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Post by gerrard on Mar 16, 2012 20:05:29 GMT
thanks mate its actually a pleasure to keep the thread up to date - dont want to say this too loudly but i love politics and US politics is sooooo interesting compared to the boring stuff here Republican or Democrat I loves it all ;D
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Post by gonzales on Mar 17, 2012 12:47:15 GMT
Loving the Yanks work, The Empire State has been turned green today in honour of our patron saint
Heres a glass to 2 great countries Ireland & the USA
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Post by gerrard on Mar 19, 2012 19:30:00 GMT
Missouri GOP caucus held Saturday, results in June Missouri Republicans held a caucus on Saturday to divide up delegates headed for the Republican National Convention in August.
Missouri held a non-binding primary back on February 7 which was won by Rick Santorum. Under the caucus rules, the results of delegate apportionment won't be known until the Missouri GOP state convention in June.
There are 52 delegates for this State, will it matter if its all sorted by June who is to know?Report from The Ticket:
Rick Santorum's campaign is looking to gain additional momentum against Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, but that won't come in Missouri—at least not this weekend.
Yes, Missouri is set to begin holding its Republican caucuses on Saturday, but the full results won't be announced until June.
Under the state's somewhat arcane process, Republicans caucusgoers in the state will begin electing county delegates on Saturday. Those delegates will then proceed to a congressional district caucus set for April 21, where, according to rules laid out by the Missouri Republican Party, roughly half of the state's 52 presidential delegates will be selected. The other half will be determined at the state Republican convention scheduled for June 2.
Santorum easily won the state's Republican primary on Feb. 7, defeating Romney 52 percent to 23 percent. Ron Paul placed third with 12 percent, while Newt Gingrich did not qualify for the ballot. But those results were non-binding. Since then, Santorum and his rivals have been competing hard to win support at the caucuses, in spite of the fact that no clear winner will emerge until the national primary campaign is nearly over.
Still, there's a chance the preliminary results in April could have some effect on the race—especially if it continues to be a debate about delegate math, a narrative Romney's campaign has been pushing hard in recent days.MEANWHILE .. Romney wins Puerto Rico GOP primary Aside from Missouri on Saturday, this weekend also gave us the Puerto Rico GOP primary on Sunday which was easily won by Mitt Romney with over 80% of the vote. That gives him 20 more delegates in the old potReport from the Washington Post:
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney won Puerto Rico’s Republican primary on Sunday.
With about 83 percent of ballots counted, Romney took an overwhelming 83 percent of the vote. By getting more than 50 percent of total votes, Romney will take all 20 of the territory’s delegates.
Despite spending time campaigning on the island on Wednesday and Thursday, former senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania fell far behind Romney, taking about 8 percent of the vote.
Romney probably got a boost from his unqualified support for Puerto Rican statehood, the top issue in the race. Santorum, on the other hand, faced a backlash after suggesting that statehood be contingent on Puerto Rico making English its main language. (Former House speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul largely ignored the territory and took a very small share of the vote.).
Romney also had the support of most of the state establishment, including Gov. Luis Fortuno (R).
In 2008 the state GOP held a caucus; only 208 people participated. 2012 Delegate Tracker
Romney 521 Santorum 253 Gingrich 136 Paul 50
1,144 needed
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Post by gerrard on Mar 21, 2012 22:53:01 GMT
ROMNEY WINS ILLINOIS Mitt Romney easily won the Illinois Primary on Tuesday adding to his delegate lead and dealing a setback to Santorum campaign hoping to build on recent momentum.
So Im thinking its starting to look like a one horse race here, possibly Santorum could look towards Indiana on May 8 - but its a long way off and inbetween are New England States that are pro Romney. Gingrich is fast becoming the also ran here but noone is showing any signs of pulling out - yet! Illinois ResultsMitt Romney 46.7% Rick Santorum 35% Ron Paul 9.3% Newt Gingrich 8% Report from CBS News:
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney cruised to victory in the Illinois Republican presidential primary on Tuesday night, defeating his closest rival, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, by double digits.
With nearly all precincts reporting, Romney had 47 percent of the votes cast to Santorum's 35 percent. Ron Paul was in third with 9 percent, and Newt Gingrich in fourth with 8 percent. Turnout was light in the state.
In victory remarks in Schaumburg, Illinois, Tuesday night, Romney kept his focus squarely on President Obama — not his Republican primary opponents.
"Three years of Barack Obama have brought us fewer jobs and shrinking paychecks, but many of us believed we were in danger of losing something even more than the value of our homes and our 401(k)s," he said. "After years of too many apologies and not enough jobs, historic drops in income and historic highs in gas prices, a president who doesn't hesitate to use all the means necessary to force through Obamacare on the American public, but leads from behind in the world. It's time to say these words, this word: enough. We've had enough."
CBS News exit polls found that Romney, whose base of support was in Chicago and its suburbs, performed well among college graduates, Catholics and voters who see the economy as the most important issue facing the country. He also had a small edge over Santorum among those identifying as conservative. Santorum led Romney among white evangelicals and those identifying as very conservative. 2012 Delegate Tracker
Romney 563 Santorum 263 Gingrich 136 Paul 50
1,144 needed
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Post by craig johnson on Mar 22, 2012 18:39:01 GMT
its starting to look all over - Romney's on a roll now
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Post by gerrard on Mar 24, 2012 15:49:08 GMT
AND NOW THE LATEST NEWS ..the candidates are gearing up for the Louisiana primary
Rick Santorum has a spring in his step as he is leading in the polls in this State over his rival Mitt Romney
Santorum drew scrutiny on Friday after suggesting voters would choose President Obama over Romney if the GOP front-runner were to win the nomination, although he later backtracked on this
Santorum, emphatically said that he would support and vote for the Republican nominee, during a phone interview with Fox News.
"I've said it in every speech, if we don't give America a contrast we're not going to be successful. (But) the idea that I would vote for Obama over a Republican is outrageous," Santorum said. "This is why this is a joke and a creation of the Romney class."
Going into Louisiana, the candidates found themselves weighing in on some of the biggest issues in the country -- from the upcoming Supreme Court health care hearings to U.S. energy policy to the highly charged shooting death of a Florida teen.
Romney told Louisiana voters that Obama's health care law was an "unfolding disaster" and told them of his plan to give Medicaid money to states and changes the tax code so that it encourages them to buy insurance.
"You'll note the White House is not celebrating ObamaCare today," Romney told a small crowd in Metairie, La., several miles west of New Orleans.
still alot of conservatives are unsure of Romneys stance on the much opposed ObamaCare as when he was governor he signed a similar law which his opponents have teased was the basis behind the idea for ObamaCare
Louisiana will be one of Romney's last chances to show he can win in the Deep South before the campaigns head north for roughly the next six weeks, which is more his batting ground
some of the key states remaining in the primary process through late June are Wisconsin, New York, Texas and California.
Louisiana has 20 delegates up for grabs, but a candidate must win at least 25 percent of the vote to take at least some of them.
so its still all up for grabs, although Romney remains the strong favourite*massive cheers to Fox News who helped contribute to this report
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Post by gerrard on Mar 25, 2012 23:20:36 GMT
Santorum wins Louisiana, next Wisconsin Rick Santorum won Louisiana as expected on Saturday, proving among conservative voters that he is their choice for the big contest in November
Mind, Romney knew that the Deep South was not friendly territory for him and the next States coming up in the weeks ahead will prove more fruitful pickings for him
Santorum won with 49% of the vote, followed by Romney at 27%, Gingrich at 17% and Ron Paul with 6%
The victor was delighted: “People in Louisiana came through in a big way ... You didn’t get the memo. We’re still fighting. … I’m not running as the conservative candidate for president. I am the conservative candidate.”
Santorum said Romney called to congratulate him.
“I told him I was in (Wisconsin.) He said he was out in California raising money,” Santorum said. “I said leave a little bit for me. … We’ve always had cordial conversations.”
Meanwhile Mitt Romney was delighted with his vote in less than favourable territory, enabling him to grab 5 delegates
"Ann and I thank all the voters of Louisiana who took part in today’s primary and she joins me in congratulating Rick Santorum," the statement read. "Every day that passes with President Obama in the White House is a missed opportunity for America to get back on the right path. It’s time for all Americans to come together and help return our country to the conservative principles that made America free and prosperous, secure and respected around the world."The candidates now head into April 3 contests in Maryland, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. 2012 Delegate Tracker
Romney 568 Santorum 273 Gingrich 136 Paul 50
1,144 needed
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Post by elroja on Apr 2, 2012 18:11:30 GMT
I think its good for the Republicans that the candidate to face Mr Obama hasnt been choosen yet It keeps everyone focused on the big contest in Nov, Democrats and Republicans alike Plus its very entertaining stuff for the onlookers like us lot so keep at it folks Great work Gerry, enjoying it big time
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Post by gerrard on Apr 3, 2012 17:26:24 GMT
DC, Maryland & Wisconsin vote today and the polls show its close with just 10 points separating Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum
meanwhile Republicans are beginning to gather around Romney feeling he will be the candidate to face the President in Nov. Calls are getting louder for the other peeps in the contest to step backCHECK BACK FOR THE RESULTS PEEPS!!Report from USAToday:
WAUKESHA, Wis. – Primary voters here will either help solidify Mitt Romney's grip on the Republican presidential nomination or give Rick Santorum another reason to continue his campaign.
With 42 delegates to the Republican National Convention at stake in Tuesday's primary, Wisconsin can't get Romney to the 1,144 he needs to secure the nomination. It can, however, add to Romney's growing "perception of inevitability," says John McAdams, a political scientist at Marquette University.
Citing state polls that show Romney leading, McAdams says, "It will be a major shock if Romney doesn't win." If Santorum pulls off an upset, McAdams says, "he still remains an underdog."
Santorum said Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press that the Wisconsin primary is not "do or die" for him. Maryland, with 37 delegates, and Washington, D.C., with 19, also vote Tuesday.
Wisconsin has not backed a Republican presidential candidate in a general election since 1984 when Ronald Reagan was on the ballot, but Democrats' margin of victory in 2000 and 2004 was a few tenths of a percentage point. President Obama beat Republican Sen. John McCain here in the 2008 election, 56% to 42%.[/color]
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Post by gerrard on Apr 4, 2012 17:10:26 GMT
ROMNEY CLEAN SWEEPS Mitt Romney won three contests on Tuesday padding his delegate numbers and dealing a blow to Rick Santorum. While Santorum was not on the ballot in DC, the race in Wisconsin was the one to watch and it went easily for Romney early in the evening. Maryland went for Romney as expected.
Now Romney heads for Pennsylvania, in a bid to outdo Santorum on his home ground - a victory for Romney in this State would definately be a massive boost for him before the more Santorum prefering conservative States vote in MayWisconsinRomney 44% Santorum 37% Gingrich 6% Paul 11% Maryland PrimaryRomney 49% Santorum 29% Gingrich 11% Paul 9% Washington D.C. PrimaryRomney 70% Santorum - Gingrich 11% Paul 12% Report from WTOP:
Mitt Romney tightened his grip on the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday night, sweeping primaries in Wisconsin, Maryland and Washington D.C., with time left over to swap charges with President Barack Obama.
"Four more years?" Romney asked sarcastically of the president as supporters cheered in Milwaukee.
He said Obama was "a little out of touch" after spending four years surrounded by the trappings of power and had presided over near-record job losses as well as increases in poverty, home foreclosures, government debt and gasoline prices. In Washington, Obama said things could be worse _ and he predicted they would be if Romney and the Republicans got their way.
The victories enabled Romney to pad his already-wide delegate lead over Republican rival Rick Santorum, who flashed defiance in the face of pressure to abandon his own candidacy in the name of party unity.
Wisconsin was the marquee contest of the night, the only place of the three on the ballot where Santorum mounted a significant effort. Romney's victory there marked his fourth in little more than a month in a belt of industrial states that also included Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. 2012 Delegate Tracker
Romney 655 Santorum 278 Gingrich 136 Paul 51
1,144 needed
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Post by gonzales on Apr 5, 2012 16:46:45 GMT
This Romney guy has it sown up, the rest should call it a day. I dont think Pressie Obama has much to worry about here imo Good work G
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Post by gerrard on Apr 10, 2012 17:53:53 GMT
thanks everyone LATEST NEWS ..Newt Gingrich has recently acknowledged his campaign is over $4 million in debt and hinted to Fox News that he might be calling it quits, well sort of ...Report from Fox News:
Newt Gingrich acknowledged Sunday that his campaign is "operating on a shoestring," as he signaled he is preparing to transition from candidate to surrogate in anticipation of Mitt Romney winning the nomination.
While not throwing in the towel just yet, the former House speaker spoke frequently in past tense about his presidential bid in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." He said he wants to continue to try and influence the party platform, but said he's already discussed with the Republican National Committee how he can best help the nominee defeat President Obama if it's not him.
Romney, he said, "is far and away the most likely" nominee. Looking back on the race, Gingrich said he has "no regrets" — he became visibly emotional as he discussed on Easter Sunday how his faith helped him through the campaign.
"I'm glad I did this," Gingrich said of his decision to run, calling it "the right thing for me to do."
Gingrich spoke openly about his campaign's money troubles. He said the campaign has had to dip into personal funds — "a little bit, but not dramatically" — and that the campaign is "slightly less" than $4.5 million in debt.
"We owe much more than we wanted to," Gingrich said. He explained that the Florida primary in late January "got to be a real brawl" and that his campaign "tried to match Romney."he then clarified his comments saying he will stay until Romney reaches the magic figure of 1,144 delegates Report from Fox News
Newt Gingrich appeared on Hannity to clear up comments he made on Fox News Sunday, in which he stated that Mitt Romney is “far and away the mostly likely Republican nominee.” He told Sean what he said “got somehow translated almost instantly into something I didn’t say.”
He likened the campaign to yesterday’s Masters Golf Tournament, where the “two guys in sudden death were neither one in first place” but that neither of them dropped out in the first round.
Mentioning the “elite media” Gingrich questioned why it’s so hard for them to get into their heads that he’s staying in the race. He pointed to his forehead and said, “I am in here, I think I’m going to get it tattooed up here, all the way to Tampa.”so he's still there and fighting it seems !!* many thanks to Fox News for the reports
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Post by gerrard on Apr 11, 2012 17:02:25 GMT
SANTORUM BOWS OUT Mitt Romney has essentially secured the GOP's nomination after Rick Santorum today suspended his campaign
So President Obama now effectively knows who he will face come November for the office of President
While Santorum was the favourite among conservative Republican voters Romney's campaign was so well organised and added to the fact that his ever growing number of delegates it was proving a unsurmountable unwinnable situation for Santorum
"We were raising issues that, well, frankly, a lot of people didn't want to have raised," Santorum said as he announced his decision in his home state of Pennsylvania, two weeks before the Republican primary vote there.
Romney congratulated Santorum on his campaign, calling him an "able and worthy competitor."Report from CBS News:
Rick Santorum is poised to suspend his bid for the presidency on Tuesday, removing the last significant obstacle in Mitt Romney's now all-but-certain march to the Republican presidential nomination.
Santorum will make the announcement at a press conference in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania shortly, a senior member of his campaign staff told CBS News.
An unapologetic social and fiscal conservative, Santorum spent much of the 2012 campaign cycle as an also-ran, toiling in relative obscurity while a succession of contenders – Donald Trump, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich among them – rose to the top of the Republican presidential polls before falling back to earth.
He finally began gaining traction in Iowa shortly before the January 3 caucuses, when social conservatives eager for a candidate to call their own started to coalesce around him. Santorum effectively tied Romney in Iowa before going on to win another ten states and claim the mantle of conservative alternative to the frontrunner.
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Post by craig johnson on Apr 12, 2012 22:19:14 GMT
all over now - it was good while it lasted. Cant wait until the election debates start!
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Post by gerrard on Apr 13, 2012 16:30:29 GMT
Gingrich wouldnt say its over but I know what you mean CJ
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