Political Blog: Does the GOP have a strategy for the 2012 election?

In the place of what should be a shoo-in election for the GOP –against an incumbent president whose approval ratings lie somewhere around 50 percent — is a party floundering for both direction and a set candidate.

At this point, is anyone surprised?

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The party is divided along several lines, from the Tea Party to the evangelicals to the more moderate Republicans; it’s no wonder the Republicans have it narrowed down to fewer than five candidates. These contenders are spending considerable time attacking each other instead of spending their collective time and resources supporting a viable candidate to Obama challenger.

A recent panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference shows the uncertainty inherent with this division. For instance, although Romney has long been at the front of the pack, panelists underscored the need for Romney to put more emphasis on faith and family and not so much on his ability to turn around the economy.  Three of the top contenders, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, will each speak at today’s conference.

Although Romney has consistently stayed near the front of the pack, Santorum’s recent victories in Colorado, Missouri and Montana give the clear impression that this is anyone’s race.