Open thread: Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri; Update: Santorum wins Missouri; Update: Santorum wins Minnesota
posted at 7:45 pm on February 7, 2012 by Allahpundit
The polls in Missouri’s “beauty contest” primary close at 8 p.m. ET, right as the Minnesota caucuses get going. Colorado’s caucuses will start an hour later. Here’s your thread to follow the returns as they roll in. No delegates at stake tonight, but this is probably Santorum’s last chance to breeze past Newt as the race’s designated Not Romney. Read Ed’s post on the latest PPP numbers if you missed it this morning: He’s up by 13 points in Missouri (where Gingrich isn’t on the ballot) and by nine in Minnesota. If he wins both easily, then he gets a bunch of positive media coverage this week and maybe a few more big-name conservative endorsements, which in turn could mean enough movement in the polls to put him on at least an equal footing with Gingrich. Once that happens, the pressure will shift to Newt to explain why he should stay in and divide the conservative vote on the strength of having won one state while Santorum should drop out after having won three. Is that enough to get Gingrich to quit? Why … no, but it’ll make an increasingly dull primary interesting again until Super Tuesday.
In the interest of equal time, Nate Silver is bullish on what this all means for Santorum:
The results, nevertheless, will provide an important test of how robust Mitt Romney’s coalition is on less favorable terrain than in states like New Hampshire or Nevada. And they could potentially revitalize the campaign of one of Mr. Romney’s opponents, Rick Santorum.
Nor should one go too far in dismissing the results. The process that Minnesota and Colorado use, holding separate votes for presidential preference and delegate selection at their caucuses, is essentially the same one that was used in Iowa. Missouri is a more debatable case, but as the first primary of any kind held in the Midwest — perhaps Mr. Romney’s weakest region — it may tell us something about how states like Michigan and Ohio are likely to vote when they hold key primaries on Feb. 28 and March 6, respectively.
Here’s the handy dandy Google Elections page for results. To toggle between Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota, just use the “Showing results for” menu on the upper right. While we wait, two dumb clips to entertain you — one of Obama learning how a marshmallow cannon works and the other of Newt finally lapsing into tongues from his rage at Romney. Stay tuned for updates.
Update: At 9:45 ET, multiple networks are calling Missouri for Santorum. He’s up by almost 30 points with 40 percent reporting as I write this. Still early in Missouri and Colorado, though.
Update: At 10:20 ET, NBC calls Minnesota for Santorum too. And no wonder: As I write this, he’s leading there by 17 points over … Ron Paul. (Gingrich is dead last, incidentally.) Can he sweep by winning Colorado too? Romney won big there in 2008, but with nearly eight percent of precincts reporting, Santorum’s out to an almost 30-point lead. Stand by for possible declaration of Santorumania.
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What do you win if you do not keep principle anyways? ALways have to be principles first.
astonerii on February 7, 2012 at 9:22 PM
Ban hammer for me? Heh. So it was ok that Mittbots personally attack me? I can’t defend myself.
Cry me a river.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM
We’re not mandated to get drivers licenses, or obey speed limits if we don’t drive. The taxing power, when used properly, is a legitimate function of government. And all conservatives and libertarians should be opposed to mandatory schooling. I take it this is supposed to be a defense of Romneycare. Pointing out other bad laws doesn’t make another bad law any better.
updog on February 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM
I think it might be a good thing if Rick Santorum picks up a win tonight… it will help further deflate the Newt Gingrich blimp.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM
Well Scott, while we clearly disagree about much in this primary, I appreciate your respectful and collegial approach.
Longing4Lincoln on February 7, 2012 at 9:23 PM
astonerii: It is very clear that what you win without principles is the GOP majorities of 2000-2006, and the GOP House in 2010.
Scott H on February 7, 2012 at 9:24 PM
Yeah, and hypocrites try to smooth away their contradictions by trying to ignore what they’ve said in the past…
Isn’t that right, bluegill?
Flora Duh on February 7, 2012 at 9:24 PM
He’s converted back and forth like what 4-5 times?
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM
It stinks up the joint now, and you want to squish it?
Ewwww
katy the mean old lady on February 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM
You really have control issues dontcha partner?
You want the State to “take care” of your healthcare.
You want “Daddy” to ban people who don’t agree with you.
You sure you’re on the right board?
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:25 PM
Raquel, I’ve been here since the first 5 or 6 comments, and I can assure you that you were the first to stoop to personal attacks and foul language. As for crying a river, I’m hardly hurt by what you say, I just don’t think your crass approach has any place here. Just my two cents.
Longing4Lincoln on February 7, 2012 at 9:26 PM
So you’re saying that the bad (aka unelectable) candidates didn’t get elected because electability doesn’t matter in elections? OK then.
Thanks for clearing that up for us, sweetie.
Hollowpoint on February 7, 2012 at 9:26 PM
He’s a lifelong varmint hunter, too.
flyfisher on February 7, 2012 at 9:26 PM
Can I reword it for you? We’re more likely on the same page than not, but here:
Limitation in power and all that.
Here’s the begged question: why in the world would you come off as if you are advocating for RomneyCare as a blessing for the citizens via the 10th Amendment? Because like it or not, it is NOT RIGHT for the inalienable rights of the individual to be superceded by a federally unprevented power of the state. Madison wasn’t really excited about the 10th Amendment, but he did it as a favor to the other men at the table. But just because he did doesn’t mean that states have authority over us, especially when we are in the minority, nor should we allow them to take it just by legislating it into being.
Ours was intended to be a free country, despite state bureaucratic mischief. You either fight for it, or you won’t, but damned right I’ll fight for it and not cede one bit of my god-given freedom. Neither should you.
beatcanvas on February 7, 2012 at 9:27 PM
I apologize for the language. But you must have missed when they were attacking me personally?
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:27 PM
Lincoln: We disagree about much more than just this primary. :p And yes, I am respectful, but not very collegial.
Doesn’t matter, though. I doubt anyone sees the fact that we are treated no better than the captive Democrat constituencies. We’re thrown bones and told to vote for our betters.
I’m just a dog that has gone feral, I’m afraid.
Scott H on February 7, 2012 at 9:27 PM
There used to be this Perry supporter here who went simply by “katy”, and she would type masked obscenities. I found the woman’s behavior to be simply vile. At the time I just chalked it up to the typical Perry worshiper-style misbehaving, but now I see that the filth that lady was spewing was likely ban-worthy.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Tim, I assure you I have written and spoken as vocally against the healthcare mandate as anyone you know. I’m sorry that this has to keep coming back to personal attacks for you. I assume that if we were to sit down, we’d agree on 90%+ of our political views. It’s a shame that my support of Romney makes you want to throw that all away.
Longing4Lincoln on February 7, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Always off the mark. ACORN doesn’t pay enough to get quality alinskyites like they had in 2008.
Vote Globalist luciferian, Vote Mitt!
tom daschle concerned on February 7, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Yeah, it’s not a conservative solution, but it should not be disqualifying.
If Mitt had been the governor from Tennessee or Florida there wouldn’t have been this much opposition to him. Geographic bias.
antisense on February 7, 2012 at 9:28 PM
With a ball-peen hammer.
Rhetorically, of course.
Flora Duh on February 7, 2012 at 9:28 PM
Rick S is beating Mitt! Oh the humanity!
davemason2k on February 7, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Santorum/West 2012
MGardner on February 7, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Raquel: If you’re going to post here, you’re going to get attacked personally. It’s a general rule. That is because, unless it becomes egregious, it drives comments on the site, and that is what makes this site money.
As in everything else, follow the money.
Scott H on February 7, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Mitt could never have been governor of Tennessee. He’s more liberal than our Democrats.
flyfisher on February 7, 2012 at 9:31 PM
Right, but he has renounced his former position. You’re free to doubt his sincerity and attack pro-life converts (or those who adopt stronger public pro-life positions), but you will never hear me badmouth anyone for speaking up for the innocent unborn.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:31 PM
(he was joking)
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Actually, you missed the point. Otherwise you would have seen that it was the 17% of Republicans that voted for Reid that caused Angle to lose in NV.
In Delaware, O’Donnell would have probably lost anyway but that still doesn’t excuse the fact that 24% of Republicans voted for a Marxist.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
paul beating mitt in Minnesota?!
nathor on February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Bless your heart.
She’s a peach compared to you.
cozmo on February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
You said it better than I did.
And I’m not trying to support the mandate. I find it personally abhorrent. But what I CAN’T stand is people who loudly proclaim that a STATE mandate is the same as a FEDERAL mandate (I.e., Rick Santorum). One is Constitutional (and was for a longtime advanced as a conservative principal), the other in UNConstitutional (even if it was also advanced as a conservative principal).
Longing4Lincoln on February 7, 2012 at 9:32 PM
I think she was a little harsh on you 4Lincoln. I might disagree with you but there are many others more worthy of that nice little greeting. Also the current version is gfy or gtfoh. :)
arnold ziffel on February 7, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Oh, I thought he was serious. Stupid me.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Yeah, the same state that gave us Jesse the Moron and Al Franken. Not bolstering any resumes on that one…
catmman on February 7, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Alright. I’m off for the night. Go Mitt (or anybody not named Obama!)
Longing4Lincoln on February 7, 2012 at 9:34 PM
You forgot about who’s beating Ron.
Notorious GOP on February 7, 2012 at 9:34 PM
Could you please clarify this statement? I am not sure if you are speaking of simply geographic location, or of the political philosophies dominant in those locations.
And yes, for me, it is disqualifying. If someone wants my conservative vote, they need to be conservative. Romney fails that test.
Scott H on February 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Baca County Colorado has reported 100% – for Rick Santorum!!! Hmmm…
The Nerve on February 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Rick
Santorum
Votes: 1,150
44%
Ron
Paul
Votes: 616
24%
Mitt
Romney
Votes: 501
19%
Newt
Gingrich
Votes: 317
12%
Minnesota
JPeterman on February 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
I use the language myself, so no offense taken. I use the word differently. Mostly as a multiplier of feelings.
one of my current uses is the progressive debate tactic.
SHUT THE F^CK UP. Shut Up just does not really describe the feelings behind their desire to shut down debate. Since it is not directed at a person, I think it is appropriate.
What I have found as a replacement for what you did do, is to find the method of their attack and remind other readers of the blog what they are doing, how it is not something that should be given credibility, and let the readers decide. I used to get into those fights, I still do sometimes. I got into it with some 7 fellow last night about honor and dishonorable… In the end, we did not really get anywhere with the discussion because neither were any longer reading as much as looking for something to snipe back with.
astonerii on February 7, 2012 at 9:35 PM
bluegill: When it comes to politicians, I look at their actions, not their words.
What is Romney’s political history with abortion, after his alleged conversion?
Scott H on February 7, 2012 at 9:37 PM
So Romney can’t win without massive amount of money and campaigning foot soldiers organizing and buying votes for him? If Gingrich and Santorum stick it out, they could have a chance, Romney is not invincible.
residentblue on February 7, 2012 at 9:37 PM
I think the use of masked obscenities should result in getting banned, or at the very least a warning from a moderator.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
This race is going to the convention!
davemason2k on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Missouri
Santorum 45,493 53%
Romney 22,268 26%
Paul 10,157 12%
29% Reporting.
JPeterman on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Not really.
I was just pointing out Minns ‘inconsistency’.
catmman on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Or stick it under a tomato plant for fertilizer.
Rhetorically, of course.
We must tread lightly around the hall monitors tonight. :D
katy the mean old lady on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
What they’re saying, in my hearing, is not that it violates the letter of the Constitution, but that a mandate – whether state or federal – violates the spirit of the Constitution, the premise of which was individual freedom. When a state mandate removes individual freedom from us, there’s nothing Constitutional about it.
The hell anyone here, and certainly not a well-read patriot like you, should allow a technicality to remove our freedoms from us at the state level.
Remember: the 10th Amendment is not license. It simply limits the federal government from interfering with the state, but Constitutionally, I am still sovereign over any government because my freedoms are granted to me by my Creator, and no body of man can remove them from me.
beatcanvas on February 7, 2012 at 9:38 PM
They all have the right to be there, but what exactly is the purpose of having Ron Paul in the race? he is obviously not going to be the nominee, and I just don’t see him either pushing Romney to the right or influencing the debate in any meaningful way.
neuquenguy on February 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
“Varmints, if you will.” Cracks me up every time I think about it. Mitt said VARMINTS. lol
kg598301 on February 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
First off I am sorry I did go too far but quite a few Romney supporters are vile and engage in personal attacks on others.
csdeven, MJbrutus, Jailbreak, BuyDanish, and quite a few others. It’s also quite hypocritical that you didn’t call for the banning of your fellow Romney supporter that was using personal attacks on me.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
I have no qualms with your support for Romney….and I understand his appeal to folks like you. I assure you, if he get’s the nod, I’d certainly vote for him.
But don’t tell me he’s a conservative….he’s not. He’s an establishment moderate.
Don’t pretend that RomneyCare is “good” because it was a STATE mandate…..it’s not. It was terrible policy regardless, and he should be ashamed of it….not bragging about it.
Romney supporters seem to think everyone else is an idiot. Please vote for whomever you chose – he can’t be worse than Obumbles……I’d personally like to see a president who shares my conservative worldview.
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Gingrich should drop out now…
MGardner on February 7, 2012 at 9:39 PM
LOL
You have just solidified what many of us have known for weeks. You are the most intellectually dishonest poster on this site. And there’s no way your arrogant ‘I’m smarter than all of you’ attitude can cover it up.
Flora Duh on February 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Apparently having a good organization is now buying votes. You people are just stupid.
Chudi on February 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Santorum doing well in all three states tonight. What is the SuperMittPac going to pull out tomorrow? Hmm. As for the Missouri results, anybody who thinks the state that voted against ObamaCare with almost 75% of the vote in a referendum would vote for Romney has got to be dreaming.
txmomof6 on February 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM
C’mon, you strike me as a girl who likes that rough talk.
arnold ziffel on February 7, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Considering the behavior of several Paultards on this blog over the last few months, calling for the ban-hammer after a bit of profane language seems a bit of a knee-jerk.
catmman on February 7, 2012 at 9:41 PM
I think geography plays a huge role. Other posters here have noted the split between counties that go Mitt or go Newt/Santorum. Mitt gets the more urban, minority, and wealthy counties it appears.
As far as my statement, I think some voters get as far as Massach… and automatically dislike Romney.
antisense on February 7, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Go Rick! I don’t even like him. lol
(ABR)
kg598301 on February 7, 2012 at 9:41 PM
Romney should drop out of the race!
davemason2k on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
NBC News calls Missouri for Santorum.
amerpundit on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
I already apologized about that. I will say what I said to the other Mittbot, is it ok for Mittbots to engage in personal attacks?
You Mittbots are using tactics of the LEFT.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Huh?
Oh crap, I’m in trouble then…again.
cozmo on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
oh please…..try another site where your delicate sensibilities are more in-sync.
Try disney.com
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
santorum will take the 3 states?!?!? what happened?
nathor on February 7, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Unelectable candidates can’t get voters to reliably turn out for them, including those voters in the same party? Shocking.
Perhaps you should ask Angle’s ground team why she lost. Oh, wait- she didn’t really have one.
Electable does not imply moderate. It implies the ability (not guarantee) to win, and it’s a quality that’s not difficult to identify. Unless you’re not very bright.
Hollowpoint on February 7, 2012 at 9:43 PM
Holy Whoop-Ass, Batman!!
JohnGalt23 on February 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Please collect yourself.
antisense on February 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM
You don’t owe this @sshat an apology….she needs to stick to nickelodien.
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM
CNN joins NBC in calling Missouri for Santorum.
amerpundit on February 7, 2012 at 9:44 PM
He will literally say anything to get elected. He got caught on that one and came out with “varmints.” Utterly ridiculous. What’s even more ridiculous is the thought of him hunting
mooseer elk (while presumably toting a weapon that he banned in Massachusetts).flyfisher on February 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Missouri
Santorum 55,374 54%
Romney 26,496 26%
Paul 12,754 12%
JPeterman on February 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Congratulations Senator.
Flora Duh on February 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Santorum can only win where there is no competition… no one else campaigned in these states.
stenwin77 on February 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM
I agree! Newt Gingrich is old news. Rick Santorum is the new flash in the pan.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM
Santorum Sweep!!!
MGardner on February 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM
I know but Mittens supporters are using tactics of the LEFT, while calling themselves conservatives. That is what got me riled up.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM
I like that you have fire. What cracks me up is people fighting and the passion over Newt and Mitt. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this scenario. The nation is in for trouble big time.
arnold ziffel on February 7, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Matters little. The story tomorrow won’t be who campaigned where. It’ll be his surprise win(s).
Romney had little competition in New Hampshire, too. He was easily expected to win. Didn’t stop his campaign from touting it.
amerpundit on February 7, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Not you, fool. We have a few church ladies running amok. and fish to fry.
katy the mean old lady on February 7, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Mitt can’t win in the midwest
davemason2k on February 7, 2012 at 9:47 PM
I don’t think he’s got Colorado exactly locked down yet.
alchemist19 on February 7, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Allah, do you mean still early in Minnesota and Colorado?
Shump on February 7, 2012 at 9:48 PM
BAAADDDDDDD night for Romney!
Bill C on February 7, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Did you mean to write Missouri twice?
VorDaj on February 7, 2012 at 9:48 PM
Yes they do. The first I noticed it was rampent was when they targeted Newt for destruction with the nuclear attack on capitalism.
It fits exactly in line with the lefts attacks. The thing I do not get is, how did Mitt get so many people to go along with it? it is meant to simply shut down the debate. Similar to Racist! or You denier and anti-science neanderthal! Bible thumping witch hunter! and so forth…
astonerii on February 7, 2012 at 9:48 PM
By attempting to stifle your 1st ammendment rights…..naw, mitbotts wouldn’t do that.
/
(watch out for the SuperPacs though)
Tim_CA on February 7, 2012 at 9:49 PM
That one, Jailbreak, csdevin, Mjbrutus, etc.
Raquel Pinkbullet on February 7, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Might as well call this thread “No Mormons wanted”.
Anyone who thinks this is about Mittens politics is nuts.
The evangelicals are on the anti Mormon rampage.
rickyricardo on February 7, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Minnesota
Santorum 2,634 44%
Romney 1,049 18%
Paul 1,586 26%
Gingrich 808 12%
11% Reporting
JPeterman on February 7, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Bent County is bent on electing Newt Gingrich!
The Nerve on February 7, 2012 at 9:50 PM
Nope.
tetriskid on February 7, 2012 at 9:50 PM
I almost wonder if the Romney campaign didn’t allow Santorum to have these minor wins tonight as a way to hurt Newt Gingrich.
bluegill on February 7, 2012 at 9:50 PM
And anyone who dislikes Obama is racist, right?
Pathetic, dude.
amerpundit on February 7, 2012 at 9:50 PM
And Santorum can’t win outside it. And Newt can’t win outside the South.
We’ll see if your theory holds in Michigan.
alchemist19 on February 7, 2012 at 9:51 PM
Agree stenwin especially since he won’t get the delegates tonight
cmsinaz on February 7, 2012 at 9:51 PM
*clink*
:)
Seven Percent Solution on February 7, 2012 at 9:52 PM
I guess they just aren’t getting the results for the liberal hot beds, yet.
aryeung on February 7, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Whew, I was playing kind of loose in the Perry thread.
cozmo on February 7, 2012 at 9:52 PM
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