National Post

Sheldon Alberts: For many divided Republicans, beating Obama trumps ideology
As tens of thousands of Hawkeye State Republicans prepare to kick off the 2012 U.S. election campaign Tuesday with their first-in-the-nation caucuses, polls show voters still torn over a trio of top-tier contenders trying to break free of the GOP pack.

Iowa voters have a mixed history in picking the eventual GOP nominee, often supporting very conservative candidates who struggle to win over more moderate Republicans in later primaries and caucuses.

But many Republicans say they’re worried less this year about ideological purity than beating Obama.

“I’m a little conservative, like a tornado is a little bit windy. But we’ve got to win,” said Betten, explaining why he is still considering backing Romney.

“I think Obama hates the United States, and I think he wants to destroy it internally. I think this election is critical because of that.” (Photo:  Scott Olson/Getty Images)