The race for the Republican presidential nomination

Special Report

Last modification: 03/05/12

The Republican Party held its first caucus of 2012 in the state of Iowa on January 3, and now the race for the party’s presidential nomination is in full swing. While many have dropped out of the contest, a handful of hopefuls continue to sharpen their campaign messages and raise election war chests. State by state, month after month, the candidates will battle to win over the hearts of conservative voters and unite a massive and fractured party behind one voice. However, beyond the June 26 primaries finish line awaits the GOP’s real challenge: ousting Democratic President Barack Obama from the White House.

PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES

US-REPUBLICANS

Newt Gingrich drops out of presidential race

Republican Newt Gingrich has dropped his bid for the party’s 2012 presidential nomination, the former candidate announced at a news conference in Arlington, Virginia on Wednesday.

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US POLITICS

Romney's gay spokesman quits after conservative backlash

Richard Grenell, an openly gay man hired as national security spokesperson for Republican US presidential candidate Mitt Romney, has resigned following a social conservative backlash, the campaign team said Tuesday.

US POLITICS

VP rumours swirl as Romney nomination looks certain

US ELECTIONS 2012

'Being a Republican in the US or in France is exactly the same'

France, with its socialised healthcare and high tax rate, may not seem like an ideal place for a US conservative to call home. Still, Republicans Abroad has a branch in Paris. France24.com caught up with one of its members (pictured left, at centre).

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US POLITICS

Romney closer to nomination with US primary hat trick

Republican Mitt Romney trounced main rival Rick Santorum in Maryland, Washington DC, and Wisconsin Tuesday, putting him more than halfway to the required 1,144 delegates required to guarantee his place on the presidential ticket.

USA

Rick Santorum suspends Republican presidential bid

US Republican Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the party's presidential nomination, the former Pennsylvania senator announced at a news conference in Gettysburg on Tuesday.

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USA

Romney bolsters lead with victory in Illinois primary

US Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney secured a victory in the Illinois primary Tuesday with 47% of the vote to rival Rick Santorum's 35%. Romney remains the frontrunner in the race for delegates that will choose the party's nominee.

US POLITICS

Romney clinches key state of Ohio on Super Tuesday

Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney squeezed out a win in the key Ohio primary on Super Tuesday, snatching victory from rival Rick Santorum in a nail-biting finish. Romney won five of the 10 state contests, but by a narrow margin.

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US POLITICS

Winner of Michigan and Arizona primaries: Obama?

After winning primaries in Arizona and Michigan on Tuesday, Mitt Romney is once again considered the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. So why is President Obama smiling?

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Analysis