me!” – Rick Santorum



“Just a couple of weeks ago, they counted us out. They said we couldn’t do it. Well let me tell you America… big ideas CAN still happen!” – Newt Gingrich



“I will continue my campaign as we look on to Florida, where I think we will make a big impact.” – Mitt Romney

Delegates:
Rick Santorum: 27
Mitt Romney: 11
Ron Paul: 10
Newt Gingrich: 4
Jon Huntsman: 3

[Maxwell]

Its make or break for Romney in Florida, but if he is forced out, I have a hard time seeing Huntsman filling in the void as the main "establishment" candidate. God knows Paul won't be that guy, so I guess Santorum will get that slot.

Thats the kink in my narrative that I am quietly working out, whether or not Romney wins in Florida, but you're right that it gets difficult to see who takes that establishment spot once Romney is forced out.

[Maxwell]

Florida Primaries

National Polls:
Rick Santorum: 28%
Mitt Romney: 19%
Ron Paul: 19%
Newt Gingrich: 17%
Jon Huntsman: 17%

Florida Polls:
Newt Gingrich: 27%
Mitt Romney: 26%
Jon Huntsman: 22%
Rick Santorum: 13%
Ron Paul: 8%

Nevada Polls:
Ron Paul: 33%
Jon Huntsman: 27%
Mitt Romney: 24%
Rick Santorum: 3%
Newt Gingrich: 3%

Colorado Polls:
Jon Huntsman: 42%
Ron Paul: 28%
Mitt Romney: 15%
Rick Santorum: 7%
Newt Gingrich: 2%

Minnesota Polls:
Ron Paul: 41%
Rick Santorum: 24%
Jon Huntsman: 20%
Mitt Romney: 7%
Newt Gingrich: 2%

Missouri Polls:
Rick Santorum: 40%
Mitt Romney: 25 %
Newt Gingrich: 20%
Jon Huntsman: 7%
Ron Paul: 3%

“Florida Polls are showing that, inspite of Gingrich’s narrow loss in South Carolina, his campaign in the state seems to be working, putting him oh so slightly ahead of Romney in the polls there. Santorum’s win in South Carolina certifies him at this time to be the frontrunner. Don’t count Romney quite out yet, he’s within margin of error of Florida, the make or break state for his campaign. He's not Giuliani yet! However, the three states after Nevada, where Romney is within margin of error of second (would be the easy winner if it weren’t for the Mormon split with Huntsman), things aren’t looking favorable for him: Minnesota is clearly Ron Paul territory, even with Bachmann's Santorum endorsement, Huntsman is aiming at his first win in the state of Colorado, and Santorum is aiming for a HUGE win in Missouri, where he leads only second place finish in those states by a whole fifteen percentage points. It’s all down to Florida though for his campaign.” – Chris Matthews



“I think the American people want to know what you did at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac!” – Mitt Romney

“I think it is unconscable for someone to try to pin that on me, I was merely a historian” – Newt Gingrich”

“They don’t hire historians for over 2 million dollars Newt!” – Mitt Romney

“YES THEY DO!” – Newt’s thoughts

“As the Florida debates close, Romney gets at least a couple points boost, pushing him back in the lead in Florida, the ever important decision maker for Romney, It seems as if the make-or-break state for Romney is going to be a make. Gingrich is falling down and Huntsman can’t seem to pick up his numbers, even though he is pushing a hard third, maybe even up to second by election day!” – Wolf Blitzer

FLORIDA ELECTION DAY
12% of Precincts Reporting
Mitt Romney: 27%
Newt Gingrich: 25%
Jon Huntsman: 25%
Rick Santorum: 13%
Ron Paul: 10%

“While its too close to call yet, Romney’s lead has been growing since the beginning of the night, so it looks as if it’s a Romney win right now, but its hard to say.” – John King

“What does this say about Santorum and Paul, who are clearly fourth and fifth respectively?” – Wolf Blitzer

“Well, all that means is that their focus is, rightly so, on future primaries. Paul is focused heavily on smaller states, while Santorum is looking at his socially conservative base, which extends to Missouri, the south, and even Michigan. Santorum might even hang on to his national lead if Romney squeaks out, which is what is seeming to happen.” – John King

“What about Gingrich, if he loses tonight, where does he go?” – Wolf Blitzer

“It’s hard to say, Gingrich has been staking his campaign on wins in South Carolina and Florida. His campaign would’ve continued with a win in one, but as it looks like now it’s a win in none, so his chances are thin and I think he is done even with a strong second because he has no real base of support.” – John King

“And Huntsman?” – Wolf Blitzer

“Unlike Gingrich, Huntsman has been running a great campaign on more moderate/conservative republicans that are frustrated with Romney’s constant flip-flopping and Santorum’s socially-focused conservatism, but are unwilling to go into the Paulite zone. A strong second in Florida would help him solidize himself as a serious candidate, and should he make a strong performance in Nevada, and finally, a win in Colorado, then he should be on the map.” – John King

“We’ll get back to that in a moment, but CNN would like to call the Florida election for Mitt Romney.” – Wolf Blitzer

Romney wins the Florida Primary, with Huntsman edging second
Florida Primary Results:
Mitt Romney: 28.46%
Jon Huntsman:  27.12%
Newt Gingrich: 22.45%
Rick Santorum: 12.97%
Ron Paul: 9.00%



“I’m glad America is on board with our message of personal responsibility and economic prosperity!” – Mitt Romney


“I was surpised by how close I came once again to a huge victory! All I have to say is Nevada and Colorado… I’m coming for ya!” – Jon Huntsman



“Tonight, I am suspending my campaign. Even though we came back from the brink, what ended up happening was a fallbackward, and no longer see an opportunity for grandiose ideas. I will not be making an endorsement until all is final in the unrest of these primaries” – Newt Gingrich

Mitt Romney: 61
Rick Santorum: 27
Ron Paul: 10
Jon Huntsman: 3
Newt Gingrich: 4

[Maxwell]

Nevada, and then Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado

National Poll:
Rick Santorum: 34%
Ron Paul: 24%
Mitt Romney: 22%
Jon Huntsman: 20%

Nevada Poll:
Ron Paul: 35%
Jon Huntsman: 30%
Mitt Romney: 25%
Rick Santorum: 5%

Colorado poll:
Jon Huntsman: 45%
Ron Paul: 25%
Rick Santorum:16%
Mitt Romney: 14%

Missouri poll:
Rick Santorum: 50%
Mitt Romney: 30%
Jon Huntsman: 10%
Ron Paul: 5%

Minnesota:
Ron Paul: 45%
Rick Santorum: 30%
Jon Huntsman: 14%
Mitt Romney: 7%

Maine:
Ron Paul: 42%
Jon Huntsman: 30%
Mitt Romney: 23%
Rick Santorum: 5%

Much Later:

Michigan:
Rick Santorum: 35%
Mitt Romney: 25%
Jon Huntsman: 22%
Ron Paul: 15%

Arizona:
Mitt Romney: 40%
Jon Huntsman: 34%
Rick Santorum: 20%
Ron Paul: 15%


"The map ahead so far looks stagnant: some for sure wins for candidates. Ron Paul has a death grip on Minnesota, Jon Huntsman on Colorado, and Santorum on Missouri. It looks like an uneventful night coming up. But tonight is the night before the Nevada primary, where Ron Paul has been seriously throwing his resources against Huntsman and Romney. Romney, just winning the Florida primary by a thread, looks for a way, any way, to continue his momentum. Unforunately, it seems like Paul and Huntsmans constant campaigning (and Huntsman splitting of the mormon vote) has shut down Romney's possibility in the state, pushing him to third place. It looks like Romney will have to wait til Michigan, where Santorum has worked himself a huge lead in a state where Romney was born in. Luckily, Romney still holds a sizable lead in Arizona, a must win state." - Chris Matthews

Ron Paul wins in Nevada, beating his poll numbers!
Nevada Primary Results:
Ron Paul: 40.82%
Jon Huntsman: 28.53%
Mitt Romney: 19.56%
Rick Santorum: 11.09%



"My supporters are wonderful, and I am glad they are continuing their support of the freedom revolution currently happening within the Republican party!" - Ron Paul

"Ron Paul wins the first sizable victory of the campaign! It looks like the Paul campaign, inspite of all efforts to invalidate its viability, remains so. Huntsman, slightly downgrading his poll numbers, still gives a strong showing that won't destroy his decidedly very strong showing in Colorado, and Santorum even pushes 11% in a state when he was previously polling below 3%. Among all this progress, its Romney, the leader of the pack in Florida, who goes down." - Chris Matthews

Meanwhile, at Fox News...



"The utter incompetency of the Romney campaign to deal with these people challenging his campaign is absurd. He's dealing with the craziest senator in the country, a moderate-to-liberal Governor of Utah, and the craziest congresman in the country... this is outrageous" - Bill O'Reilly

"If the Romney campaign doesn't shape up, it looks like the American people will shut them down" - Sean Hannity

"A campaign of this level of incompetency is something I can't even remeber. Even McCain managed to get rid of his competitors, although now I question him because of them is Romney. It's time for him to step down and let a real conservative take the reigns" - Rush Limbaugh.

Back in the World

"It looks like Fox News's fury is all on Mitt Romney, surprising since he's been trying to appeal to them, while fellow moderate Huntsman has been taking the high road. Either way, this can't be good for his campaign, going into three states where it doesn't look favorable."

Results from Triple State Fantasm:

Minnesota:
Ron Paul: 47.53%
Rick Santorum: 27.43%
Jon Huntsman: 16.23%
Mitt Romney: 8.81%

"This is not a good showing for a state that Romney won significantly in 2008, but there are reasons. One, Ron Paul showed strong in 08, and it seems Ron Paul's movement has shown much more traction this year. Another reason is that Santorum has high traction with social conservatives, and this plays to his strength in Minnesota, where the Republicans are further to the right than most in liberal states such as Minnesota. Finally, Huntsman is gaining traction with moderates, seeing as Romney isn't picking up really anywhere." - Wolf Blitzer

Colorado:
Jon Huntsman: 43.54%
Ron Paul: 34.95%
Rick Santorum: 15.21%
Mitt Romney: 6.30%

"Huntsman's long anticipated win finally came with Colorado, but it wasn't as big as expected, mostly suffered by Romney, but also by Santorum, whose social conservative base did not come to show as big this year. Ron Paul, however, thanks to momentum from a more serious win in Nevada, pushed his margin closer, and moving towards the single digits. Still, Huntsman pulls off his first big win." - John King

Missouri:
Rick Santorum: 59.55%
Mitt Romney: 17.36%
Jon Huntsman: 15.45%
Ron Paul: 7.64%

"... and Santorum pulls off a 40 point victory over Romney and Huntsman in Missouri, a state that was obviously his for the win. Not a single piece of good news tonight for Romney, whose momentum after Florida was immediately killed." - Wolf Blitzer

Delegates:
Rick Santorum:90
Mitt Romney: 68
Ron Paul: 64
Jon Huntsman: 27

[Maxwell]

Michigan, Arizona... and the build-up to the Most Super Tuesday of 2012!

Michigan Polls:
Rick Santorum: 37%
Mitt Romney: 26%
Jon Huntsman: 20%
Ron Paul: 17%

Arizona Polls:
Mitt Romney: 38%
Jon Huntsman: 33%
Rick Santorum: 24%
Ron Paul: 5%

Maine Polls:
Ron Paul: 44%
Jon Huntsman: 30%
Mitt Romney: 20%
Rick Santorum: 3%

Wyoming:
Mitt Romney: 43%
Jon Huntsman: 42%
Ron Paul: 10%
Rick Santorum: 5%

Washington:
Ron Paul: 38%
Jon Huntsman: 37%
Mitt Romney: 20%
Rick Santorum: 5%


"After the three state strike out for Mitt Romney, polls remain stagnant in these upcoming three states, even as Michigan stands as Romney's home state. Plus his 'trees are the right height' gaffe seems to be making an impact on his likability, where Santorum's family man image and populist conservative rhetoric is speaking to his consitutiency there. Maine seems increasingly out of reach for anyone not named Ron Paul, even with Huntsman's attempt at an insurgent campaign out there. In good news for Romney, Arizona seems to be safe keeping, even with, again, an insurgent campaign by Jon Huntsmen." - Chris Matthews



"Rick, you're going to try to convince people you're a conservative, but you're merely a big spending liberal who wants to invade our personal lives!" - Ron Paul

"You're right, Paul, I don't want to just let people do as they please! Thats not what our founding fathers invisioned!" - Rick Santorum

"I believe the statements that Santorum are making are just showing the kind of radical nature that Americans don't want in their politics! Should I be elected, we will focus on solutions, not soap boxes for extreism." - Jon Huntsman

"I agree with Huntsman" - Mitt Romney

"What was supposed to a momentum of vigor and force for the Romney campaign turned into one for Jon Huntsman, whose campaign has been quietly moving forward after his big win yet expected win in Colorado, picking up a large crowd of moderates unconvinced by Romney's constant change in ideology. It seems as if that will have an impact in Michigan, where Santorums numbers are shrinking due to his weak performance in the debate where he attempted to fight off blacklash from all three candidates. It looks like the polls, while less than expected, will stand in the elections tonight." - Chris Matthews

Michigan Primary:
Rick Santorum: 34.53%
Mitt Romney: 27.84%
Jon Huntsman: 25.52%
Ron Paul: 12.11%

Arizona Primary:
Mitt Romney: 34.21%
Jon Huntsman: 33.82%
Rick Santorum: 19.35%
Ron Paul: 12.62%

"Thank you people of Arizona for continuing my presidential campaign, and we will march onto Super Tuesday!" - Mitt Romney

"I am happy for our victory in Michigan, so hopefully we will push for more manfuacturing jobs as we lead the way to Super Tuesday!" - Rick Santorum

"Wow folks. Once again, the pundits couldn't catch us, as we managed to, once again, put the picked favorites into a tight squeeze. Even though we didn't quite make it, it shows that we are still a viable and electable choice for 2012 and I will be continuing my campaign onto Super Tuesday!" - Jon Huntsman

"The freedom movement will continue onto Maine, Washington, and to the states of Super Tuesday!" - Ron Paul

Speaking of Maine...

Maine Caucus:
Ron Paul: 43.21%
Jon Huntsman: 38.53%
Mitt Romney: 14.62%
Rick Santorum: 3.04%


"Well ya look at that!" - Ron Paul

"On the way, we have two more states before Super Tuesday comes up: Washington and Wyoming. One is very important to the Ron Paul campaign, the other to Romney, and both are important to Jon Huntsman: either one a win for Huntsman, and he gains some momentum for Super Tuesday. The other candidate, Santorum, having gained enough momentum from his victory in Michigan even when he lost the Arizona debates allows him to continue onto Super Tuesday, even without a giant win in either of the states, as the polls show him in dead last in both. " - Rachel Maddow

Washington Results:
Ron Paul: 40.25%
Jon Huntsman: 39.57%
Mitt Romney: 14.53%
Rick SAntorum: 5.65%

Wyoming Results:
Jon Huntsman: 45.34%
Mitt Romney: 42.45%
Ron Paul: 8.21%
Rick Santorum: 4.00%

"The story out of the night is that Huntsman survives. He skids out of the Wyoming caucus by beating Mitt Romney by 3 points. Ron Paul, however, also skids out of the Washington caucus, beating Huntsman by less than a percent. Either way, the momentum is on the side of any candidate for Super Tuesday. Any candidate, that is, except for Mitt Romney, who cannot build on any of his wins it seems like." - Chris Matthews


Delegate Map

Mitt Romney: 122
Rick Santorum: 103
Ron Paul: 96
Jon Huntsman: 80

Super Tuesday Poll Map

Romney States:
Massachussets (Easy)
Virginia (Medium, Slight Paul contention)
Ohio (Hard, Strong Santorum conetntion)

Santorum States:
Tennessee (Easy)
Oklahoma (Easy)
Georgia (Easy)

Paul States:
Alaska (Easy)
North Dakota (Easy)
Vermont (Medium, slight Huntsman contention)

Huntsman States:
Idaho (Hard, slight Romney contention and Paul contention)

[Maxwell]

Super Tuesday: One candidates momentum is another candidates downfall!



"It looks as if the first results are coming in for Super Tuesday, and all of the states are serious contests. First Vermont, suprising, because most considered that an easier Paul state. But the liberal republicans in Vermont decided to, instead, side more with Huntsman, as he is leading by a paper thin margin so far, far exceeding his poll numbers. Still, its nothing to snuff at, its still early in the night" - Chris Matthews

Vermont, 33% of the Precincts in:
Jon Huntsman: 45.34%
Ron Paul: 43.45%
Mitt Romney: 8.12%
Rick Santorum: 3.09%

"Virginia seemed like an easy Romney victory, and it looks like he'll still win, but surprisingly, even with 15% of the Precincts in right now, its too close to call. Paul, despite demographics are running against him, has run a very insurgent campaign considering they are the only two candidates on the ballot." - Rachel Maddow

"Well, at least Romney has Massachusetts in the bag, as he pulls a far and away victory in his home state. Nothing to see there. Romney gets all 38 delegates from the state." - Lawrence O'Donnell

Virginia, 15% of the Precincts reporting:
Mitt Romney: 51.45%
Ron Paul: 48.55%



Massachusetts Results:
Mitt Romney: 59.45%
Jon Huntsman: 29.21%
Ron Paul: 7.45%
Rick Santorum: 3.89%

"Another close margin today, this time in a very important state for Romney to win: Ohio. And it  doesn't look good so far. He was leading by single digits, but Santorum's conservative populist message has managed to infiltrate, and so far he is picking up a lead early on. Still to close to call, but it looks call-worthy soon enough. This adds to Santorums good news with easy victories in Tennessee and Georgia." - Keith Olbermann




Tennesse Primary:
Rick Santorum: 51.23%
Mitt Romney: 28.06%
Ron Paul: 10.75%
Jon Huntsman: 9.96%



Georgia Primary:
Rick Santorum:57.19%
Mitt Romney: 25.91%
Ron Paul: 9.55%
Jon Huntsman: 6.56%

Ohio, 25% of the Precincts reporting:
Rick Santorum: 36.55%
Mitt Romney: 35.25%
Jon Huntsman: 17.85%
Ron Paul: 10.35%

"Now we're going to make some calls: we'd like to call Vermont for Huntsman, and Virginia for Romney." - Chris Matthews



Vermont Primary:
Jon Huntsman: 46.42%
Ron Paul: 42.83%
Mitt Romney: 8.25%
Rick Santorum: 2.50%



Virginia Primary:
Mitt Romney: 52.15%
Ron Paul: 47.85%

"Now a couple more states have results: One from North Dakota, and the other from Oklahoma. And the choices are clear for both states: North Dakota for Ron Paul (his first win of the night) and Oklahoma for Santorum." - Rachel Maddow



North Dakota Primary:
Ron Paul: 50.43%
Rick Santorum: 25.75%
Jon Huntsman: 12.32%
Mitt Romney: 11.50%



Oklahoma Primary:
Rick Santorum: 53.80%
Mitt Romney: 28.50%
Jon Huntsman: 9.63%
Ron Paul: 7.50%

"And now time for some calls... one that might the mark of an end of a campaign. Ohio goes to Santorum." - Chris Matthews



Ohio Primary:
Rick Santorum: 38.54%
Mitt Romney: 35.43%
Jon Huntsmen: 17.02%
Ron Paul: 9.01%

"As the polls close in Idaho and Alaska, it appears that Romney is preparing a statement. From what I hear, its about the state of his campaign, which seems to point to his withdraw from the campaign, but we will have to wait until then. The final two states are clear victories: Idaho for Huntsmen, and Alaska for Ron Paul." - Lawrence O'Donnell



Idaho Primary:
Jon Huntsman: 53.45%
Ron Paul: 33.22%
Mitt Romney: 10.00%
Rick Santorum: 3.33%



Alaska Primary:
Ron Paul: 40.82%
Mitt Romney: 28.42%
Jon Huntsman: 23.55%
Rick Santorum: 7.21%

Rick Santorum: 294
Mitt Romney: 258
Ron Paul: 152
Jon Huntsman:137

[Maxwell]

Mitt Romney quits race

"Thank you everyone for all of your efforts to help my campaign, but I no longer see a course of action I can take that would cause my victory without obstruction of the party. As a result, I am withdrawing from the Presidential race, and endorsing Jon Huntsman, whose strong executive leadership is closest to my solutions based campaign. Hopefully he will bring economic prosperity to this country and defeats Barack Obama!" - Mitt Romney




"Because of Romney's announcement, most of his numbers in the polls receeds to Huntsman, but even then, Santorum's momentum for Super Tuesday clearly makes him the frontrunner for the moment being." - Wolf Blitzer

National Polling:
Rick Santorum: 40%
Jon Huntsman: 35%
Ron Paul: 25%

[Maxwell]

Skipping to the end of the Primary season:

Jon Huntsman: 968
Rick Santorum: 703
Ron Paul: 278
Mitt Romney: 258

"Now these would be the numbers, however Mitt Romney is making a special announcement today, and from what we hear, it is very beneficial to Jon Huntsman. That guess is partially because it is WITH frontrunner in terms of delegates Jon Huntsman." - Chris Matthews



"Today is the day I guess. I am announcing I am releasing my delegates, with a recommended course for the next president of the United States, Jon Huntsman!" - Mitt Romney

"Thank you, Mitt." - Jon Huntsman

"Since, as we expect, most, if not all, of Romney's delegates will go to his endorsed candidate, that pushes Huntsman over the 1144 edge, and, as a result, finally makes him the nominee for President under the rules of the RNC primary rules!"

Jon Huntsman: 1208
Rick Santorum: 709
Ron Paul: 290



"I guess its time to endorse, and I will fight for our Republican nominee..." - Rick Santorum



"I will not be making an endorsement as of yet, but it doesn't look favorable so far" - Ron Paul

PPP (D):
Jon Huntsman: 48%
Barack Obama: 44%

Rasmussen:
Jon Huntsman: 49%
Barack Obama: 42%

CNN:
Jon Huntsman: 46%
Barack Obama: 45%

Fox:
Jon Huntsman: 44%
Barack Obama: 44%

[Maxwell]

I assume Huntsman is now the "establishment" candidate? Weird seeing a liberal (in my opinion, the second most conservative, but the base does not think like me on this one), conservative, and tea party candidate all heading towards the convention. This will be good

Also, is Buddy Roemer still running? He might become relevent later on as the choices narrow down.

no, but in this timeline American's Elect gets its act together and nominates Buddy Roemer as their candidate.

The libertarians still nominate Gary Johnson as their nominee.

[Maxwell]

Huntsman VP Selection:

Pat Toomey - Senator of Pennsylvania



John Thune - Senator of North Dakota



Brian Sandoval - Governor of Nevada



Rand Paul - Senator of Kentucky



Mitch Daniels - Governor of Indiana



"The GOP base will not settle for moderates, and they are currently outraged at the possibility of Brian Sandoval. That being said, besides that one odd selection his part (and somewhat of Rand Paul), it seems to GOP doesn't worry too much about Huntsman even if they aren't happy with him. And why should they? In the latest Rasmussen poll, a Republican leaning poll, Huntsman already leads by 5 points, and almost double digits with independents! It looks like its going to be a tough race for the President!" - Chris Matthews

Rasmussen Poll:
Jon Huntsman: 47%
Barack Obama: 42%
Other: 3%
Undecided: 8%

Toss-Ups Map

Map No Toss-Ups

"The most surprising thing about the state by state polls is Indiana: Social conservatives in Indiana are so outraged, that Huntsman only leads by a point... with 40% of the vote. Almost 20% of voters in the state are undecided, which leads one to wonder, is their a third party candidates that could stir the pot in the state? Probably not, and if Huntsman picks a more right-wing VP, or even Mitch Daniels, this epidemic will stop." - Chris Matthews

[Maxwell]

Rick Santorum jumps into the Presidential ring under the Constitution Party!




"I can not, and will not, allow the conservative voice to be silenced. This election has been narrowed down to a liberal and a moderate. Therefore, I am announcing my run under the Constitution party ballot, with my running mate, Michelle Bachmann, we will take back this country from the depths of socialism!" - Rick Santorum

"Due to Huntsman's strong standing with Independents, he only shifts from first to second with single digits to Obama, but Santorum's jumping into the race places him in a strong third place with 20% of the vote, and nearly all of the south. It looks like this election, due to utter turmoil between the conservatives, has landed into the hands of Barack Obama."

National Poll:
Barack Obama: 39%
Jon Huntsman: 33%
Rick Santorum: 20%
Other: 2%
Undecided: 6%

Toss-Up Map

No Toss-Ups Map

"Both of these candidates represent what got us into this mess: Republican policies on the economy that pushed us into a great recession. We're not done yet, we still have to make adjustments." - Barack Obama



"Barack Obama and Rick Santorum both represent extremism in American politics: Santorum's radical social conservatism and Obama's continued plunging government into business. Santorum will try to paint himself as a fighter for economic liberty, but his record proves otherwise. Similarly, Obama will paint himself as a fighter of liberty abroad, but that too, is at fault. I give American the choice of reason, the choice of liberty, and the choice of a new tomorrow." - Jon Huntsman

"As of today, we are getting news that Huntsman's list has narrowed: John Thune and Pat Toomey are no longer in consideration. Since Santorum split the conservative base, those two names, names that would've attempted Huntsman's consolidation of the republican base, are now eliminated because of Santorum's split with the party. Rand Paul looks like a favorable name, as does Mitch Daniels at the momente, and Sandoval's stock has gone up since the Santorum's abandonment of party." - Wolf Blitzer

[Maxwell]

The Constitution Party might not nominate Santorum. They are strongly in favor of Ron Paul's foreign policy, and despite their strong conservative social views, do not state that they should be forced down the peoples throats. A Santorum run under the Tea Party banner is more likely, IMO.

I feel like, while this is true, Santorum would cause an influx of folks to the party, and cause the same thing that happened to Pat Buchanan's nomination of the Reform Party. It would probably destroy the Constitution Party.

Couldn't Santorum have just not endorsed Huntsman and let the party activists nominate a "conservative"?

Santorum originally cared about the party by endorsing Huntsman, but then his whole thinking went array when two things happened: 1. a third party showing for him proved he had a substantial audience different to that of Huntsman and Obama and 2. The possibility of two moderates on the ticket (The pure mention of Sandoval and Daniels).

[Maxwell]

Santorum takes a lot of heat, Obama fumbles on what he'd do in a second term, and Huntsman's VP polling choices



"Look, Santorum's a nice guy and a good family man, but his views are just out of the mainstream. I endorsed Jon Huntsman for a reason: He can get the country back on the right track. Santorum's entire focus on social and cultural issues gives root to the fact that, he has no real economic plan for this country."

Meanwhile, at Fox News



"Santorum's brute actions in attempt to put his name out there show he is entirely in the business of self-promotion. From his record of big spending in Congress, to his ties to lobbyists, the man shows that, inspite of his rhetoric, he has no real character. He doesn't fight for anyone, only for his own self-interest"



"What the man is doing is outrageous. I couldn't care if Elmer Thud was the republican nominee, and Jon Huntsman is certainly that, but we need to stand by this nominee. Santorum doing this is just devastating and just hands the election to Obama. We don't need four more years of THIS.



Sean Hannity: "Why wouldn't you have just endorsed Huntsman?"
Rick Santorum: "I've stated the answer before, and its a simple one: I believe we need a real conservative out there, speaking on real conservative values!"
Sean Hannity: "You do realize that you won't win the White House, and are just dividing the vote."
Rick Santorum: "I don't believe so. I believe that most of America will realize I represent them. They are tired of government regulations, and they are tired of the liberal paradox of just letting you do whatever you want."
Sean Hannity: "But wasn't America founded on freedom, Mr. Santorum!"
Rick Santorum: "That's not the kind of freedom, I believe, that the founders would've endorsed. Certainly not the kind of freedom I endorse. I believe staunchly in family values and having the traditional family values."
Sean Hannity: "While I agree with you on a lot of issues, possibly more than Huntsman himself, I still think you are spiting the Party and giving the Election to Barack Obama."
Rick Santorum: "I don't think so, but thanks anyway."

Meanwhile, with Barack Obama



David Gregory: "What will your plan be for a second term?"
Barack Obama: "You know, David, that is a good question. From my perspective, what I need to do is to continue what I've been doing: bringing the American people to change Washington from the outside. Cause, look, we've still got work to do..."
David Gregory: "Anything specific about your second term?"
Barack Obama: "Well, since I would've won a second term, It would cause the GOP stop gating to stop, and we will try to work some things out in terms of what will happen with the economy and the debt and..."


"With the entrance of Santorum, he already gets bombarded by his former friends during the GOP Primary: Fox News. This bombardment shows in the negation of his poll numbers, he's already down 5 points just after his announcement. And Obama had a disasterous appearance on Meet The Press where he wasn't able to even address what he would do with a second term. Meanwhile, with Jon Huntsman's campaign, he seems to be holding the fort rather well, with disenfranchised democrats, moderates, and even conservatives due to Santorum's constant attacks from Fox News, going to him. He's already back in the lead, and tomorrow he's dropping the name of his VP." - Chris Matthews

National Polls:
Jon Huntsman/??? - 40%
Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 34%
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann - 15%
Other - 3%
Undecided - 8%

With Mitch Daniels:
Jon Huntsman/Mitch Daniels - 41%
Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 35%
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann - 13%
Other - 3%
Undecided - 8%

With Rand Paul:
Jon Huntsman/Rand Paul - 42%
Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 35%
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann: 11%
Other: 3%
Undecided: 9%

With Brian Sanoval:
Jon Huntsman/Brian Sandoval: 40%
Barack Obama/Joe Biden: 32%
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann: 17%
Other: 3%
Undecided: 8%


Regular Map:

Daniels Map:

Paul Map:

Sandoval Map:

[Maxwell]

And its...



RAAAAAAAAAAAND PAUL

"I accept Jon Huntsman's offer to run on the ticket for the presidency of the United States. We will take our country back from the depths of Obamanomics and the Fed's irreversibly bad economic policies. At this point, nothing can stop us!" - Rand Paul



"As the polls show, with the pick of Rand Paul, Santorums stock shrinks. However, it shrinks even WORSE than the polls expected. Santorum's campaign is leaking: the continued barrage of negativity against him from former Republican allies is drowning him. Only Tom Tancredo and Mike Huckabee are staying with him, and only one endorsement is being considered as a positive. This pushes not only Kentucky and Tennessee further to Huntsman, but also Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and even Indiana and Pennyslvania, states that were not considered part of the Rand Paul bounce. Even Minnesota, a lean Obama state, is moving closer and closer to a toss-up, partially because of Michelle Bachmann's controversial statements as of late. This race is getting more and more interesting each time we get to it" - Wolf Blitzer

"It doesn't look like Santorum is going to have any momentum, and due to the 15% polling limit to get onto the debates, it doesn't look like he's going to have any shot at even getting into the debates, which would be devastating to his campaign." - John King

National Polls:
Jon Huntsman/Rand Paul: 44%
Barack Obama/Joe Biden: 36%
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann: 10%
Other: 2%
Undecided: 8%

The Map at this Point:

[Maxwell]

Obama approval numbers may be devastating if he's polling at 36%.

They are lower in this than they are in real life (possibly because of an even starker lack of vision), but Huntsman is also taking a significant chunk of Obama's audience, people who kind of approve of how he's doing, but are ultimately disappointed (which, it seems to me, is a giant audience).

[Maxwell]

The Republican National Convention

National Polls:
Huntsman/Paul: 42%
Obama/Biden: 40%
Santorum/Bachmann: 10%
Other: 0%
Undecided: 8%

"Before the convention, the Obama campaign has been making headway, due to Obama's revamped and newly more progressive campaigning style. Obama has moved more and more to the left on social issues, while not making fiscal issues a huge part of his campaign: in other words, putting emphasis on some of his strengths in terms of demographics. However, Paul has been hammering Obama's violations of civil liberties, while Huntsman has been hammering his poor fiscal ideas, so as a ticket, they've been managing to hold down the incumbent president, but for how long?" - Wolf Blitzer

Noteworthy Speakers at the GOP Convention:


"Huntsman will tell us the hard truths we need to hear!"



"The American dream doesn't reside with this President! It's time a move in the right direction, and that is in the direction of Huntsman/Paul!"



"Santorum is proposing a wholly authortarian agenda on America, while Obama is proposing a wholly liberal agenda for America. Let's stop making agenda and lets focus on fixing the problems that we have in this country, and there is only one ticket that will do that, and that is Huntsman/Paul!"



"A lot of you maybe wondering: Gary, what are you doing here, I thought you were the nominee for the Libertarian party? Well, I think liberty has come to the Republican party, and the Huntsman/Paul ticket is just what America needs: not fiscal liberalism nor social conservatism, but fiscal conservatism and social tolerance!"



"I am proud to introduce the young man who has made me the proudest in my lifetime, on the only ticket that endorses us to get out of Afghanistan: my son, RAND PAUL."



"This was a convention that soared... strong speeches from just about everyone, a touching endorsement from Ron Paul, and a surprising endorsement from former Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, who also put on a strong speech." - Bret Baier

"Yes, but Bret, I think, what started from Christie's speech, was too much preparing for future runs and publicity shows, not completely supporting of their nominee. Even though a lot of speeches were, not enough for it to be a completely effective convention, I suspect only a 3-4 point bump. Either way, no convention can look good for Santorum." - Brit Hume

National Poll:
Huntsman/Paul: 46%
Obama/Biden: 37%
Santorum/Bachmann: 9%
Other: 1%
Undecided: 8%

[Maxwell]

The Democratic National Convention, Major Boost for the President!

"It seems as if the DNC really touted Obama's message very well. While they couldn't throw many hurdles at the Huntsman/Paul ticket (though they did throw some extremism accusations at the vice president), they did throw many attacks on the third party candidacy of Rick Santorum, further sinking his boat. It appears that right after the convention, the President is seeing his first lead since Santorum entered the race, albeit much narrower than that point." - Wolf Blitzer

"Going into the debates, this isn't a good position for Huntsman/Paul, but Obama back in 08 was behind after the conventions, so the excitement could wear off quickly." - John King

Obama/Biden: 43%
Huntsman/Paul: 42%
Santorum/Bachmann: 6%
Other: 1%
Undecided: 8%

Toss-ups Map

No Toss-Ups

[Maxwell]

The First Debate



"Inspite of the rule of 15%, Rick Santorum had managed to strike a deal where, since he had performed at 20% at one point, he would be allowed one debate and see where it goes from there, should his poll numbers go up to 12%, he would be allowed to the next debate, and 15% to the one afteward. This requires a great performance on his behalf, we're about to see what happens with the candidates. Right now, Huntsman is back in the lead, but by a very thin margin, leading a possible resurgence of the incumbent president should he do well." - Wolf Blitzer

National Polling before the Debate:
Huntsman/Paul: 44%
Obama/Biden: 43%
Santorum/Bachmann:8%
Other: 0%
Undecided: 5%

Bob Scheiffer - "As you all know, the economy hasn't quite returned yet... We're still stuck in the 8% unemployment range. What be all of your respective plans in order to shift this economy and why would they be better than your opponents, first Governor Huntsman."

Jon Huntsman - "Well, my plan is simple: cutting taxes, flattening the tax code, and getting rid of regulations harmful to businesses. I want to slice all of the loopholes so that our tax system is more efficient, in order to cut taxes for the people. I feel like this would free up the economy, which is what we need right now: the freer the markets the freer the people. We also need to make serious cuts, as this debt is a serious issue. I've taken the Ron Paul plank of proprosing a one trillion dollar cut in the budget in the first year. I'm aware that some programs might not get the funding they want, but my feeling is that we need to cut back not only the dollars and cents to make these programs more efficient, but in order to save our country from economic collapse we need to make these cuts. I also am at odds with the Senator from Pennyslvania in that I will also make cuts to the Military as president. Defense is out of the question, but our military doesn't need to be everywhere it needs to be, plus its time to come home from Afghanistan. Through this, we will make our ways towards a balanced budget."

Bob Scheiffer - "Senator Santorum?"

Rick Santorum - "Well that's all nice, but we need an economic plan that benefits families. Huntsman makes all this talk of cutting loopholes, but doesn't mention the negative effects that cutting all of those loopholes I have. I propose a lot of the same principles, but in different ways. I would not cut those loop holes, families need them to build a traditional family. I would also not cut into the military, because that puts our military in serious danger. What the Governor is talking about is pure Ron Paul-ism, and that is why I left the republican party!"

Bob Scheiffer - "Your response, Mr.Huntsman?"

Jon Huntsman - "Well Senator Santorum, it's nice to see you basically admitting that you don't care about the fiscal future of this country, because the facts are there: we have a 16 trillion dollar deficit, we need to make serious action now in order to get rid of it. Cutting loopholes would allow for us to pay for it. Just screaming out about how tax cuts are going to solve the problem isn't going to solve the problem. We also need cuts in spending (including the military), and cuts in the loopholes. Don't just take my word for it, look at his record: 5 trillion added to the deficit under the Bush administration. He voted with Bush nearly 100% of the time. I don't want to go the route of George W. Bush, I want to go my own route and fix this countries economic problems."

Bob Scheiffer - "President Obama, you haven't gotten much of a chance to speak yet, have you?"

Barack Obama - "Doesn't look like it Bob, haha. Look, changing the course half way through isn't the way to go. We're still fighting for our economic future. We were in a recession when I came into office, and we are still pushing our way through. Without my policies, the stimilus, the bailouts, we wouldn't be where we are now. We'd be worse off. And that is why I think both of these men are wrong on their economic proposals, and we need to continue what we've been doing."

Bob Scheiffer - "So you are proposing another stimulus"

Barack Obama: "That is correct."


"From that snippet of the debate, the president, inspite of a huge group of reasons to vote for him given by the DNC, dwelled in non-specifics, never quite able to make his plans clear. His ideas were broad and easy to snipe at. Governor Huntsman and Senator Santorum took their shots at his plans, and It seemed like a very weak debate for the President. Watch for his poll numbers to take a dip or a dive, depending on how the public views it." - Anderson Cooper

National Polls:
Huntsman/Paul: 47%
Obama/Biden: 40%
Santorum/Bachmann: 8%
Other: 0%
Undecided: 5%

[Maxwell]

Election Night



"The Polls are starting to close in the first states around this nation, and we are already starting to get some calls: The President has won Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachussets, New York, Maryland, and Delaware:"

Vermont:
Barack Obama: 58.32%
Jon Huntsman: 38.23%
Rick Santorum: 1.45%
Other: 2%

Massachussets (Santorum not on the Ballot):
Barack Obama: 56.35%
Jon Huntsman: 42.65%
Other: 1%

Rhode Island:
Barack Obama: 57.82%
Jon Huntsman: 41.54%
Rick Santorum: 0.64%

New York:
Barack Obama: 60.00%
Jon Huntsman: 39.58%
Others: 0.42%

Maryland:
Barack Obama: 54.45%
Jon Huntsman: 37.83%
Rick Santorum: 7.72%

Delaware:
Barack Obama: 60.12%
Jon Huntsman: 32.23%
Rick Santorum: 5.65%

D.C.:
Barack Obama: 93.24%
Jon Huntsman: 7.76%

"While Jon Huntsman pulls out with Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Viriginia, North Carolina, and surprisingly early on in the race, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. So far to close to call is New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, and Ohio.

Georgia:
Jon Huntsman: 48.53%
Barack OBama: 35.23%
Rick Santorum: 16.24%

South Carolina:
Jon Huntsman: 47.24%
Barack Obama: 33.65%
Rick Santorum: 19.11%

West Virginia:
Jon Huntsman: 52.21%
Barack Obama: 35.26%
Rick Santorum: 12.53%

Virginia:
Jon Huntsman: 50.52%
Barack Obama: 41.24%
Rick Santorum: 8.24%

North Carolina:
Jon Huntsman: 50.20%
Barack Obama: 40.27%
Rick Santorum: 9.53%

New Hampshire:
Jon Huntsman: 53.45%
Barack Obama: 45.12%
Rick Santorum: 1.43%

Pennsylvania:
Jon Huntsman: 48.35%
Barack Obama: 43.10%
Rick Santorum: 8.55%

New Jersey:
Barack Obama: 48.45%
Jon Huntsman: 47.99%
Rick Santorum: 3.66%

Conneticut:
Jon Huntsman: 50.24%
Barack Obama: 49.76%

Maine:
Barack Obama: 49.52%
Jon Huntsman: 47.98%
Rick Santorum: 1.54%

Ohio:
Jon Huntsman: 47.58%
Barack Obama: 45.24%
Rick Santorum: 7.18%

The Map So Far:

"States the president shouldn't have to be competitive in he is, but here's the most shocking one: Maine. Maine's polls weren't even close until the last two weeks. Now its turning into a toss-up state over night. This doesn't look good for the incumbent's re-election chances, pointing to 1980 where Reagan and Carter were, not necessarily to their qualities and qualifications. And it will certainly be a closer election than that one, to be sure."

[Maxwell]

Why does it seem like Samtorum is sapping more support from Obama than from Huntsman?

Yeah this is a little odd. Obama performing at 2008 like levels in safe blue states and then losing swing/lean-D states when Santorum would be splitting the right-wing vote?

Well Huntsman is draining big amounts of Independent and Democratic votes in swing states from Obama because he seems more independent to them (reason why Santorum is performing easily better in Southern states), but in a lot of safe D states they see him for how a lot of people on this board do see him: really conservative.

[Maxwell]

"Well, now it seems we have some more calls for the night, first, The President wins Illinois and Maine.

Illinois:
Barack Obama: 54.35%
Jon Huntsman: 38.54%
Rick Santorum: 8.11%

Maine:
Barack Obama: 50.23%
Jon Huntsman: 48.24%
Rick Santorum: 1.53%

Albeit one elector WILL go to Governor Huntsman

while Jon Huntsman wins Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma:

Kentucky:
Jon Huntsman: 50.45%
Barack Obama: 37.56%
Rick Santorum: 12.99%

Tennessee:
Jon Huntsman: 45.33%
Barack Obama: 33.45%
Rick Santorum: 21.22%

Indiana:
Jon Huntsman: 50.34%
Barack Obama: 41.22%
Rick Santorum: 8.44%

Missouri:
Jon Huntsman: 49.53%
Barack Obama: 42.82%
Rick Santorum: 7.65%

Michigan:
Jon Huntsman: 47.44%
Barack Obama: 42.23%
Rick Santorum: 10.33%

Oklahoma:
Jon Huntsman: 38.43%
Barack Obama: 33.85%
Rick Santorum: 27.78%

And the first calls for the night for Senator Santorum are the two states he's led the whole time: Mississippi and Alabama.

Alabama:
Rick Santorum: 43.55%
Barack Obama: 37.43%
Jon Huntsman: 19.02%

Mississippi:
Rick Santorum: 36.55%
Barack Obama: 32.32%
Jon Huntsman: 31.13%

Several states remain to be called, and some surprising ones: Arkansas, Louisana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.

Arkansas:
Jon Huntsman: 35.45%
Barack Obama: 34.44%
Rick Santorum: 30.11%

Lousiana:
Rick Santorum: 34.43%
Jon Huntsman: 32.79%
Barack Obama: 32.78%

Iowa:
Jon Huntsman: 43.43%
Barack Obama: 42.82%
Rick Santorum: 13.75%

Minnesota:
Jon Huntsman: 42.44%
Barack Obama: 42.02%
Rick Santorum: 15.56%

Wisconsin:
Jon Huntsman: 45.45%
Barack Obama: 44.90%
Rick Santorum: 9.65%

Jon Huntsman: 146
Barack Obama: 86
Rick Santorum: 15

[Maxwell]

Its looking like a bad night for Obama...can't wait to see how this turns out Will it continue after the election and into the next Presidents term?

I'm thinking it will continue until 2020 or 2024 should I have the energy for it.

[Maxwell]

Final Election Result

Jon Huntsman wins in a mandate, but not a landslide.

Jon Huntsman/Rand Paul: 48.85% 339
Barack Obama/Joe Biden: 43.08% 183
Rick Santorum/Michelle Bachmann: 8.07% 16

"There were some shocking wins, Santorum pulled off two states and the most conservative sector of Nebraska, Jon Huntsman pulled New Jersey, Minnesota, Connecticut, and an elector from Maine, and the President managed to win Ohio and the biggest shocker of all Louisiana, a state that otherwise would've been 2 to 1 Republican if not for a Santorum run. Even then, this election result seemed set in stone since the end of the primaries: Jon Huntsman will be our next president." - Wolf Blitzer