GOP Nomination Slog Continues

[Read: Santorum sees Paul, Romney conspiracy.]

And another factor in the ongoing nomination battle is what comes out of the candidates' mouths. Both Santorum and Romney have had their share of uncomfortable remarks in the days leading up to the most recent contests.

"Romney says things unintentionally that remind people how rich he is—my wife has two Cadillacs etc," says Elliott. "Santorum does the same thing, but more often of course with social issues; attacking President Obama as a snob. That's dumb."

It revives the discussion about whether or not a prolonged primary calendar will help or hurt the eventual nominee in the general election, Elliott says.

"Is it that the two leading Republican candidates are flawed candidates or are they still learning? And it's back to a nice question – is a long, fought-out primary bad for a party or good for a party?" wonders Elliott.

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Email: rmetzler@usnews.com

Twitter: @rebekahmetzler

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