COMMENTARY | CNN reports Rick Santorum is declaring the race for 2012 Republican presidential nominee to be a long and winding road, especially since each of the first three primaries has been won by a different candidate. Santorum eked out an updated victory in Iowa, Mitt Romney cruised to a win in New Hampshire and former underdog Newt Gingrich routed the competition in South Carolina. As the primary in Florida looms large, many people are declaring the race for the GOP nomination to be wide open.
Is a lengthy, high-octane primary season good or bad for Republicans?
Though critics might contend a long, drawn-out primary election unnecessarily batters the eventual nominee and gives opponents ample time to develop battle strategy, I like to view a lengthy and arduous challenge as a strength -- and discipline -- building exercise. A battle-tested candidate who fought through a tough primary will perform better in the general election. This was the case with both political parties in 2008, where competition among both Democrats and Republicans was fierce: Think Mitt Romney vs. John McCain and Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama.
Additionally, the job of president is a tough one. Those who wish to reap its rewards should have to demonstrate that they can handle its challenges and responsibilities. One of the best ways to do that is to undergo trial by fire where one's thoughts, opinions and past decisions are tested and scrutinized by competitors and voters alike. You only know your weaknesses once they have been exposed.
Finally, competition is as American as free enterprise capitalism. Whenever a candidate is discussed as the inevitable shoo-in for a party's nomination I am unhappy. Politics should always be a healthy challenge, not a fixed game. Regardless of whether you are Democrat or Republican, there should never be an uncontested election. There should always be multiple names on the ballot. A person elected to public service should be one who proves his or her desire and ability by challenging an equal rival. Elections that lack competition smack of corrupt political machines reminiscent of the Gilded Age.
Therefore, I hope it is a long and trying Republican primary for the remaining four candidates. Regardless of who wins, all will be made stronger by their effort.
