The field is narrowing. Three Republican candidates have now dropped out of the Republican Primary race. Mike Huckabee suspended his campaign Monday evening after the race was called for Ted Cruz. Now today both Rand Paul and Rick Santorum have suspended their campaigns as well.
It has been announced that Rick Santorum will endorse another candidate tonight (speculation seems to be that Santorum will endorse Trump, since he was seen at a Trump rally). Senator Paul will now focus on holding onto his KY Senate seat, and has not announced whether he will endorse anybody.
While the departure of these three candidates will most likely have little effect on the New Hampshire results, it does represent a “clearing” of the Conservative lane which could ultimately help front-runner Ted Cruz consolidate support, especially in South Carolina and the southern “Super Tuesday” contests. Look for Cruz to work hard to grab those voters.
On the establishment side, Marco Rubio will be in for the fight of his life as the “mainstream” candidates try to steal the limelight away from the Florida Senator. A second place finish in NH for Rubio could spell the end of the line for candidates like Bush, Kasich, and Christie, but a third place finish or worse for Rubio would spell trouble for the “Marcomentum” story line being created.
Things are definitely getting interesting.
