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Health & Fitness

Game of Musical Chairs Continues for Republican Party

Mitt Romney has remained the "safe choice" for Republican voters, but the Iowa Caucus showed angst among Republicans who weren't sold on Romney. Will New Hampshire be any different?

For most Republicans, Mitt Romney has been the measuring stick for the candidates. He is the air bag that will protect conservatives from wrecks and kinks on this long road of electing a challenger to current presidential incumbent Barrack Obama.

Romney is the protective father that has saved us from previous flirtations with Perry and Cain.

Being said safety net, Republican voters have catapulted Bachman, Perry, Cain, Gingrich, Paul, and now Santorum to challenge Romney, but each has failed to unseat the front-runner. Despite Iowa’s run at this game of presidential musical chairs, the music has stopped, the candidates seated, and Romney remains the one to beat.

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Looking at his victory in Iowa with the glass half-full, Romney must be pleased with the win. He was projected to win the state and did. Though the margin leaves to question as to whether Romney truly represents what the conservative base desires—an answer which remains a resounding 'no.'

The slim margin only adds further doubt to his ability to gain support among extreme conservatives.

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With the rise of the Tea Party and a strong showing in the 2010 election, Republicans desired a change in the course of government; preferably less government in issues such as  health care. This in mind, Romney seems to be far from the candidate desired for such changes. As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney enacted a health care policy eerily similar to the plan Obama proposed.

Of all the candidates, Romney is the most moderate, which puts him in better position to challenge Obama, but fails to build needed support among conservatives.

Iowa still shows a strong desire among voters to unseat Obama.

To some voters, they are better off replacing Obama with an individual who may not necessarily reflect their values. According to exit polls, 30% of voters saw Romney as the most able to defeat Obama. Though he is seen as the best challenge to Obama, is that the manner in which we want to cast our ballot?

This, in addition to every election, should focus on the individual who accurately reflects your views. Electing an individual because solely on the basis that he can beat an individual depreciates the value of democracy.

Your vote is you voice, so vote accordingly.

Within the confines of the voting booth, are you going to simply cast a ballot for the lesser of two evils: a president we dislike or a candidate whose values are far from our own?

The Iowa caucus proved otherwise as candidates voted on what was reflective of their wants and desires for this county.

A brief glimmer of hope that opens the door for the likes of Santorum and Paul. These candidates marketed to the voters Romney failed to sway. Reading exit polls, Santorum remains the favorite among strong conservatives, while Paul remains favorite among new and younger voters.

With Iowan native Michele Bachmann withdrawing from the race after a poor performance in her home state, Santorum’s camp remains a likely destination for her strong conservative base. This spells danger for Romney who saw momentary safety with a win in Iowa and a likely win in New Hampshire, but following New Hampshire the ground becomes shaky in South Carolina and Florida.

South Carolina will prove Romney’s first big test with a more diverse voting pool. Time will tell whether Romney will secure the trust of his voting base. If not, don’t be surprised with the introduction of a third party to the race.

For now, we will continue to watch this game of presidential musical chairs continue to the beat of New Hampshire voters.

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