Romney Scores Big; Clooney Hosts Obama - Road to the White House - Election 2012 - Week 19

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Category: Beltway Insider

Published on Saturday, 12 May 2012 21:58

Written by Janet Walker

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Mitt Romney, the presumed Republican Presidential nominee, scored big this week with the endorsement by his chief rival and once GOP Presidential hopeful, Rick Santorum.

In accepting the endorsement from the former Pennsylvania senator Romney stated, "I am honored to have Senator Santorum's support. Throughout his career of public service, he has always led with a steadfast commitment to our party's conservative principles. He has fought for life, marriage, tax cuts and a stronger national defense. In the coming days, I look forward to working with him as we fight for our party's conservative foundations."

Alluding to a possible partnership with his onetime dominant challenger Romney fueled speculation of Santorum’s continued involvement in both the Republican National Convention, the Republican Presidential Campaign and, of course, a Romney White House. 

With Romney poised to be the Republican Presidential candidate, the media and both political campaigns are continuing to transition their message toward the general electorate. The Road to the White House will include, each week, Gallup Poll Election 2012 tracking statistics.

As of May 12, 2012 national popularity among registered voters indicated President Obama held steady this week at 46% and Romney also held steady at 45%. Obama’s current overall ratings, according to Gallup, remained steady at 48% approve and 46% disapprove of his effectiveness. Narrowing the topics to the economy among registered voters, 61% indicate Mitt Romney, according to Gallup, would do a good job of handling the economy over the next four years than 52% who believe Obama would.

As the primary season winds down, the voters seem more inclined to deliver strong Romney victories as in the recent primaries in Indiana and North Carolina where he garnered more than 60% of the votes and nearly 70% in West Virginia.  Texas Representative Ron Paul, continuing his bid has remained steadfast and clearly a candidate of principals who carries out his call of duty to the end. Senator Santorum remained in all contests and like Paul picked up a few delegates.

Still not at the magic number, barring any unforeseen catastrophic event, Mitt Romany will be the Republican Candidate for President of the United States facing the democratic incumbent this November.

George Clooney, activist and actor, played host as Hollywood rolled out the red carpet and welcomed President Obama this week to an exclusive star studded fundraiser at his Studio City, California mansion. The evening raised nearly 15MM dollars for President Obama’s re-election campaign. On the guest list, DreamWorks Animation honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg, Robert Downy, Jr., Toby Maguire and approximately 150 other celebrity guests who shelled out $40,000.00 each to attend.

As the primary season continues the final five include; Nebraska and Oregon, May 15; Arkansas and Kentucky May 22; Texas with 155 delegates, May 29; Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and California with a golden prize of 172 delegates, on June 5 and the last primary Utah on June 26.

As the dust settles in the 2012 Delegate Tracker totals for all candidates have been adjusted. Of the 2286 total available delegates, Mitt Romney has secured 966 delegates and needs to win 178 more delegates in order to secure the GOP nomination for President of the United States before the August Republican National Convention. At this time Rick Santorum holds 264 delegates, Newt Gingrich; 130, and Ron Paul, 104.