With each day bringing the nation closer to Nov. 6, 2012, the fight to be the 57th President of the United States of America is getting more and more heated. President Barack Obama will represent the democratic party, but there is much debate as to who will step up and be the face of the republican party.

There are 2,286 delegates to be won over, and so far Mitt Romney is in the lead with 101, Newt Gingrich is in second with 34, Rick Santorum is third with 17 and Ron Paul takes fourth with 9.

The South Carolina Primary has been and continues to be an instrumental part primary for the republicans. For the past 32 years, the republican candidate who won South Carolina won the nomination. This years South Carolina Primary winner was Gingrich with 40.4 percent. However, many are beginning to doubt the impact of this primary knowing how much of a lead Romney currently has.

Paul’s “Restore America” will through the authority of the presidency, the power of the Veto and the voice of Americans implement fundamental reforms. Mr. Paul aims to lower the corporate tax to 15 percent, cut $1 trillion in spending while retaining a balanced budget. Mr. Paul is firmly pro-life; he has delivered over 4,000 babies, therefore, he claims to understand how fragile and precious a new born baby is. Mr. Paul also believes that all US citizens have the right to bear arms.

“I will not vote for a Republican candidate, but [if I had to it would] probably [be] Ron Paul- even though he is crazy, and I would never actually vote for him, I think he is principled and I trust him the most,” said History teacher Michelle Neal. “I would endorse Ron Paul. He’s all for free will and small government,” said OHS junior Sam McNaughton.

Romney has formulated a comprehensive plan that focuses on the seven areas which he believes, if changed, can reshape our nation and drastically revitalize our economy. The areas he believes we need to reform are taxes, regulation, trade, energy, labor, human capital and fiscal policy. Mr. Romney has spent 25 years in business and plans to turn our economy completely around. His strategy when regrading foreign policy is that when America is strong, the world will be safer.

Mr. Romney also thinks the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act should be repealed, and that health care should be determined on a statewide basis, because he believes the needs of states differ amongst each other.

“I support Mitt Romney because I believe he has a good head on his shoulders – not to mention his more moderate party and history in business would help this nation make agreements and concessions to turn us around,” said senior Sophia Sodhi.

However, senior Matt Smaron has a different opinion on Mr. Romney, he stated, “I can definitely not support Mitt Romney in the primary. This is because he has flipped on so many issues such as ethanol subsidies, the bailouts, national health care, and abortion. It is hard to believe that he would do anything that he promised on the campaign trail since he has shown he will do just what is politically convenient at the time versus having strong values and ideas.”

Santorum claims to be passionate about protecting and preserving America’s freedom and principle values. He believes marriage is a union between a man and a woman and is pro-life. Being the son of an Italian immigrant, he thinks that we need robust and fair immigrant laws. Mr. Santorum also believes that health-care should be readily available and affordable to every US citizen, but, he believes it is an issue that patients and their physicians should decide on, not government officials.

Gingrich’s 21st Century Contract with America is a contract that will bring us back to timeless American values. The contract consists of four parts and is clearly outlined on his campaign website. The first part consists of a set of legislative proposals, that according to Mr. Gingrich will “shift America back to job creation, prosperity, freedom, and safety.”

The second part is the signing of the “Day One Plan” that will put Mr. Gingrich’s goals into action the very first day he is in office. The third part will be a training program for the people involved with reshaping the government according to Mr. Gingrich’s beliefs. The fourth part consists of implementation of a grassroots program for citizens to get involved and help make the change Mr. Gingrich wants.

Talia Zadeh is Editor-in-Chief for The Spartan Speaks.