There are some pretty strong rumblings coming out of the Gingrich campaign that they are exploring the scenario of announcing a Newt Gingrich/Rick Perry ticket before the Republican National Convention.
Gingrich insiders hope forming a predetermined ticket with Perry will unite the evangelical, Tea Party and very conservative voters that make up the core of the GOP.
As discussions between the sides got underway, Rick Perry released a statement saying,
“Gov. Perry thinks Newt Gingrich is the strongest conservative to debate and defeat President Obama and truly overhaul Washington. The speculation is humbling but premature.”
Some are speculating that Gingrich is floating the idea before the Alabama and Mississippi primaries to get more conservative voters to unite behind him. There are quite a few who say the plan could backfire. Aides to Rick Santorum were obviously critical saying that Gingrich was throwing a Hail Mary pass to try to generate buzz right before the southern states vote. It is widely believed that without wins in both Alabama and Mississippi Gingrich may be at the end of the road.
After learning of the Gingrich-Perry ticket discussions, the Romney camp said it preferred to focus on the Mississippi and Alabama delegate race, noting that they expect to win about a third of the delegates in a three-way split with Santorum and Gingrich.
Gingrich has stated that no matter what he is going to kep the campaign going until the convention in Tampa.
Do you think this is a smart move by Newt Gingrich or do you think this is going to backfire on him?