Last night’s Republican primaries in Michigan and Arizona solidified former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as the party’s frontrunner, while disappointing recent insurgent candidate former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.
In the final results, Romney crushed Santorum in Arizona with a nearly 20-point lead. This slaughter reflects the time and energy Romney devoted to Arizona, and the fact that he had numerous high-profile state endorsements including firebrand Governor Jan Brewer and longtime Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
The Michigan primary, however, is the true story of the night. Romney was born in Michigan and his father served as the state’s governor; he’s been an important figure here for years and still has family living there. Santorum’s campaign in the state was vigorous: he dumped millions into the contest in an attempt to make the night a symbolic loss for Romney. The tables were turned in recent days though, when Santorum began to lose momentum and spark controversy with some questionable or wacky remarks.
All the meanwhile, Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker, and Ron Paul, Texas Congressman, had been basically ignored last night, choosing to focus on states they might be able to win. Paul has set his sights on caucus states and Gingrich has chosen to focus on the South, where he has a chance to pick up a handful of states and put a few delegates into his column.
My solemn hope is that tonight’s contest and in fact all the primaries strengthen nominee in the end. Whoever wins this battle will emerge as a scarred and tempest-tossed veteran of numerous political skirmishes, all in preparation for the one showdown that matters: the general election against Barack Obama. In the end, early infighting in the party will translate to an earlier solidification of support behind one person to act as a spearhead against Obama’s dismal record and generously-funded campaign.
Gender politics also played an interesting role tonight: Romney won the vote of Republican women, an absolutely critical group for the GOP nominee to capture in November. Without independent and suburban women in places like Colorado, Florida and Ohio the nominee cannot win. Thus he’s already proving his mettle against the Democratic war machine.
Speaking of gender, Ann Romney’s influence must be recognized. Mrs. Romney essentially introduced her husband at his victory speech last night in Michigan and underscored some of the same themes he did. This trend of political spouses being active on the campaign trail is nothing new, but shows that the Romney family is finally utilizing its “Secret Weapon” and possibly greatest asset. Ann Romney came off as a bold and courageous woman, having fiercely battled Multiple Sclerosis and breast cancer.
