While it’s looking increasingly likely that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will win the Palmetto State’s pivotal “First in the South” presidential primary on Saturday, there’s yet another poll suggesting that the endorsement of South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was more of a hindrance than a help in his effort.
According to a Monmouth University survey released on Tuesday, Haley’s endorsement was a non-factor – if not a net negative for Romney.
While the poll found that 89 percent of likely Republican primary voters were aware of Haley’s endorsement of the Bay State politician, a whopping 71 percent said it made no impact on their presidential preference. Of those who were impacted by Haley’s endorsement, eight percent said it made them “more likely” to vote for Romney compared to 21 percent who said they were “less likely” to support him.
Ouch …
That data is consistent with a Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey released last week. In that poll, just 14 percent of likely South Carolina Republican primary voters say that they would be “more likely” to support a candidate based on Haley’s endorsement. Meanwhile twenty-five percent said that Haley’s backing would make them “less likely” to support a candidate.
Last month, a Winthrop University poll revealed that Haley – billed in the national press as a “popular governor” – had an anemic 34.6 percent approval rating in South Carolina, including a 52.5 percent approval rating among Republicans.
In spite of Haley, Romney is cruising in South Carolina.
The Monmouth poll has him receiving the support of 33 percent of likely primary voters – well ahead of Newt Gingrich (22 percent), Rick Santorum (14 percent) and Ron Paul (12 percent).
The Monmouth poll surveyed 963 likely primary voters in South Carolina between January 12-15. Its margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 percent. To view the results of the poll for yourself, click on the link below …
***
By rick January 17, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Why isn’t the media asking Santorum about his wife’s past relationship with an abortion doctoe?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2012/01/17/the_anti_fornication_anti_abortion_wife_of_rick_santorum_lived_very_differently_in_her_20s_.html?wpisrc=twitter_socialflow
By A Humble Chef January 17, 2012 at 7:55 pm
Hey Will, you’re probably right that Romney has it all but locked up here in SC. However, do you believe that the good Dr. Paul will make it much closer than these recent polls suggest? I mean, the telephone polls are next to worthless as far as percentages go anyway. Also, how do you veiw his currently favorable position in the swing states going if he gets beat soundly in SC?
Got my fingers and toes crossed anyway! As my ever so witty father would say, “I’d give up beating your mother to pull this one off!” The guy had a way with words…..
Ron Paul 2012!!!!
By Angry Republican January 17, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Not with me he hasn’t. I think Haley was a horrible mistake. I voted for her and feel she could care less about the State and it’s residents (taxpayers, people, voters, unemployed, etc).
She is simply posturing herself for HER future, not ours. It is all about her and I WILL NOT HELP HER BY VOTING ROMNEY!!!!
By proudofsc January 17, 2012 at 8:47 pm
YES!!
By RecallNikki January 17, 2012 at 10:29 pm
I agree…no vote for Romney because Haley endorsed him.
By Rob January 17, 2012 at 8:28 pm
How do we counter the continued mainstream media claim that SC is a closed primary? It seems they are trying to convince registered independents (and even Democrats) that they cannot vote in the Republican primary. Not so.
By Silver Eagle January 17, 2012 at 8:35 pm
I am voting and I am not a Republican. I would classify myself as an independent – vote for the person – not the party. I will probably vote for Paul – I just don’t want to see Romney win.
By snodgrass January 17, 2012 at 8:48 pm
There’s another debate Thursday. It could end up having some affect on the polls. My gut tells me there are still a lot of undecided voters out there. My gut also tells me that there is a general dissatisfaction with this field that just might hinder the overall turnout. I don’t think any candidate has a more loyal base than Ron Paul. I’m hoping that will prove to be an advantage.
By ? January 17, 2012 at 9:16 pm
I’m hoping for the same. Paul can’t have the debate he had last night though, it just can’t happen again. He has to hit it out of the park. He has to take down Newt & Santorum by telling everyone the truth about them and have better responses to their attacks.
He can’t be stuttering and stammering this time around, no matter how high the quality of his ideas he’s got to appeal to the sheeple on a different set of criterea-which includes the projection of confidence, control, & leadership. He’s capable of it. Now he has to do it/perform.
By ? January 17, 2012 at 9:18 pm
I’d add btw that when CNN hosts the debates they are not nearly as hostile to Paul as Fux News, so that should help.
By Hell's Bells January 17, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Rats.
I was hoping she’d be found to have a PROFOUND POSITIVE IMPACT.
That way, he’d give her an ambassadorship and she’d be gone in 18 months.
Looks like we’re stuck with her unless we can impeach her.
By Why not January 17, 2012 at 9:48 pm
vote for Herman Cain – his name’s still on the ballot, right? That’ll send a message.
By tomstickler January 18, 2012 at 10:35 am
He sure looks a lot paler in his most recent ads.
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/406077/january-17-2012/colbert-super-pac-ad—not-abel
By Let's Tell The Truth January 17, 2012 at 10:03 pm
We need to vote for the person who can beat Obama. We don’t need another McCain. We need someone who sounds confident, listens to the people, and sincerely wants to fix the mess we are in now. I don’t like Romney because he is not trustworthy and has proven he does not make good decisions. I like Newt because of his experience level and he is not afraid to stand up to Congress. He made mistakes too but I like that he has well thought out answers when questioned and seems to have a plan. Obama has to go!!
By ? January 17, 2012 at 10:07 pm
“We need to vote for the person who can beat Obama.”
Based on the above the two closest Republicans polling to “beat” Obama are Mitt Romney, then Ron Paul.
The drop off after those two is dramatic. Gingrich/Santorum aren’t close.
By TeaPartyGuy January 17, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Curtis Loftis rode herd on the Mitt campaign when no one else would. For months he has talked to us, in small and large groups. He kept the Tea Party engaged, though wary, of Romney. They are going to vote their conscious but many have been swayed to vote for Romney because of electability and on Curtis’s excellent performance at the Treasurer’s office.
Nikki is a disaster. Mitt is lucky she did not ruin his chances.
By RecallNikki January 17, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Haley’s endorsement hurt Mitt more than helped him.
By ;) January 17, 2012 at 10:30 pm
So in other words, the “Tea Party” faction you’re a member of has members voting based on electability instead of principles. So what is it exactly that differentiates you from the GOP?
By Paul January 18, 2012 at 6:29 am
I came on board with loftis and almost left with Haley. But I am staying. We gotta beat Obama.
By ? January 17, 2012 at 10:32 pm
Why am I reminded of “Big Love” when I look at the picture above?
By James the Foot Soldier January 17, 2012 at 11:01 pm
The Ron Paul Doctrine: the Golden Rule!!!
LMAO
How did that turn out for Neville Chamberlain you mouth-breathing idiots?
I realize history is no longer taught in South Carolina schools but ask Siri who Neville was for God’s sake.
By south mauldin January 18, 2012 at 8:19 am
I’m sure Cheney had your precise thoughts in mind when he lied us into invading Iraq. Could’ve used a bit of Chamberlain at that point, right? But no, can’t look like a wimp, now, can we?
By Cancerman January 18, 2012 at 12:14 am
Looks like a pack of Hyenas feeding on a recent kill. What a waste this group is.
By Andy January 18, 2012 at 5:02 am
Newt Gingrich has a mean streak and a hair trigger; a dangerous combination, as Republicans found out with John McCain. He cannot beat Obama. Nikki is tying her horse to the candidate most likely to win.
“Screw the Tea Party that put me in the Governor’s office, I’m on to other things”.
By Mrs. Ethel Krabitz January 18, 2012 at 5:48 am
is that Mitt’s wife? she needs to do something about that Hilary hair stat.
By Is this SHIITE for real January 18, 2012 at 4:49 pm
I’m sure she was somewhat attractive when she was younger. Some people age well…others do not.
By winston January 18, 2012 at 6:26 am
Curtis Loftis was the elected official that brought me to Mitt. Nikki Haley repulses me in how she twist every moment of public life to be about her. Her introductions of Mitt are really homages to herself.
People like state rep Phyllis Henderson and Mayor Knox White matter. Haley does not. I hope she does not hurt Mitt to much.
By P.Diddy January 18, 2012 at 6:35 am
When are folks going to realize that Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance of getting the nomination. He is too radical – period. The sad part of all of this is that Romney stands the best chance of beating Obama. The republicans don’t have a real good candidate in any of them, and that’s scary.
By John Williams January 18, 2012 at 6:46 pm
He can’t be that radical considering he is statistically tied with Obama in the last half dozen national polls along with Romney meanwhile the others are all %7-%12 behind Obama. Based on that Santorum,Gingrich and Perry are the radicals.
By Don January 18, 2012 at 8:10 am
Just heard Loftis on radio talking about Romney . He sounded more like a trusted friend than a politican. I am sold because of him not Gov Haley
By Robert January 18, 2012 at 8:13 am
Romney is the only chance the GOP has to defeat Obama, and it is because he is not far right. He is close to the middle. He changes his mind. He has that sort of JFK look to him. He never gets flustered in debate or questioning. He never seems to lose his cool. He doesn’t get repeating some mindless phrase such as “boots on the ground”.
Like him or not, he better reflects the average American….whether he really is or not.
By vicupstate January 18, 2012 at 9:07 am
Actually he has had some ‘not scripted’ momenents in debates, they just pale in comparison to Perry and Bachmann’s srew-ups, so they didn’t get as much mention.
He is very stepford in his demeanor, but that is not a positive aspect.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 8:28 am
In the picture from right to left…..that’s Frumpy, Lumpy and Hump-me!
You would certainly think that all of you dumb-ass people that voted for Haley (and obviously didn’t do one bit of homework on her as a candidate for Governor…before she was elected) could finally just admit you how badly you screwed up and do everything in your power to remedy this cluster fucking that she has put on our state by not voting for anyone she endorses. Of course, that is, unless you like to be cluster fucked!
ALL of these candidates are POLITICIANS and have made misteps, mistakes and have had huge lapses in judgement. Very few have admitted they made mistakes…Newt Gingrich has! I would rather take my chances with a person that admits he has faults but has the experience and intelligence necessary to run this country, than take a chance on the rest of those clowns that can’t even stand up to a simple debate much less a military show down with the likes of Iran or any other serious issues that we are bound to face in the near future.
Newt Gingrich is obviously the brightest star in the bunch and it has shown through time and again in the (so-called) debates.
That being said….you can vote for Mr. “I’m for people paying 25% taxes while I pay a measly 15%” (or less..I bet) Romney or you can do the smart thing and vote for Gingrich!
Use your brain people and educate yourself on all of the facts and the logically, intelligent choice will be Newt Gingrich hands down!
By Bogart January 18, 2012 at 10:18 am
I can’t stand Santorum,he seems to be left over from the Salem witch hunts,but as an Independent,I would vote for him before I would vote for Gingrich.By the way,I’m not alone.
By johnb January 18, 2012 at 8:37 am
i useda my brian and gingrich didn’t come up
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 9:14 am
You useda your BRIAN? Obviously neither did your spelling lessons! You did however spell GINGRICH right…thanks!
By Robert January 18, 2012 at 8:50 am
Palin says vote for Gingrich….if Haley is detrimental to Romney, then Palin is kiss of death for Gingrich.
By vicupstate January 18, 2012 at 9:15 am
Not to the conservative wing of the party.
Palin, is right in that the ONLY way for ANYONE to advance in the contest, is for ROMNEY to lose in SC. The ONLY one that can beat Romney here is Gingrich.
If Romney wins SC, it is all over. That momentum would easily carry him through to a win in FL. With 4 wins under his belt, he has it locked up.
Gingrich is the closest to Romney in the polls, and he has post-debate momentum. If you support PAUL, SANTORUM, PERRY or GINGRICH, you have to VOTE for GINGRICH on Saturday.
Otherwise, Romney and Nikki win. The only way Paul, Santorum or Gingrich go any further is if Mitt loses.
If the conservative base of the GOP does not vote STRATEGICALLY, then the RINO establishment will get their way and their candidate (once again).
By snodgrass January 18, 2012 at 11:24 am
“The only way Paul, Santorum or Gingrich go any further is if Mitt loses.”
Paul can go all the way to the general regardless of what happens. He doesn’t need the GOP to stay in this race. He doesn’t need the GOP to win it, either.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 9:22 am
I’d vote as much for Gingrich with Palins endorsement as much I would Haley’s endorsement of Romney…neither of these (dumb blondes) are a reason that I would vote for anyone.
I want this country to be the land of opportunity and freedom for my kids and my kids kids long after i’m gone…and we need a strong, intelligent president to keep it that way! Our very way of life is being attacked by crazy, lunatic radicals that will stop at nothing to take it from us!
By ceilidh10 January 18, 2012 at 9:43 am
Haley is priming herself to leave SC if Romney wins. She will take some kind of well paying position as a bureaucrat, then become ambassador to India. She is climbing on top the shoulders of South Carolinians to get to the top of the beanstalk. She doesn’t read local news or polls. Her eye is on her own sparrow.
By Dr. Rajesh Koothrappali January 18, 2012 at 10:01 am
I am afraid people of India are calling Nikki Haley the Coconut Queen of Mubai. I am afraid she will not be welcomed there. Robbing the temple and registering herself as white brought great shame to our country.
By Dr. Leonard Hofstadter January 18, 2012 at 10:03 am
I heard the only reason she cancelled her India trip was because her staff were afraid they would be stoned to death.
Pingback: Morning Record – Jan. 18 | Palmetto Public Record
By Is this SHIITE for real January 18, 2012 at 10:30 am
If there is a Federal investigation, as I’m hearing, there is NO leaving the country.
By James the Foot Soldier January 18, 2012 at 10:53 am
WHEW, quite an assorted gaggle of retARDs endorsing Newt!!
Palin and Ard’s commonality are they are/were being investigated for ethics violations so it makes sense they would endorse the most ethically challenged candidate.
Note to the mouth breathing inbreds: that’s a recipe for electoral victory….for Obama.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 11:13 am
Hey James….while I don’t necessarily disagree with your comments on ARD and PALIN, you know as I know that they all (are and have been) ethically challenged. The key word you used is “MOST” which tells us you know the truth!
That being said…tell us which candidate in your opinion is less ethically challenged!
Let me guess….OBAMA? Go figure! hahahaha
That certainly makes you the BIGGEST reTURD moron!
By Mr. Dixie January 18, 2012 at 11:12 am
If Romney, with his track record, can win in South Carolina, then it proves the Tea Party is over and it is time for them to go home. Real soon, the only dog fight still legal in South Carolina will be over and we will know for sure.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 11:18 am
Hey Mr. Dixie…..you ain’t just a whistling! I hear there is several train car loads of crumpets heading to SC.
By Scooter January 18, 2012 at 11:21 am
Cain is still on the ballot. A vote for him would be a protest vote. No one would really want to vote for Cain, given his baggage, and ignorance of world affairs. As Huntsman pulled out, I guess I will vote for Cain. The others are either ignorant, classless, bigoted, morons or liars and cheats. Romney just lives in some upside down world. He never can relate to regular people, although he pretends he can. The man has lived in a wealthy bubble all of his life. Neither Haley nor Loftis gives him any cred. Haley should not be on TV clapping and grinning when Newt is using one of his most bigoted and ignorant statements. Shows her lack of awareness and concern for all of her citizens. Shame on her, yet again! She is a really poor excuse for a Governor. The only candidate with common sense, ethics, education, attitude and ability is President Obama. He is the one to vote for. Get rid of the do nothing Republicans and lets get going again.
By James the Foot Soldier January 18, 2012 at 11:52 am
doc wannabe –
Terrible guess, I hope you do better with your medical diagnosis then your political prognastication.
I voted for the only democrat on the ballot in the last election for POTUS: John McCain.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 2:22 pm
First James, stop drinking!
Second, I’m not a wannabe I’m a hasawere and the word would be spelled prognostication.
Third, wow…it’s good to know that John McCain was a Democrat in the last election…wonder if anyone besides Fox news told him that!
Fourth, you must have voted for Nikki Haley in the last election for being a PUSSTOUS!
By Crooner January 18, 2012 at 1:44 pm
What to do, what to do. Vote Gingrich and put off (maybe stop) the coronation of Romney?
Vote Romney and hope he gets a third party challenge from the right?
Vote Paul and hope he stays in the race despite not being the Republican nominee?
The Democratic Party is urging Dems NOT to vote in the GOP Primary.
What’s an Obama Democrat to do?
Hey SC Blues:
Notice how it’s fine for the GOP to have their primary vote on Saturday?
By ;) January 18, 2012 at 2:43 pm
A Gingrich win sure throws a monkey wrench in the whole deal. I’m not sure Romney’s strong enough to fend him off, and ole Newt is just crazy enough with his big ego to think he could run and win against Obama.
By Spa Diva January 18, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Great picture of Nikki – fresh from a lip waxing – and the skin lightening cream is working.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 5:01 pm
unfortunately Spa Diva….The old Nikster apparently is gonna need her lower lips tightened and her upper skin waxed!
By Mr. Dixie January 18, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Spa Diva
My exact thoughts also,except for the skin lightening cream. But darkness has never been a problem for me on a pretty woman. In fact, I am kind of partial to Asian women and Indians (American) anyway. She needs to continue going to the same Spa.
By Balsak Tee Baghar January 18, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Greetings and perfumed breezes to every nostril!
Nikki is so beautiful in every picture I see!
She is what we call in India, “the goddess next door!”
On the streets of Calcutta she would be “the girl in the cardboard box next door!”
No matter what the place, this governor-goddess has the face!
With handsome Mitt Romney by her side, they are making quite a pair!
Now we can only hope this dynammic duo will appeal greatly to the Fourth World voters whose dirty fingernails they must come in contact with daily!
Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich is looking like a giant powdered doughnut rolling around the state trying hard to appeal to all the other fatties!
Possibly, he will remind them of the doughnut, and then they will go to Krispy Kreme instead of their polling places!
That’s how democracy works among the red of neck!
Newt the Loser must share the holy vote with abortion-obsessed Rick Santorum, who looks like Nicholas Cage’s even crazier brother!
In Calcutta we have a name for the citizens whose jabberings resemble those of Sick Rantorum!
Roughy translated, it means “grating moral douchebag.”
Anyway, the sight of Nikki and Mittie remind us all to smell the fragrant future!
Haley-Palin 2016!
I can see India from my house!
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 18, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Old Great Balls Sack….you must have tried to kiss the cobra on the head one to many times! You are as fruity as a nut cake and twice as curry!
By James the Foot Soldier January 18, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Appealing to the “fatties” might be the smartest move Newt’s made since offloading his cancer stricken wife before her hefty hospital co-pays came due.
By Dr. (Well I'll Be) M.D. January 19, 2012 at 8:11 am
To that I say…you might as well join’um ’cause you certainly can’t beat’um!
By Mocca January 18, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Romney’s wife has great racks. Maybe that’ll be the only reason I vote for the motherfucker – look at her for 4 years.
Pingback: Newt Gingrich, Back From the Dead | The Militant Left
By Carl January 23, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Mitt Romney for president?