There will be three events tomorrow on the campaign trail. Two will award delegates, while one may help only to buttress dangerously low campaign chests.
COLORADO - 36 delegates will be determined in a proportional caucus but are not bound. This state could go in any direction - Mitt Romney won it in 2008, Gingrich has led in some polls in the state, Paul is planning to use the caucuses for high turnout by his supporters, and Santorum could appeal to the more rural and socially conservative areas. Anybody could win here.
MINNESOTA - 40 delegates will be determined at a proportional caucus on February 7 but are not bound. Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty has already endorsed Mitt Romney, while former candidate and Rep. Michele Bachmann has been trying to quiet down rumors she will endorse Romney as well - and appears not to be endorsing anyone. Romney is the favorite to win here.
MISSOURI - Missouri is holding a primary, but is awarding no delegates. This glorified straw poll sits on the same day as two other caucuses and doesn't even have everyone on the ballot - Newt Gingrich didn't bother to qualify here, calling it a "beauty contest". It is also held February 7. It will be an important swing state in the general election, but this contest carries no weight in allocating delegates. Santorum has been focusing heavily here in order to turn it into an investment down the road, to entice other donors to give to his campaign for competing on Super Tuesday.
The Maine caucus is going on as well, but is a relaxed event taking all week. At the end of the week, we have CPAC, where all the candidates (past and present) will appear. I will also be there beginning Wednesday afternoon to provide coverage - and possibly more - of all the festivities.
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