By Conn Carroll
It was not a good weekend for Texas Gov. Rick Perry. After going all out to win the Florida Straw Poll Perry lost by more than 20-points to Herman Cain. Then without even showing up former
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the Mackinaw Island straw poll in Michigan by more than 30-points.
Perrys dismal performance in Thursdays debate clearly cost him what should have been a slam dunk win in Florida.
I came in leaning towards Perry but I really liked Cain" CPAC voter Kelly Rainer told National Review.
I want him to be stronger" Rainer said of Perry.
The next Republican debate is October 11th in New Hampshire. Between now and then Perry is going to have to do something (speeches policy papers press conference something) to show that he can be stronger" and have a great command" of the issues.
If he doesnt and if he turns in another middling performance October 11th his candidacy will no survive to see 2012.
The Kelly Rainers of the world are only going to wait so long.
I just want to see it. I dont feel he has as great a command of what hes talking about. Maybe just he hasnt been in the race as long as the other guys" said Rainer.
I feel like every debate they pick something out to hit him at and I havent felt him respond the way I want to hear. Im waiting though."
