Mitt Could Lock Up Nomination in South Carolina

At National Journal, "The Stars Align for Romney in a Changed South Carolina":

The idea that South Carolina could seal the deal for Mitt Romney seemed fanciful mere months ago. Its Republican electorate—conservative, Southern, evangelical—doesn't seem like fertile political ground for a moderate northeastern Mormon. Yet Romney is well positioned to win the state's Jan. 21 primary and all but lock up the Republican presidential nomination.

Four years ago, Romney took 15 percent of the primary vote and came in fourth. This time around, he is facing an onslaught of attacks aimed at his Bain Capital credentials from challengers desperate to make their last stand in the state.

But South Carolina isn't the same state it was in 2008—and Romney is not the same candidate. He has distinct political advantages this time: a splintered conservative electorate that hasn't been able to coalesce around a single alternative; an economy in much-worse shape; and a two-for-two record heading into a state where momentum makes all the difference.

Indeed, when examining the changing landscape of South Carolina politics—and the current dynamics of the GOP race—the stars are aligned for Romney to win South Carolina. Here are the three main reasons why...

Continue reading at the link.

And CNN doesn't think Romney's a slam dunk in S.C., "New poll in S.C. indicates tight race for top spot."

But see Rasmussen Reports, "South Carolina Primary: Romney 28%, Gingrich 21%, Santorum 16%, Paul 16%."