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GOP Field Lacks Frontrunner

Three states, 3 winners—and there could soon be 5

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 16, 2008 3:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Mitt Romney's Michigan win leaves the outlook for the GOP as muddied as before, writes the New York Times. So far in the race, three different Republican candidates have won three different states appealing to three different sets of voters. With South Carolina and Nevada voting this weekend, the GOP race could soon have five frontrunners.

The divided results highlight the fractures in a Republican party unsure of who can best carry on the legacy of Ronald Reagan, who unified disparate elements of the GOP that were held together by George Bush. "I don’t know how you put Humpty Dumpty back together again," said Reagan's biographer, although he added that Romney seemed to be trying hardest.

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to supporters after winning the Michigan primary in Southfield, Mich., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee shakes hands at a campaign rally in Lexington, S.C. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks at a campaign rally in Lexington, S.C., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Associated Press)

Mark Mason, with Team Sandtastic, of Sarasota, Fla., works on a sand sculpture of the Republican candidates ahead of their South Carolina debate. From left are likenesses of the Republican Presidential... (Associated Press)

John McCain Campaigns In Michigan. Mitt Romney's victory in the state highlights the lack of a single candidate who can successfully unite the Republicans. (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., greets supporters after conceding the Michigan primary election to Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, in... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., center, and his wife Cindy, right, are greeted by the crowd as they make their way to the podium at a watch party campaign event, in Charleston,... (Associated Press)

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GOP Field Lacks Frontrunner

Three states, 3 winners—and there could soon be 5

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More Newser Stories

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Wheels are back on the 'Straight Talk Express'

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