Well and the Holy Crap Santorum Does WELL

Delegate Count!

Mitt: 91/1144
Newt: 29/1144
Ron: 8/1144
Ricky: 44/1144

Source: NY Times
***

To say I'm a little surprised to hear about Ricky pulling off wins in ALL THREE CONTESTS is an understatement.  As I mentioned in my previous post on the subject, I expected a very strong showing or even win for Ricky in Colorado.  I mean, c'mon, Colorado Springs is home to Focus on the Family.

But as the BBC pointed out, Minnesota must have had some serious Tea Party elements who viewed Romney as too moderate.  As for Missouri, no one except Santorum was there, because the PRIMARY DOESN'T COUNT.  Except, y'know, for the influence it may have on the caucus next month.

I think Newt said it best: Tuesday was the end of any attempt to declare an early winner.  The GOP is determined to tear itself apart during this primary season, and we're just gonna have to ride it out.

The show should be pretty good at least!

Colorado Results

Rick Santorum	26,614	40.3%
Mitt Romney	23,012	34.9%
Newt Gingrich	8,445	12.8%
Ron Paul	7,759	11.8%
Other	197	0.3%

Source: AP

Minnesota Results

Rick Santorum	21,727	44.9%
Ron Paul	13,108	27.1%
Mitt Romney	8,157	16.9%
Newt Gingrich	5,203	10.8%
Other	141	0.3%

Source: AP

Missouri Results (Non-binding on Delegates)

Rick Santorum	138,957	55.2%
Mitt Romney	63,826	25.3%
Ron Paul	30,641	12.2%
Other	18,444	7.3%

Source: AP

Action Packed Week

Delegate Count!

Mitt: 85/1144
Newt: 29/1144
Ron: 8/1144
Ricky: 16/1144

Source: NY Times
***

So Romney destroys the Nevada results (50%), leaving Newt in the dust (21.1%), who barely outruns Ron (18.8%).  Ricky is toddling along behind, spewing his noises of intolerance (10%).  Poor widdle Wicky.

Anyhow.  Today we have several votes going on...in Minnesota, Colorado, and Missouri.  Missouri sorta doesn't count, as I learned from the Huffington Post, because the state's delegates are not bound to the results.  They have another process that starts next month with a caucus (complicated much?).

I'm most interested in what happens in Colorado.  As the home of some serious conservative groups (Focus on the Family, for instance) Ricky is hoping he can convince them he's the most intolerant, god-fearing, would be despot in the field.

On the other hand, there's also a significant Mormon population in Colorado...which plays into Mitt's area of advantage.

BUT there's a third hand! Colorado people tend to be individualistic and anti-government.  So perhaps Ron has a shot at a nice showing?

Where does Newt factor in?  I have no idea.  I'm quite curious, as I said.  He'll prolly end up near Romney, as the "Anti-Mitt."

As for Minnesota?  My money's on Mitt.  Minnesota, if I may generalize and entire state, is pretty level-headed, so Ron and Ricky are out in my view.  Newt will work is magic, and could possibly come in a close 2nd...but we shall see.