The Virginia "Super Tuesday" primary is undeniably super important. To not compete in that primary probably deals a knockout blow to any campaign.
Perry not qualifying is understandable as his campaign is low on cash and momentum. At best he is angling for a VP nomination.
RICHMOND, Va. — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have failed to qualify for Virginia's March 6 Republican primary.
The Republican Party of Virginia announced late Friday and early Saturday that Gingrich and Perry fell short of the 10,000 signatures of registered voters required for a candidate's name to be on the ballot.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul met the threshold and will be on the ballot.
Failure to compete in Virginia, which is among the "Super Tuesday" primaries, would deal a huge blow to any contender who had not locked up the nomination by then.
MSN Article
Gingrich lives in Virginia and fails to qualify for the primary? This has to be a huge millstone around his campaign. Gingrich, ever creative, has an interesting excuse:
Gingrich said Wednesday he had enough ballot signatures, but he wanted to come to Virginia to deliver them personally.
MSN Article
What is that, a new version of the "dog ate my homework?"
I have to admit, the GOP campaign has provided plenty of entertainment.
Is this the end of the campaign for Gingrich and Perry, or will the GOP weasel out of it and modify their own rules after the fact?