Despite the efforts of the Romney campaign and media treatment of the Republican nominating process as all but wrapped up in his favor, the reality is the GOP race continues on for several reasons.
For the first time since the 1988 primary between George Bush Sr. and Bob Dole, the GOP primary in Illinois matters. And while 54 of the state’s 69 delegates are at stake, GOP candidates will be fighting for much more than delegates today.
With the Puerto Rico primary behind them, GOP candidates embark on a final campaign blitz across the state of Illinois. With Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum making their final attempts at appealing to the Land of Lincoln voters, both argue that a victory in the state could seal the GOP nomination.
In the Democratic Party, the rules require candidates choose their delegates. “Going rogue” is very difficult to do given the delegate vetting and whip process prior to a national convention. Dynamics are much more complicated for Republican presidential hopefuls.
Today the Republican Presidential Candidates head to the South for a pair of highly contested primaries in Alabama and Mississippi.
With the Kansas and Wyoming caucuses behind them, the Republican presidential hopefuls look towards tomorrow’s primaries in Alabama, Mississippi, and Hawaii for delegates, offering 101 collectively.
There is a remote possibility someone not currently running could emerge as the GOP’s nominee. Such a candidate would face challenges, like fundraising, last-minute organizing and name recognition.
