Dear Commons Community,

Rick Santorum captured twin victories in the Alabama and Mississippi primaries on Tuesday, overcoming the financial advantages of Mitt Romney and the Southern allegiances to Newt Gingrich on a night that amplified his argument that the Republican nominating fight is becoming a two-man race with Mr. Romney.  The New York Times is reporting that these are important victories for Santorum’s candidacy and put significant pressure on Newt Gingrich.  Gingrich who was counting on doing well in the southern states to justify his candidacy, has to start considering certain realities.   In fact, losing to Santorum in both Alabama and Mississippi has left him without any real life line to winning the nomination.

These are important victories for Santorum more for their symbolism than for their actual delegate count.  Romney still leads handily in the number of delegates.

To be continued.

Tony