Analysis: Florida primary is Giuliani’s last chance
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is looking to Florida to give him a win and propel him forward in the Presidential race, but it is doubtful he’s going to get it.
The latest polls show the one-time frontrunner trailing far behind Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Tuesday’s primary in Florida is the final contest for Democrats and Republicans before the all important “Super Tuesday” contest on February 5th, when nearly half of the United States will vote for their chosen Presidential candidates.
With 57 delegates up for grabs in the state, Florida may well be the determining factor in who lands the Republican nomination in November.
For some, such as Rudy Giuliani, the state could prove to be the end of the line for their campaigns.
Giuliani, working with limited resources, decided to throw most of his time and funds into the Florida primary, in hopes of pulling off a dramatic win.
If successful, the strategy could give him a significant edge over his opponents going into the February 5th primaries and caucuses.
However, a failure in Florida is likely to put to bed any dreams he has of becoming President of the United States.
As it stands, things are not looking good for Giuliani, who was once considered a very strong contender for the Republican nomination.
The most recent polls coming out of Florida show him trailing behind John McCain and Mitt Romney.
In the latest Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll, McCain led Romney by 35 percent to 31 percent.
Giuliani and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee follow in a near tie for third place at just 13 percent.
Texas congressman Ron Paul was in last place at 2 percent. The poll had a margin of error of 3.3 percent.
Just two months ago Giuliani was in first place in polls of Florida voters.
McCain is coming off a powerful win in South Carolina, the first Southern primary.
Romney is still riding high from a win in the Michigan primary.
Giuliani, on the other hand, has failed to garner much support at all in the primaries and caucuses so far, leaving Florida, some say, as his last chance to remain a competitor in the race.
Before voting even began in the Florida primary, Giuliani was already being asked about what he will do if he loses in the state.
When asked what road he will take after a loss in Florida, Giuliani said “When it’s Wednesday morning, we will make a decision,” according to MSNBC.com.
Unless a miracle happens, it seems increasingly likely Wednesday morning may see another Presidential candidate fallen by the wayside.
Voting in Florida will end at 7 p.m. EST (00:00 GMT)in most of Florida and an hour later in the Northwestern portion of the state.
About a million absentee and early-voting ballots have already been cast.
Ann Turner © 2007 LesbiaNation.com; All Rights Reserved.
