With stagnant economic growth and growing discontent over President Barack Obama’s policies, multiple Republican heavyweights have lined up for the opportunity to challenge him in the 2012 presidential election. Although the Iowa caucus is not until February, the 2012 GOP primaries are quickly turning into a two-man contest between former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas Governor Rick Perry. With a strong record of job creation and conservative leadership in Texas, Perry will likely grab the Republican nomination.

Deeply afraid of Obama winning reelection, Republican voters originally flocked to the most electable candidate, which at that point was Romney. This has left many Tea Party Republicans dissatisfied with the GOP field and at odds with political insiders. This discontentment had previously fueled the rise of Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann’s candidacy and has recently aided Perry.

But with Obama’s poll numbers slipping and his reelection chances continually decreasing, Republican primary voters have started to look for a stronger conservative rather than focus solely on electability. Furthermore, as was seen by Bob Dole’s loss in the 1996 presidential election and Senator John McCain’s loss in the 2008 presidential election, sometimes the most electable candidate still ends up losing. Ironically, President Ronald Reagan, whom leftists labeled as too conservative for the general electorate, managed to win two landslide elections.

Moderatism muddles voter opinions

While moderate or perceived moderate candidates such as Romney and McCain are unlikely to make as many enemies in the general election, being in the center is not necessarily the best position. Moderate politicians commonly flip-flop and adopt whatever policies increase their electoral chances. This can be seen as disingenuous to voters.

Even if Perry’s conservative positions upset liberals, they help voters understand exactly what he stands for and solidify his base. In a country where forty percent of voters identify as conservative, running to the center is not a great strategy, especially for a GOP candidate.

Although Romney has tried to portray himself as a true conservative while preaching his business experience, he has an extensive moderate record of flip-flopping on issues such as abortion and passing a health care law mandating health insurance similar to the federal law passed under Obama while serving as Governor of Massachusetts.

Yet instead of admitting his mistakes, he continues to defend the Massachusetts health care law as a states’ rights issue. Even if the law is constitutional, it is still poor economic policy for someone who claims to understand the free market. The President is not only called upon to make constitutional decisions, but to also dictate good policy.

Romney’s campaign brings to mind the 2004 presidential election. The Democratic candidate, Senator John Kerry, was well known for being a flip-flopper. During the race, late night comedian Jay Leno said, “John Kerry met with Ralph Nader last week. Both sides of every issue were discussed. And then, Nader spoke.”

Economic policies designate Perry as frontrunner

Contrary to Romney’s moderate record, Perry has generally upheld conservative positions during his decade-long tenure as Governor of Texas. He continually opposed the creation of a state income tax, with Texas being one of only seven states without it. Even with a massive deficit in 2011, Perry urged the Texas state legislature to pass a balanced budget without raising taxes.

His message of smaller government and decisive leadership clearly resonates with Republican primary voters. This is shown by a recent Gallup poll that gives Perry a double digit lead over Romney. Unless Romney makes a comeback at the next GOP debate in Sept., the race will become Perry’s to lose.

After two and a half years of failed Keynesian policies and indecisive leadership, America is ready for a presidential change. True conservative leadership has resulted in impressive economic growth in Texas. Such executive experience is greatly needed on the federal level.

For another view on the 2012 presidential election, read the Sept. 1 article, Female candidates represent conventional, partisan politics.

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