Would Romney Win in the South?

[In Other News]

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/frame_game/2011/10/mitt_romney_s_mormon_cult_controversy_anti_mormonism_is_the_prej.html

That's a link to a Slate piece revealing poll results that indicate much higher levels of anti-Mormonism vis-a-vis presidential voting preferences than racism, antisemitism, anti-Catholicism or misogyny.

As a Godless Commie Canadian, I don't give a damn about anyone's religion: To me, it's all nonsense. But, given the level of distrust toward the LDS church, do you think that, if Romney is the Republican nominee, right-wingers might just stay home on Nov. 6th of next year?

[bluestateguy]

1. Divisions between Southern Baptists and Mormons are a good thing

Keeps the Christian Right divided. That is a very good thing.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

2. If he is not a democrat and promises to

continue the war on women, anythings possible.

I think Obama will win, but it is going to be interesting, even more so if Mitt gets the nod.

[dkf]

3. Is this what Haley Barbour was alluding to when he said Cain could win the south?

[Roselma]

4. It would be tough. I've got family in South Carolina who

have said that they will leave the ballot slot untouched if Romney is the nominee. They do NOT trust Mormons. Interestingly, my nephew says he doesn't trust Mormons, because not only are they a cult, but that they operate in Utah like a socialist operation with all the people forced to live a "Mormon" lifestyle with forced family nights, forced contributions to the church, forced attendance at religious services, etc. I told him that yes, they do pool money for the common good of their church, but that the "forced" stuff is total bunk. He was unconvinced by me.

[Vincardog]

5. The radical reich cannot vote for a non christian even if he has grown rich by screwing american

workers. Simply because they can not be sure he would continue their 'christian campaign' against Muslims for oil and against, women and gays.

[jmowreader]

6. I don't think so

A few people would hold their noses and vote for him because they see President Obama as a greater threat than a Republican president who's in a religious cult, but the likely outcome is people would either vote straight-Republican downticket and leave the presidential ballot untouched (in North Carolina, you can do that easily; a "straight ticket" doesn't include the presidential election, which you vote separately) or they'd just stay home.

[rpannier]

7. Anton LaVey's Daughter would win the south if she had an R next to her name nt

[hlthe2b]

8. If he picks an acceptably nutty RW XIan fundy as a running mate...

He just might. Remember how detested McCain was with the RW base until Palin came on the ticket. Not a pleasant thought, but you know Romney would do whatever was needed to get elected.

[OHdem10]

9. The Unifying Goal--Make Obama a one-termer. is according

RW Pundits .

[madrchsod]

10. no....he`s a mormon and a northerner...

[dimbear]

11. I have a suggestion for Romney. The Bible is tough on the rich.

Curses them and condemns them to hell, for instance. This embarasses the Republican Party.

Joseph Smith had no problems with the rich. Move up to version 2.0, Republicans!

[Pab Sungenis]

12. It depends.

If a right-wing third party or independent makes a splash, then no.

If (just pulling a name out of nowhere) Michele Bachmann jumps to an independent run and Romney is the Republican nominee then Obama wins the Northeast, West Coast, Florida (because GOP vote split) and parts of the midwest. 299 electoral votes. Bachmann wins the rest of the South except for Texas for 106. Romney picks up the rest for 133.

Similar numbers for Herman Cain as the GOP nominee; the deep south will not vote for a black man. But he might poll better in many southern states than moderate Romney would. Cain might even win Virginia in a 3-way race.

Also, a split GOP would put a lot of marginal states into play. Virginia may go back back into Obama's column, as might North Carolina and Missouri. Texas might even be in play, you never know.

But in a one-on-one race? Yes, Romney will win the South. With numbers as they are now, best case scenario is a 270-268 Obama win. But, as always, it's over a year away and a lot can change in a year.