COMMENTARY | PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Only one day from the South Carolina Republican presidential primary on Saturday, political observers anxiously await determining if a competitive race to challenge Barack Obama still exists.
Previously running in the 2008 primaries, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has the experience, organization, and funding to be a formidable frontrunner.
Despite such advantages, the 64-year-old has seen numerous rivals garner waves of support during the past six months. Furthermore, his poll numbers are stubbornly capped between 30 percent and 40 percent.
Because of these limitations, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Sen. Rick Santorum, and Rep. Ron Paul are still viable candidates. Though others have dropped out -- and Texas Gov. Rick Perry is the latest -- these challengers seek momentum to stop Romney's ascendency.
By winning the New Hampshire primary, Mitt Romney passed an initial test of electability. Though tactics will surely change, pending results in South Carolina, the remaining candidates will soon head south and transform Florida into the race's next battleground.
On Monday, NBC and the Tampa Bay Times will host a debate at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The event will be televised nationally to put the spotlight on the Sunshine State during this bitter fight.
Following this forum, the candidates will spend most of the next week in Florida, hoping both to speak and kiss babies profusely, before the primary on January 31. Southwest Florida will certainly prove critical turf to compete for votes, as the plush checkbooks of wealthy retirees are always in demand.
While Romney and Paul have yet to crystallize plans, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have jump-started their itineraries. With pleasant weather, and snowbird residents fully occupying their winter escapes, expect these politicians to deliver numerous stump speeches throughout Florida during the last days of January.
On Tuesday, both Gingrich and Santorum will pass through southwest Florida. The former House Speaker will visit Sarasota for morning fundraisers at Michael's Wine Cellar and Michael's On East. The affluent area is prime destination for campaign cash -- an essential asset if Gingrich is to oppose Romney long-term. These smaller stops will reward supporters, before the candidate speaks to the "Grassroots Rally" at Dolphin Aviation at 1:45pm near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Rick Santorum will be nearby, as he attends the "Rally By The Water" at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. The event, which is sponsored by the Punta Gorda Tea Party, will begin at 3:00pm and include music, prayer, and guest speakers, leading up to the former senator's arrival. The rally will be emceed by WCCF radio personality Ken Lovejoy, host of the popular local program "Charlotte County Speaks." Mr. Lovejoy will introduce Santorum and opine on why this is the most important election of our lifetime.
These events excitedly bring potential presidents to Southwest Florida. Besides an increase in bumper stickers and broad promises, they put the region on the forefront of determining which candidate (if any) can best challenge Romney and Obama.
Jeff Briscoe, an attorney and freelance writer, is also a regular contributor on sports and more for Yahoo! Contributor Network .
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