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Hey, people, what is your problem? What are you waiting for? How many presidential election cycles will you wait before moving in mass behind a single candidate, and thus losing to a moderate who merely earns pluralities?

Somebody needs to come down really hard on candidates who have shown glass jaws, who have attacked other candidates from the left, or who have absolutely fallen on their face by never coming above fifth place despite spending millions of dollars.

Meanwhile, if Newt Gingrich really is so convinced that Mitt Romney would be an awful nominee, why doesn’t he pull out, endorse Santorum, and ask the pro-Gingrich superPac to continue criticizing Romney — but this time, from the right, not from the left? (Once he is no longer a candidate, I think there are no restrictions on him saying in public what he hopes the superPac will do.)

By remaining in the race, Gingrich merely splits the non-Romney vote, which is playing right into Romney’s hands.

Of course, if you are a Romney fan, you now are thrilled with Gingrich. He’s your best buddy, no matter how much he attacks you.

View all comments (28) |

William R| 1.10.12 @ 10:45PM

Hillyer, probably because your guy Saantorum is no conservative.

Jack in Wi.| 1.10.12 @ 11:57PM

It has always been between Ron And Mitt in fight for the soul of the party. The only consevative running is Ron Paul. All the rest are in it for the money and power.

Pete| 1.11.12 @ 12:25AM

Too bad its not Rand running instead of his OLD man.

USSAlabama| 1.11.12 @ 12:59PM

Take a look at the FACTS . . . it's not us - 'us' being R's or conservatives voting.

'Voter Mischief' may well allow Democrats to deliver your nominee to the ultimate ballot.

Democrats are right now urging their voters to SC polls to vote for Romney.

USSAlabama| 1.11.12 @ 1:01PM

Actual Republican turnout - down 16%

http://campaign2012.washington.....ans/307181

One of the few voices to address what is really going on.

Clint| 1.10.12 @ 10:53PM

We Are Being Set Up By The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

Romney Had The Third Lowest Job Growth As Governor Of Massachusetts.

Romney Is A Job Gravedigger.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is On The East Coast.

WL| 1.10.12 @ 11:51PM

Sometimes I love your stuff...and sometimes it makes me think you really DO wear a tin foil hat while posting...

But on this one, you definitely have it correct, I'm afraid....

Oldefarte| 1.11.12 @ 2:51PM

You must understand what most of us don not, since nor only is Mr Copy/Paste wear a tin hat, but a tin suit, socks and too short shorts as well. He might become effective in his arguments if he would instead express his thoughts individually without resorting to the stupidity of this repeatative C&P bullexcrement which defeats his purpose of promoting Paul!!!!!!

Casey Abell| 1.10.12 @ 10:57PM

Hillyer's hold on reality is tenuous at any time, especially when it comes to Gingrich. But you have to be mega-delusional even by Hillyer standards to think that Newt would get out to help Santorum win. The only guy Newt wants to help win is Newt. And nobody ever won anything by getting out.

George S| 1.10.12 @ 11:15PM

Just who are the 'conservative leaders'?

Mike Rogers | 1.10.12 @ 11:32PM

Missing in a lot of the analysis is that the most help to Mittens is provided by full tinfoil helmet himself.
Like lawyers and sharks, the reason the other candidates all got savaged but not each other, seems to amount to professional courtesy.
Of course, the other reason Ron Paul might be doing so well and is staying in to split the anti-Mitt vote, might be money, after all, there have been plenty of surprising endorsements- perhaps this one has a quid pro quo, too.

WL| 1.10.12 @ 11:47PM

You hit the nail on the head there Mr. Rogers....

If others will watch closely, Paul always seems to come to Romney's defense just at the right moment(like today)...he knows he can't win...but sure does seem to pull alot of votes that would go somewhere else...

Honestly, I don't know what to think anymore...

But does anyone even remotely get the same feeling I have....

That we are in one of two situations:

1 being the Repub. Est. are just like the Dems in a whole lot of ways...and keep us as confused as the Dem. Est. keeps their voters....
2 being that ALL of the decent power and political players are orchestrating this election to produce a candidate that is already decided...in order to sincerely challenge Obama with who they feel is the best (Romney)...because they really do realize the danger...

I think it's option 1...

or worse.

RJ| 1.10.12 @ 11:35PM

Tonight I am looking for a candidate to support. Who should it be? I started out hoping that Rick Perry would be the man, but he quickly looked ill-prepared in the debates. Maybe he will come back in South Carolina, but his comments about putting the troops back in Iraq and his position about mandating a part-time Congress (How is a President going to do that?), got me worried again that he is not ready for the big-time.

Next came Newt. He had baggage, but looked impressive in the debates. He combined eloquence, experience and past results. He has now self-destructed and is damning himself with left-wing attacks on Romney.

Fortunately for me, the issue should be decided before it gets to California and California has no business in deciding who should be the GOP nominee. Nonetheless, in the meantime, I would like to have a candidate to support. Santorum, Romney, Paul? I will even take another look at Huntsman's policy statements.

I hope those who vote in a meaningful primary will make the right choice.

WL| 1.10.12 @ 11:55PM

HEY QUIN HILYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe your boy Boehner can get Santorum as good of a vote deal as that Continuing Resolution and Debt deal one you were hawking a few months back....

Then when he gets the election returns...you can act like you were only a bystander....

Yeah that's it....You and Ol' Weepy Boehner can cut that deal for him...and berate us when we try to warn him it's a fraud!!!!!!!!

Get'em Quin...who's counting anyway...you only started hawking Santorum when you figured out he's too much of a fuddy duddy to win anyway right?...

mjs_pa| 1.11.12 @ 8:35AM

Quin has been telling people to keep their eye on Santorum for maybe a year or more. He's no johnny come lately.

He's spot on. Conservatives have got to quit dividing their loyalty among 3 or 4 candidates.

We'll end up with dole/bush/mccain type every time.

I also suggest we close our primaries. It's embarrassing that 50% of huntsman supporters said they'll vote for obama in the fall.

Quin| 1.11.12 @ 9:39AM

Thank you, mjs_pa. Yes, I first started saying that Santorum was worth serious consideration way back in July of 2010, a full year and a half ago.

kf451| 1.11.12 @ 12:46AM

Why would Gingrich drop out and endorse Santorum? Santorum's already crashed, and Gingrich will narrowly beat him in New Hampshire. He's got more money than Santorum, and he'll beat him easily in South Carolina, which won't like Santorum's anti-right to work votes.

Margaret| 1.11.12 @ 4:19AM

Gingrich has the best chance among conservative, non-Romney candidates to win against Obama, so following your suggestion Quin it should be Santorum leaving the race and endorsing Gingrich

joanindixie| 1.11.12 @ 6:55AM

Why on earth would we want to vote for an empty suit again (see Bush I)...Romney has shown no economic brilliance - in fact, I don't even know where he really stands on any issue (see pandering)...How about Romney gets out of the race and stop splitting the votes?

OLDRAY| 1.11.12 @ 8:55AM

As usual Hillyer has it exactly backward . Santorum and Perry should drop our and support Newt. As it is get set for four more years of Obama.

Nancy in NC| 1.11.12 @ 8:57AM

The truth be known is that none of the candidates are conservatives. They are ALL big government Progressives. We are so screwed.

Al Adab| 1.11.12 @ 12:05PM

As you note we are doing a wonderful job of performing the Democrats function of destroying our nominees. With friends like us who needs enemies. Obama must be smiling to see such sport.

Conserdude| 1.11.12 @ 1:06PM

Quin is right, and had Gingrich long ago pegged as a deeply flawed leader, all of which manifested itself this past week in NH.

Oldefarte| 1.11.12 @ 2:58PM

The Republicans are resembling the Democrats of old [pre Clinton] in their stupidly fighting amongst themselves. Hopefully it will end without too much political destruction, since again IT'S THE DEMOCRATS, STUPIDS! Many of us at this point do not have a clear choice and will support/vote for the eventual nominee against Obama. All of them have pluses and minuses, but any/all of them would be a far superior president than what we're faced with currently. The object is to get one of them elected in November so that this country can survive and eventually recover in all areas!!!!!!

Jimbo| 1.14.12 @ 12:25PM

Oldfarte, if you'll remember, it was Gingrich who kept for weeks asking Romney to call off the attack dogs. He wouldn't. He knew that negative ads work. So off he and his friends went to destroy Gingrich leaving Gingrich with one choice: stay in the race and fight fire with fire, or just quit. The one thing we can say about Gingrich is that he's not a quitter. Ergo, here we are in this war of words. If only Iowans had not rewarded Romney's behavior in the first place, it would have totally changed the tone of this race.

PattyMor| 1.11.12 @ 3:10PM

ALL the candidates have flaws. But, among the people running who has advanced anything conservative? Romney - nope he's Mr. Romneycare, liberal judges, abortion (until he wanted to run for Prez) and raising fees (instead of taxes). Mr. Ron Paul, who has he brought along besides his Son, Rand. What money has he raised and got others elected: None, no one, zip, nada. Santorum is conservative on social issues, but not so much on spending. Rick Perry is the governor of a conservative state, but then so was Mr. Bush, so that doesn't prove anything. When Gingrich was Speaker, he balanced the budget, and helped to pass welfare reform. Sure he has a wandering eye and a tendency to pontificate. But, he's accomplished conservative goals. And, flaws and all, he's my pick. He has the ability to raise money and to compete against Mr. Romney.

randyinrocklin| 1.12.12 @ 1:48PM

My prediction: Palin will endorse Rick Perry.

Jimbo| 1.14.12 @ 12:35PM

I think she likes them both, but Perry is finished. He just hasn't come to terms with what's obvious to everyone but his most rabid supporters.

Given that Todd endorsed Gingrich and that Sarah heaped praise on Gingrich back in November/December, I think she wants to endorse Gingrich but has held back. Todd's endorsement may have been designed to test the political waters for her.

If/when Gingrich brings in a strong performance in South Carolina, I think we'll see a Sarah Palin endorsement follow. It'll be a little safer politically for her to do so.

More Blog Posts by Quin Hillyer

http://spectator.org/blog/2012/01/10/a-note-to-conservative-leaders

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