Senator Oldiesfreak of Michigan and Governor Goldwater of Washington become the two main candidates in the Republican primary after winning Iowa and New Hampshire, respectively. Oldies leads in the polls nationally and attacks Goldwater on social issues, however opposition researchers for Goldwater's campaign dig up some controversial statements Oldies made about the South on an internet forum many years ago just days before the SC primary. Oldies wins SC just barely, even though he led by 25 points just a week ago. The race becomes even as the South deserts Oldies. By the end of the primaries Goldwater has a narrow lead, but there is talk among GOP superdelegates of a brokered convention with someone else as the nominee to placate social conservatives. Goldwater seals the nomination by promising to select a socially conservative running mate.
