DeMint: I will not endorse
(CNN) – One of the most sought-after South Carolina politicians said Monday he would not endorse a candidate ahead of the Palmetto State's primary.
Sen. Jim DeMint, who has offered praise to all of the candidates in the field, said in a statement, "I do not have a favorite in this race and I will not endorse a candidate."
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DeMint said his stance reflected the view of many voters in South Carolina.
"I've gotten to know each of the candidates over the past year and they are all far superior to Obama," DeMint said. "My view reflects what I've heard from Republican voters across South Carolina who remain divided in this race."
DeMint would have been a big get for any candidate in the GOP field, given his high regard among conservative voters. Many of the contenders have met with the senator in person, looking to gain his backing.
DeMint is considered a tea party favorite for his uncompromising stance on government spending, and was influential in endorsing candidates in the 2010 midterm elections. He was one of the first establishment Republicans to get behind Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in his primary battle with incumbent Republican Charlie Crist, and also supported the winning candidacies of Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah.
In the 2008 primary battle, DeMint backed former Massachusetts governor and current GOP candidate Mitt Romney.
South Carolina Republicans hold their primary election January 21.
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"I will not endorse. Mitt Romney."
The kingmaker is not endorsing? What post do you think he is holding out for?
What a leader!
DeMint says that the republican clown show is better than President Obama. How out of touch with reality he, and the other GOPers who are these elected republicans on government welfare? Evidently DeMint does not get to see Mittens, Perry, Gingrich, and Santorum on TV. Other than attack ads, they provide no plans, because they have none.
I can get it why people are not coming forward to make their quick endorsements especially for Romney. The man is facing a very bumpy road ahead incase he is the nominee. The big problem I reckon will be to convince people that he can be TRUSTED. It is the test very few will attempt to take.
Dimint is one of the biggest losers in congress who is still talking about backman as if she had any support in the USA. He probably thinks she's still in the race, what a moron hick!!!!
.......because I fear being wrong!
I guess he's too busy getting ready to fire on Fort Sumter again. Oh, for the days of yore, eh?
DeMint should support Paul! He supported his son and they are both alike. What is he waiting on? Political correctness?
The idea that there are no compromises to be made is damaging to the idea of our democratic republic. I wouldn't want anything from DeMint.
. "My view reflects what I've heard from Republican voters across South Carolina ....what did he expect to hear from Republican voters, I love President Obama? The fact that this guy is a Senator means the voters in SC are very uninformed.
He's not going to stick his neck out for any of these lying losers.
Demint thinks that anyone is better than Obama? Well, then, that just summed up what a complete nut job Demint IS (not that most of us with a clue didn't know that all ready).
Translation: I really don't like any of you and am hoping for a brokered convention where I can pick the nominee myself.
Palladin...I think the position he is holding out for is prosecuter so he can send holder, jarrett, geitner, and the rest of the den of thieves to jail...where they belong.
What does it say about the current state of the Republican Party when Jim DeMint is "one of the most sought-after South Carolina politicians?"
Who is he waiting for? A announcement from Grover Norquist announcing his run for president? Whats the matter? Romney isn't good enough? Obama 2012 enough said.
Well said, Rick, DeMint is no dummy and he doesn't want to be associated with any of these candidates, knowing privately all too well that the chances of the GOP winning the election are now going downhill.
The candidates for the GOP nomination are so unelectable that even memebers of Congress that belong to the extremist Tea party do not have the courage to endorse any of them. What a bunch of cowards.