<![CDATA[RealClearPolitics - Articles by Jim Rutenberg, Ashley Parker & Jeff Zeleny]]>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/authors/?id=23965Author <![CDATA[Tight Race an Abrupt Blow to Romney]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 With Mitt Romney facing the biggest challenge to his presidential aspirations since he announced his candidacy, his aides acknowledged Friday what seemed unthinkable just seven days ago: He could lose the South Carolina primary.

After arriving here last week fresh off of what seemed to be two victories in a row in Iowa and New Hampshire, Mr. Romney was suddenly confronting the prospect of leaving as the winner of only one of the first three nominating contests.

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