Andrew Dubois

Staff Writer

   Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has essentially secured the Republican Party’s nomination for the presidency.  Rick Santorum, Romney’s primary challenger, dropped out of the race on April 10th, followed by Newt Gingrich on April 25. It is estimated that Gingrich was in over 3 million dollars worth of debt when he decided to end his campaign.

    The two remaining Republican candidates, Mitt Romney and Texas congressman Ron Paul, will face off in the remaining East Coast primaries before the National Convention this August. In the time since Santorum’s announcement, Romney has begun courting the former Pennsylvania senator’s supporters, including the substantial evangelical vote.

    Regarding the candidates’ beliefs, Ron Paul wants to let the states handle their government themselves instead of having the federal government mandate anything. Romney has a less radical view of government and has a less strict conservative agenda than Paul.

    Romney’s “Restore our Future” super PAC has recently taken its attack ads against Gingrich and Santorum off of Youtube to begin focusing on Obama. Romney’s rhetoric has also shifted to a more aggressive style against the incumbent, and he is hoping to capitalize on the public’s dissatisfaction with Washington.

    Paul will continue campaigning as usual, hoping to win some more delegates before the National Convention, as well as try to convert some of Romney’s pledged delegates to his own side. If Paul fails to win at least one of the five primaries before the National Convention, it will probably mean the end of his campaign.