Rick Santorum Victory in Iowa

[Progressive]

What could the implications be on the rest of the race?

[Adam Griffin]

Notice how Romney is not attacking him? Santorum is an insider but a passionate, no-apologies conservative. He very well could suck in the social conservative vote in Iowa and win and try his best in New Hampshire, If Santorum came in second in New Hampshire due to a partial Paul-Gingrich-Bachmann-Perry collapse, imagine what could happen in South Carolina? Romney's campaign is praying for this as it would essentially be a protracted campaign but one where it's perpetual 1st place for Romney and perpetual 2nd place for Santorum.

[Politico]

If Santorum finishes ahead of Gingrich and Perry, the latter two are probably finished. If anybody is going to finish ahead of Romney in Iowa, it's best it be Santorum, who does not have the resources/profile to compete beyond Iowa. Also, it would make Phil's day.

Personally, I am rooting for Romney to finish ahead of Santorum with Paul in third place. I'd love to see Bachmann finish fourth with Gingrich and Perry in the final slots. That is the dream scenario that is most likely to produce a 50-state sweep for Mitt.