Des Moines Register Backs Romney

18 December 2011 |permalink | email article

The Des Moines Register, in really no surprise, endorsed Mitt Romney for president Saturday night , citing his “sobriety, wisdom and judgment,”  as outweighing his tendency to “pick his way through the political minefields.” The endorsement of Romney increases his chances over rivals, just 17 days before the caucuses. But it raises expectation for the campaign. His bid for the nomination was considered, but rejected by the newspaper four years ago. The decision could seriously damage Newt Gingrich, whose support has slipped in recent days, clouding a disappointing result in first-in-the-nation voting, “Newt Gingrich is an undisciplined partisan who would alienate, not unite, if he reverts to mean-spirited attacks on display as House speaker.” The editorial suggested that its decision is also a blow to Ron Paul who has a much strong organization in Iowa than he had four years ago. Before the Register’s backing of Romney The New York Times’s Nate Silver on December 15 came out early with Republican primary projections starting with the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. His projected vote range was Gingrich at 22.7 %, Paul, 20.3%, and Romney, 20.2%. As for their chances of winning Gingrich had 38%, Paul 37% and Romney 36%, numbers certain now to shift.

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