Changes

|[[Rick Perry]]

|[[Rick Perry]]

|Ranking improved on June 9 because Newt's campaign leadership quit. Perry formally announced his candidacy on August 13. He is a conservative-talking governor who has run [[Texas]] for a decade (since [[George W. Bush]] became president); crushed [[RINO]] [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] in the 2010 primary and then won a landslide in the general election against a popular opponent, carrying others to victory on his strong coattails; has an excellent jobs record in his State and which he can contrast with liberal-run states like [[California]], [[Nevada]], [[Illinois]], and [[New York]]. Strong religious faith that he is not afraid to show by attending prayer-ins that are mocked by [[east coast liberals]]. Understands the concept of [[states' rights]].  

|Ranking improved on June 9 because Newt's campaign leadership quit. Perry formally announced his candidacy on August 13. He is a conservative-talking governor who has run [[Texas]] for a decade (since [[George W. Bush]] became president); crushed [[RINO]] [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] in the 2010 primary and then won a landslide in the general election against a popular opponent, carrying others to victory on his strong coattails; has an excellent jobs record in his State and which he can contrast with liberal-run states like [[California]], [[Nevada]], [[Illinois]], and [[New York]]. Strong religious faith that he is not afraid to show by attending prayer-ins that are mocked by [[east coast liberals]]. Understands the concept of [[states' rights]].  

|It can be argued is more conservative in his rhetoric than his policies; endorsed [[RINO]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in 2008; tried to force all schoolgirls to receive the [[HPV vaccine]]; raised business taxes while governor; supports exceptions for allowing [[abortion]]; and continues to champion a Texas policy that allows in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.  ''Could simply block [[Mitt Romney]] from winning the nomination, without winning it himself''.

|It can be argued is more conservative in his rhetoric than his policies; endorsed [[RINO]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in 2008; tried by executive order to force all schoolgirls (except for parental opt-outs) to receive the [[HPV vaccine]]; raised business taxes while governor; supports exceptions for allowing [[abortion]]; and continues to champion a Texas policy that allows in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.  ''Could simply block [[Mitt Romney]] from winning the nomination, without winning it himself''.

|Stumbled in his first major statements on [[abortion]] and [[same-sex marriage]], and then lost the support of some voters on September 3rd by declaring that he is opposed to building a fence to reduce illegal immigration. Did not participate in the Iowa debate or Straw Poll but finished sixth on write-in votes. May be focusing on a southern strategy that is unlikely to give him the majority of delegates needed to win.

|Stumbled in his first major statements on [[abortion]] and [[same-sex marriage]], and then lost the support of some voters by declaring that he is opposed to building a fence to reduce illegal immigration. Did not participate in the Iowa debate or Straw Poll. May be focusing on a southern strategy that is unlikely to give him the majority of delegates needed to win.

Did well in the first debate that he participated in, but got egg on his face from the second debate he was in.

Did well in the first debate that he participated in, but seemed off-balance during his second debate (in Florida), prompting doubts among some viewers.  

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|[[Herman Cain]]

|[[Herman Cain]] |Former successful Godfathers Pizza CEO, conservative radio host, Tea Party favorite, tremendous speaker, triumphed over a health problem, is making himself known.

|Former successful Godfathers Pizza CEO, conservative radio host, Tea Party favorite, tremendous speaker, triumphed over a health problem, is making himself known.

|Not well known outside the conservative sphere of influence, although he is getting there.

|Not well known outside the conservative sphere of influence, although he is getting there.

|Maintaining his ranking

|Maintaining his ranking