After a three-week lull, the Republican presidential primaries resume on Tuesday when five Northeastern states -- Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island -- have their say. With Rick Santorum having dropped out of the race earlier in the month, Mitt Romney has an overwhelming lead in the delegate count, but both Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul remain in the race.
Having served as governor of Massachusetts and with the support of many of the leading Republicans in the region, Romney is expected to sweep the primary contests. With Santorum out of the race, Republicans from the five states have been jumping on the Romney bandwagon. This week, Romney unveiled the endorsement of Gov. Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania which will bring 72 delegates to the Republican convention in Tampa come August.
"I'm extraordinarily proud to earn Toms support," said Romney after getting the support of Corbett. Tom has been a wonderful leader for Pennsylvania and shares my values of spurring economic security through scaling back the size of government and promoting pro-growth policies.
Romney also looked ahead to November and insisted that he would put up a fight in the Keystone State which last backed a Republican presidential candidate in 1988 when it swung behind George H.W. Bush.
There is no doubt that Pennsylvania will be a crucial state in November, Romney said. "With Toms help, I know that I will be able to share my vision of restoring American greatness to Pennsylvania voters.
Romney also unveiled the support of 20 Republican leaders in Rhode Island, which will have 19 delegates in Tampa, this week. Rhode Island is expected to remain in the Democratic column come November.
Having only won two contests so far in the primaries -- his home state of Georgia, and South Carolina -- Gingrich has invested heavily in Delaware which will have 17 delegates in Tampa. On Saturday, Gingrich is scheduled to return to the Blue Hen State with events in Wilmington and Harrington.
Gingrich unveiled the endorsements of three religious conservatives in Delaware this week -- John Radell, the president of the state Faith and Freedom Coalition and vice chairman of the New Castle County GOP, and Pastors Mike and Tricia Fox, two of the states leading advocates for traditional marriage.
I support Newt because this nation needs a great president with courage and heart; a president whose trust in the American people is second only to his trust in God said Radell. Newt understands the damage created by Obama that has weakened our culture and the foundations of freedom. It's Newts knowledge that can undo this damage and build a stronger 'one nation under God' for America.
I am honored to have the support of these Delaware faith leaders, Gingrich said. They will be instrumental in helping us win the state and spread by making the case that I am the best candidate to defend religious liberty against the administrations secularism.
Gingrich also focused on New York, the largest prize on the table on Tuesday with 95 delegates. The former congressional leader campaigned in Manhattan on Thursday and held a rally in Buffalo with Carl Paladino, the businessman who upset Rick Lazio to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010 and who went on to lose to Andrew Cuomo in the general election.
Paul has been active in the Northeast, as well. Speaking at Ithaca in New York on Tuesday, Paul brought out more than 4,000 supporters for a rally. He also drew well at an event in the Ocean State where more than 2,000 supporters at the University of Rhode Island came out to see the Texas congressman.
Paul focused on the Keystone State in recent days with two events in Pittsburgh on Friday and a large campaign rally scheduled to be held on Sunday at Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania state Sen. Mike Folmer announced this week that he was backing Paul for the Republican nomination and praised the congressmans conservative credentials.
Ron Paul is as consistent today as he was four years ago and as I know he will be four years from now, Folmer said. No matter who Ron Paul is meeting with, no matter where, and no matter what the issue, Ron Paul stays true to his beliefs the same ones that led me to run for office.These are an unwavering respect for the Constitution, respect for the sanctity of life, a commitment to less government, and a furtherance of personal responsibility.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
