The Big Questions: By Mark Halperin

With Tim Pawlenty out and Rick Perry in, where does the GOP contest stand?

We are looking at a Mitt Romney — Rick Perry two-man race unless Michele Bachmann or Jon Huntsman steps up. (An Iowa straw-poll win is not enough.) The Texas governor's entry creates immediate problems for front runner Romney, who now has to divert his strategic focus from President Obama to engage in a fierce intraparty rhetorical battle. There is a silver lining for Romney: the threat of a Perry nomination could push fence-sitting GOP establishment figures into Romney's arms. And if Romney wins, he will emerge as...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!