Quinn no irá con Romney en Carolina del Sur

La firma de consultoría política Richard Quinn and Associates ha desmentido los rumores que la vinculaban a la candidatura de Mitt Romney en 2012. Quinn & Assoc. es en la actualidad la más importante firma de Carolina del Sur y manejó las campañas de John McCain (en 2000 y 2008) y Phil Gramm (en 1996) en las primarias presidenciales del estado. El candidato que se haga con sus servicios tendrá muchas opciones de victoria.

(...) The consulting firm of Richard Quinn and Associates – which guided U.S. Senator John McCain to victory in the 2008 S.C. Republican presidential primary – will not advise McCain’s former rival Mitt Romney in 2012.

In recent weeks numerous Palmetto politicos have been buzzing about a possible Quinn-Romney hook-up, which would have obviously upset the established S.C. political order.

It’s not happening, though.

In fact, Romney may not even actively campaign in the Palmetto state – choosing instead to focus his resources on the Nevada Caucus (currently scheduled for February 18) while downplaying the significance of the South Carolina vote, which will likely take place a week later.

(...) While most consulting hires end up having a negligible impact on the races in question, Richard Quinn Sr.’s firm is different. It is the largest, most experienced political firm in the state – and any 2012 candidate who signs with “the Quinndom” becomes an automatic contender, at least in South Carolina.

That’s why the Quinns have been auditioning candidates recently … not the other way around.

Also, with the ongoing decline of Tompkins’ network (and the death of consultant Rod Shealy last year), Quinn represents the last of the full-service “empire” consulting outfits. That means campaigns that go up against their candidate – whoever he or she is – will likely have to assemble a team of S.C. consultants to match the services that Quinn’s firm provides.

After advising McCain in 2000 and 2008, the Quinns’ decision on a 2012 candidate will obviously be one of the first big moves of the 2012 primary.

Will it be Sarah Palin? Newt Gingrich? Mike Huckabee? Tim Pawlenty?

“Stay tuned …” Richard Quinn, Sr. told FITS founding editor Sic Willie recently.

We will (...)