Iowa Dark Horse: Rick Santorum

In the last month, the Cain campaign collapsed, Gingrich shot to the top, but has since lost much ground, while Romney stays frozen in polls, never having gained any ground. Some talk and reportage has put Ron Paul in the lead in the coming Iowa Caucus. Still, the race is on and it looks as if Rick Santorum will have his day:

Rasmussen Iowa Poll: Santorum Now in Double Digits, Tied for 4th:

The new Rasmussen Reports survey of Iowa caucus participants shows Romney on top with 25% of the vote followed by Paul at 20% and former House Speaker Newt Gingrichz at 17%. Texas Governor Rick Perryz and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorumz, both at 10%, are the only other candidates in double-digits. Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmannz earns six percent (6%), former Utah Governor Jon Huntsmanz four percent (4%), while one percent (1%) prefer some other candidate and eight percent (8%) are not sure.

http://www.conservatives4congress.com/2011/12/rasmussen-iowa-poll-santorum-now-in.html


The reality Rick Santorum just may step formally in to the ring. The Santorum campaign has been firm, consistent, and the candidate himself has been on message and always done well in the debates.

Romney has not been seen favorably by 70% to 75% of the Republican base, which is waiting and watching to grab on to the one person who, simply, is not Romney.

Ron Paul is generating 20% in Iowa, but has problem nationally, with everything from stains of racism to 9/11 conspiracy theories to major gaffs in foreign policy statements.

Rick Perry and Rick Santorum are paired up in 4th place in this recent poll, which in the long run may be more for both. Santorum rises and Perry has stabilized a drop that could prepare him for a rise.
The race is still on. The only presumption is that Romney has to earn the top-spot and the reality is he’s not doing well, and even Rick Santorum may ultimately sideline the ex-Massachusetts governor.