US Election 2012: Paul Ryan joins host of Mitt Romney backers

He added that it was time “to coalesce as conservatives” around the
frontrunner and look ahead to November’s general election.

His backing will lend Mr Romney credibility in the eyes of fiscal
conservatives and comes days before the Wisconsin primary, a contest in a
state where Rick Santorum had hoped to trip up the coronation but where he
is now lagging badly in the polls.

Mr Santorum is down by eight points ahead of Tuesday’s primary, according to
Real Clear Politics’s poll of polls. Neither Texas congressman Ron Paul nor
former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich have made it out of double digits.

The primary awards all 42 delegates to the winner, giving Mr Santorum an
opportunity to claw back some of Mr Romney’s lead but that chance is now
fading.

As Mr Romney looks ahead to November he faces a new challenge: overcoming the
significant damage the long primary appears to have to his personal ratings.

An ABC/Washington Post Poll found that 50 per cent of Americans held an
unfavourable view of the Republican frontrunner, compared to just 34 per
cent who viewed him favourably. His negative ratings were exceeded only by
those for Mr Gingrich.

By contrast, Mr Obama favourable ratings were at 53 per cent against 43 per
cent unfavourable.

The figures will generate debate among Mr Romney’s aides as they try to steer
a course to victory against an incumbent president whose personal likability
tends to track higher than his actual job approval ratings.

A Real Clear Politics average currently puts Mr Obama five points ahead of Mr
Romney in a general election scenario, compared to eight points ahead of Mr
Santorum and 13 points ahead of Mr Gingrich.

You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes