GOP Top Dogs Take Different Paths on Trail

The race for the GOP nomination remains unsettled, with evangelical voters yet to pick a favorite and Thompson's late entry failing to capture the Republican imagination. Contenders are adopting radically distinct strategies to establish some clarity, the New York Times reports. But the race isn't about to "sugar off" between two candidates, notes one senator.

Romney is spending his big bucks in Iowa, Michigan and New Hampshire to try to capture the nomination with early wins. Giuliani is looking past the first contests to nab votes in coastal states. Thompson is also holding off but honing in on a red-state strategy. McCain, meanwhile, may accept matching federal funds to try to secure the New Hampshire vote. (More Rudy Giuliani stories.)