Crist was forced to abandon his quest for the Republican Senate nomination because he was badly trailing former state legislator Marco Rubio in the primary race.

VOA: standard.2010.05.04

Even if Romney pulls out the nomination, the primary campaign is weakening him.

FORBES: Remember Christine O'Donnell? The GOP Should

Republican voters perceive Mitt Romney as lacking authenticity, and should he fail to win the nomination, that will be the primary reason.

FORBES: Gingrich: Authentic Prodigal Son

She sought the Conservative Party nomination but was defeated in the primary.

CNN: Stuart Rothenberg: Spotlight congressional races of the week