For Republican presidential candidates, capturing the Deep South means capturing the base of American conservatism. But southern voters have yet to decide on any one candidate, and southern sensibilities are broadening. Our partner, the New York Times, reported that the southern conservative electorate may be far more diverse than it once was. Are the Southern Republican voters going to gravitate towards Rick Santorum’s conservative social agenda, or are voters more about Newt Gingrich, the only one on the ballots with actual ties to the south? And what about Mitt Romney – are Southern evangelicals ready for a Mormon president? Mike Ball is the Republican state representative for Madison, Alabama. Campbell Robertson is a reporter for our partner The New York Times.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!