The Maverick Conservative

I have endorsed President-Elect (because I have projected the election results already, since I am smarter than the "news" organization and able to do it even earlier) Mitt Romeny in this blog (before Iowa, at the same time Natiional Review endorsed Romney).  I did so because it had become obvious that he was the only candidate RUNNING as a conservative with the cahnce to win the Republican nomination.  I have maintained my prediction that Romney will win the nomination (along with my prediction that Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic nomination), despite the ups and downs of each state's results.

At the same time, I was the FIRST (many months ago) to note that--despite convetional wisdom at the time--February 5 (Super Tuesday) might NOT decide the nominations in a close race.  Early on, I noted that a front loaded process makes a DEADLOCKED convention (first ballot) MORE likely, so long as there are at least 3 strong candidates left on Super Tuesday.  I noted that this was especially possible for the Republicans.  Others have now come around to that view.

However, the Repubican race may yet reduce to Romney v. McCain.  Giuliani seems to be fading, and Huckabee seems done.  Both MIGHT keep enough support on Super Tuesday to deadlock sthe convention.  However, unless Giuliani wins Florida,  it seems that it is coming down to Romney or McCain for the nomination.  For conservatives, that should mean Romney.

The debate last night, from all reports, drove home that point again.  Romney--especially from a conservative point of view--seems to have been the clear winner. 

Conclusion:  I stand by my prediction that Mitt Romeny will win the Republican nomination  (whether at the convention or before), and go on to defeat Hillary Clinton.  Could I be wrong?  Sure.   It is possible that I am letting my hopes influence my prediction (which is why I mentioned the endrosement--to let you know the bias).   Still, I really can't see any other Republican acceptable to most conservatives at this time (after Thompson withdrew).  Romney is it, for conservatives (whether you fully trust him or not, and I understand that his past record gives some pause).

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