<![CDATA[RealClearPolitics - Articles by Jon Ward & Mark Blumentthal]]>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/authors/?id=23740Author <![CDATA[Romney Needs Early Knockout - Or Else]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 WASHINGTON -- The first two months of 2012 represent Mitt Romney's best chance to deliver a knockout blow in the Republican presidential primary.

If he cannot do so, he could be in for a drawn-out primary similar to the 2008 Democratic race.

The conventional wisdom has been that the primary will likely be decided on Jan. 31 in Florida, which goes fourth in the series of caucuses and primaries, and is the most expensive contest. Some think Romney could end things in Iowa on Jan. 3 if he wins those caucuses convincingly. Even if he places second or third there but goes on to win New Hampshire on Jan. 10, South Carolina on Jan. 21 and Florida, many think those victories could...]]>