Republican primary in Florida 2

In case you hadn't heard, there's a Republican primary in Florida today. It has largely come down to a Romney/McCain contest, the polls have been bouncing all over the place, it's utterly impossible to predict what will happen, and it's likely that whoever wins -- particularly if it's a sizeable win -- will secure the Republican nomination. So it's a big deal.

Naturally I won't/can't endorse anyone, but just considering things from the generic green voter's perspective, it seems like Romney would be the better outcome. He has obviously and openly retrograde positions on climate and energy and would provide green voters with a clear choice.

McCain's positions on the same issues are attractive on the surface. The media would laud him for it. He would give green Republicans like Crist and Schwarzenegger a rallying point. There's a powerful temptation on the part of the public and green groups alike to pretend that there's bipartisan consensus on this stuff.

Not too far beneath the surface, however, McCain's policy proposals on climate/energy are just weak and ineffectual. On the merits, governing the country, he'd be far closer to Romney than to Clinton or Obama. What's more, his selection as the Republican candidate would effectively drive climate out of the race as a live issue, to the detriment of the climate movement and the climate itself.

So ... Mittmentum! Wo0t!

David Roberts is staff writer for Grist. You can follow his Twitter feed at twitter.com/drgrist.

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  1. bryankwalton Posted 9:35 am
    29 Jan 2008

    Couldn't disagree moreWhat if Mitt wins the nomination and then the general election?  Don't say it can't happen, because it can.  If that happens, you will dread the day you cheered for him to win the Florida primary.  It is much better to try and nominate the greenest candidates in each party.  Then, work your tail off to help the greenest candidate win the general election.
    -Bryan
  2. Tasermons Partner Posted 9:46 am
    29 Jan 2008

    Agreed......I'd be much more comfortable in a race between Clinton/Obama/Edwards and McCain, than I would be a race between Clinton/Obama/Edwards and Romney.  At least with McCain, we know it'll be kinda like a win-win either way, since he supports at least some type of climate legislation.
    Any prospect of havin' Romney in the general election would worry me.  Boot him out of the runnin' as soon as possible, I say.

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