Experts: Texas to be a "Big Player" in Primary
By: Jordann Lucero
Updated: March 22, 2012
AMARILLO -- Everything's bigger in Texas, but when it comes to Presidential primaries the state's vote usually isn't. According to experts that's not the case year. Despite such a late voting date, the race is still on, and Texas has a lot to offer.
"I think the fact that 155 delegates are at stake is a huge prize for any candidate and could make a difference in whether (Mitt) Romney gets enough to secure the nomination on the first ballot or if we go into a brokered convention," said Dr. James Calvi, a political scientist and WTAMU Associate Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences.
Dr. Calvi said he doesn't think the state will choose the winner. The Texas delegates could be split among all four choices, Calvi said.
"Texas is kind of a western state and kind of a southern state and in the past, Romney has not done well in the southern states," Calvi said. "But (Newt) Gingrich is strong in the southern states too, so its really going to be difficult to predict."
Because Texas' delegates are awarded by congressional districts, Rick Santorum could win the votes of the more conservative areas. Native son, Congressman Ron Paul may win big in his and the surrounding districts.
"What could happen in May, it just depends on if the current candidate mix is still there," Potter County Republican Chair Tom Roller, said.
Even though it seems all of the candidates refuse to drop out, Roller said it'll come down to the money left in their campaigns. Either way, he agrees that the state's primary date will be big.
"I think that we've got a better chance of playing a more significant roll," he said.
"I think the fact that 155 delegates are at stake is a huge prize for any candidate and could make a difference in whether (Mitt) Romney gets enough to secure the nomination on the first ballot or if we go into a brokered convention," said Dr. James Calvi, a political scientist and WTAMU Associate Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences.
Dr. Calvi said he doesn't think the state will choose the winner. The Texas delegates could be split among all four choices, Calvi said.
"Texas is kind of a western state and kind of a southern state and in the past, Romney has not done well in the southern states," Calvi said. "But (Newt) Gingrich is strong in the southern states too, so its really going to be difficult to predict."
Because Texas' delegates are awarded by congressional districts, Rick Santorum could win the votes of the more conservative areas. Native son, Congressman Ron Paul may win big in his and the surrounding districts.
"What could happen in May, it just depends on if the current candidate mix is still there," Potter County Republican Chair Tom Roller, said.
Even though it seems all of the candidates refuse to drop out, Roller said it'll come down to the money left in their campaigns. Either way, he agrees that the state's primary date will be big.
"I think that we've got a better chance of playing a more significant roll," he said.
