A rather striking number to note from the primary last night. While former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum splits (exactly) 15 delegates with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the news story and press releases for “winning Michigan” come from one single place.
Oakland County.
Across the state, the Mitt/Rick vote was 409,120 to 377,144, for a difference of 31,976.
In Oakland County, the Mitt/Rick vote was 74,030 to 42,465, for a difference of 31,565.
98.7% of the margin of victory comes from this county. And if you look at the precinct details, you can see the overwhelming preference for Mitt across almost every precinct, except those in Southfield, Ferndale, and other younger/progressive towns. You can also see the effect of crossovers, and the real fact that if groups really did try to turn out for the crossover vote, it could’ve ruined Mitt’s day.
That’s why Mitt panicked that afternoon. The numbers were far too close for comfort. Thankfully, he’s got the OC.
Mako out.
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