The American Tea Man

In a recent poll put out by Rasmussen taken Wednesday shows that Rick Santorum has taken third in Iowa with 16%, with Mitt Romney and Ron Paul in a statistical dead heat.  This officially makes Santorum a contender for the primary in Iowa.  And he is peaking at just the right time.

I had predicted several weeks ago after Herman Cain left the race that two people had the most to gain from his departure…and that was Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum.  It appears that he might have taken up what Mr Cain gave away, but not all since there are still some working hard on a write-in campaign.  Also, he made the best choice by spending the most time in Iowa, going to all 99 counties and taking quality time with voters in the early caucus state.

He is surging at the perfect time, because by the time the media takes notice people will have already made up their minds.  Plus, there could be more likely Santorum voters with almost 45% of state still claiming to be undecided.

In recent weeks Santorum has been picking great endorsements by Iowa’s secretary of state, and Bob Vander Plaats, leader of the conservative Family Leader group.  That might also answer for the new surge that Santorum is getting.

All during the race, conservative leaders in Iowa have told Michele Bachmann to withdraw from the race and get behind Rick Santorum, while at the same time trying to convince Rick Santorum to do likewise.  With five days until Iowa’s primary, and both claiming to be surging, there is no chance of either dropping out.

At the same time, former leader of the pack Newt Gingrich has taken a crushing beat down as he is now shown in fourth place, tied with Rick Perry.  The prospects for Gingrich have fallen, and hope of him winning is all but gone with Iowa being reminded of why conservatives didn’t like him earlier this year.

If Rick Santorum takes a shocking win in Iowa, it will most certainly change his chances in the primary, and might hurt his fellow candidates such as John Huntsman and Newt Gingrich.

This is shaping up to be an exciting, and possibly surprising, caucus day in Iowa.

Come back on caucus day for my reaction to the winner.

Related articles

• Santorum Claims Iowa ‘Spark’ as Polls Show Candidacy Surging (foxnews.com)
• Rick Santorum Moves Higher in Iowa (brutusreport.wordpress.com)
• Can Rick Santorum Win the 2012 GOP Nomination? (usnews.com)
• Santormentum? Rick Santorum Surges In Iowa (mediaite.com)
• Vander Plaats touts Santorum surge (politico.com)
• Republican dark horse Rick Santorum rides surge in Iowa (vancouversun.com)
• Santorum Surges In Key Poll (huffingtonpost.com)