I have evaluated the candidates in five areas to see how they stack up based on objective criteria.
1.  Will the candidate defend America and prevent Iran from building atom bombs?
Michelle Bachman – Yes
Rick Perry – Yes
Rick Santorum – Yes, he has strongly supported GWOT
Jon Huntsman – Yes
Newt Gingrich – Yes
Mitt Romney – Yes
Ron Paul – No – FAIL!
2.  Does the candidate uphold good moral/family values in his/her own life?
Michelle Bachman – Yes
Rick Perry – Yes
Rick Santorum – Yes
Jon Huntsman – Yes
Mitt Romney – Yes
Newt Gingrich – NO
3. Does the candidate have executive experience?
Michelle Bachman – No
Rick Perry – Yes
Rick Santorum – No
Jon Huntsman – Yes
Mitt Romney – Yes
Newt Gingrich – No
4. Has the candidate ever won a state-wide election?
Michelle Bachman – No
Rick Perry – Yes, over five times!
Rick Santorum – Yes, twice in the key purple state of Pennsylvania
Jon Huntsman – Yes, twice
Mitt Romney – Yes, once
Newt Gingrich – No
5.  Is the candidate a veteran; if not, did they avoid the draft or were they too young for the draft?
Michelle Bachman – No, too young for draft – also not subject to it
Rick Perry – Yes
Rick Santorum – No, too young
Jon Huntsman – No, too young
Mitt Romney – No, avoided the draft
Newt Gingrich – No, avoided the draft
My conclusions:  I began this exercise as a Santorum supporter, and he is still my first choice.  However, as I researched the candidates I was surprised at just how accomplished both Governors Perry and Huntsman are.  Rick Perry is just a hair behind Rick Santorum on my list, now. Governor Huntsman is my third choice, and Michelle Bachman is my fourth choice.   I do not live in Iowa, so before I cast my vote I will see how these candidates have performed in the early states and vote for the one in my top four who is most likely to win at that point. With four very talented people who are good debaters, I’m not sure why we would choose either Romney or Gingrich.  However, I would rather win with Romney than lose with Gingrich.  If it is a two-man race between Romney and Gingrich, I vote for Romney.
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To win against anyone but Gingrich, Obama must show that his failed policies are better for America than the conservative solutions offered by his Republican opponent.  Against Gingrich, Obama, or his lackeys, have the option of going all-out negative on character and Palinizing Gingrich.  Since Gingrich was already Palininized before Palin was even a mayor, this will be a very easy strategy for the left.  Gingrich might well still win, but why take a chance on him when we have four other candidates with fine records who are good debaters.