[bigMatt]

Here's what I've decided to do...

I'll treat the GOP candidates like the Dems. So whatever it takes to get Giuiani to $6 million, other candidates will get a percentage based on where they are after SC. Here is what it looks like right now:

Giuliani - $4.25 million
Keyes - $2.5 million
Thompson - $500,000
Paul - $250,000
McCain - $250,000
Huckabee - $250,000

With Giuliani the prohibitive favorite, we're probably looking at $750,000 max into individual coffers.

I'm throwing the bottom 3 into SC. Only makes sense to do so. All 3 are out unless they land at least 3rd place. Thompson I'm putting in there too. If he doesn't take at least 3rd, he's down to one last shot. Giuliani and Keyes are in good shape.

So, SC means a lot for the bottom 4 candidates. Paul's performance is most disappointing, as he was #2 coming out of Iowa, and has not even placed top 3 since. Thompson has hit enough 3rd place finishes to pocket a few dollars, but he's on the edge. Giuliani's and Keyes' success has relegated the others to fighting for scraps.

Results from SC will follow shortly.

Edit: I forgot that the Republicans have the Florida primary which also precedes Super Duper Tuesday. Rather than having everyone blow out in South Carolina, I've decided to let one of the 3 bottom feeders "Last Stand" in Florida. A randomizer gives McCain a pass in SC with Florida his last chance at salvaging Presidential hopes.

Also, with SC and Fla, 2 wins will give Giuliani more than the $6 million going into Super Duper Tuesday, so we'll use Keyes as the pivotal candidate - meaning whatever it takes for Keyes to get to $6 million will be added to Giuliani's coffers, and a percentage to all remaining candidates below him as well.