BETWEEN THE LINES: Republican Party in a quandary
The Republican Party kicked off the presidential campaign season with a slew of hopefuls seeking their party’s nomination. The first few primaries eliminated many hopefuls since few donor dollars go into the coffers of losers. When the dust settled, four candidates emerged.
They each have their own baggage. The party establishment wanted Mitt Romney to be the nominee. The GOP power brokers considered the former Massachusetts governor the most electable. Besides looking the part, Romney’s experience included financial success in the private sector.
Party leaders were most fearful of Ron Paul, the Texas congressman. His Libertarian viewpoints strike fear into the hearts of supporters of big government. The former obstetrician is outspoken, especially when it comes to the Federal Reserve — which he made clear in his book, "End the Fed."
Paul has gained popularity since his last run for president. He consistently polls 20 percent of the vote in most of the primaries he has entered. Although never considered a viable candidate, the eventual nominee will need the support of the Lake Jackson physician to win the White House.
The most surprising success is Rick Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania, who was totally off the radar when the race began. Santorum gained traction principally from the fact he is not Romney. Although he is considered more conservative than Romney, the devout Catholic needs to broaden his support — especially among independent voters.
Rounding out the field is Newt Gingrich, author of the Contract with America that led to a Republican Party rout in the congressional races in 1994. However, his overbearing personality and ego soon led to his demise. Later marital infidelity threw more gasoline on the political fire. In many ways, the former House Speaker is the most knowledgeable in the field.
For several decades Republican leaders have believed only a moderate candidate can win the presidency. But over the last decade, independent voters have become more conservative. It also explains why Paul has such a loyal following. Romney falls into that category, but clearly a significant element of Republicans are not the least bit enthralled with his candidacy.
Unless the Republican Party can unite under a nominee, the party has no chance to win in November. Much depends on how the economy fares in the coming months.
If the stock market suffers a major downward spiral, which is entirely possible, it would be difficult for President Barack Obama to win a second term. History has shown incumbents rarely win re-election in a declining economy.
Obama is vulnerable, but with an abundance of campaign contributions in hand, coupled with support of the media, the former Illinois senator is tough to beat.
Look for a close election in a country that is clearly divided along ideological lines.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 13 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.