The Lorton Perspective: Who Will Be The Republican Presidential Nominee?

The Iowa Republican Presidential Caucus is today, and Patch asked this question from people who live and work in Lorton: Who do you think will be the Republican presidential nominee, and do you think that person will beat President Barack Obama in November? 

Alex Wu, 27, at Caribou Coffee
"Rick Santorum. I think he's getting more popular and I've been hearing a lot about him in the news. I don't want him to beat Obama, but I see it happening. I feel bad for Obama. People have lost faith in him." 

Bill Stepp, at Caribou Coffee
"Mitt Romney, when it's all said and done. He's got too much money. He'll get the nomination, but he won't beat Obama. The Republican strong suit is foreign affairs, but Obama has exceeded everyone's expectations. He's taken the game away from the Republicans.

"In addition to that, Romney is not a true conservative. Republicans will hold their nose to go to the polls, but he can't run from RomneyCare in Massachusetts. It's going to come back and bite him in the ass." 

Carl Tibbetts at Caribou Coffee
"Ultimately, it's going to be Romney because he's the most level-headed. He's also got a lot of money behind him, moors than the other candidates in the race. He seems to be a common guy. He'll beat Obama if anyone will." 

Steven Gardener at Tokyo One
"Newt Gingrich. He's getting killed in Iowa, but I see him prevailing in all the other states. Romney is ok, but he can't seem to get started. 

The whole Republican party is weak, to tell you the truth, but if I were a Republican I would vote for Newt. I don't think he will beat Obama. I've watched (Obama) for the past few years and he always seems to pull a rabbit out of his hat. Look at how he got Bin Laden and how his approval ratings went up.  If he can do something about inflation and unemployment then he will prevail."
 
Joshua Brown, Tokyo One
"Newt Gingrich. He's not shooting himself in the foot. I don't think he'll beat Obama. I think Obama's popularity will shoot back up again, when it all boils down to it." 

Jayne Towns, outside Caribou Coffee
"I don't care. I'm just glad it's going to be over with."