Republican Presidential candidate Newt Gringrich took a pretty hard hit in the Florida primary election, winning only 31.9% of votes, while rival Mitt Romney pocketed 46.4%. This was not welcome news to the Gingrich campaign, after so easily cleaning up in the South Carolina primary.
What is it that caused Newt to lose steam in Florida? Part of it, no doubt, is his promise of getting a colony on the moon by the end of his hypothetical second term (2020). This idea, in theory, should have been particularly attractive to Floridians, since so many NASA employees were thrown out of work after the final space shuttle launch in June 2011. However, with the national debt in the trillions, most people believe a colony on the moon is unlikely and irresponsible.
"A colony on the moon is ludicrous," said Kathy Thompson, of Inverness.
Additionally, Gingrich tried to one-up Rick Santorum during the CNN Republican Debate by saying that he had thought about Marco Rubio in a "slightly more dignified and central role than being in the cabinet." Again, voters were unimpressed.
"You can name Marco Rubio to whatever position you want. Doesn't mean he will do the job well," said Zoë Lang, of Tampa.
"Is appointing Marco Rubio to a prestigious position supposed to sweeten the pot?" asked Joseph Lupia, of Tampa. "Because it'd just make me even less likely to vote for him... Rubio has always struck me as shady. It's just pandering to the Latino vote."
Gingrich is still hopeful, however, promising supporters that they would continue fighting for the remaining 46 states.
Think you know Newt? Try the "Supervillain or Newt" flash game: http://supervillainornewt.com/
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