Does the South Still Influence the GOP?

The South has played a crucial role to the Republican Party for decades. Since 1996 every Republican presidential nominee has had some personal connection to the South. Furthermore, each of those nominees achieved their position by aggressively courting the Southern vote by reflecting their ethics and policy positions. Not so with Mitt Romney. Does that reflect more on the former Massachusetts governor’s strategy, or a realization that the south may be experiencing a waning influence over the GOP? For more, we speak with Slate writer Dave Weigel, and Chad Connelly, chairman of the South Carolina GOP.