Palin Bowls While Romney Skis

One of the popular framing devices during last year's Democratic primary was suggesting that the candidates appealed to different demographic categories, "beer-track Democrats" (Clinton) versus "wine-track Democrats"(Obama). Could a similar juxtaposition be at hand for Republicans? I think maybe so. Recently, word came that Sarah Palin would address the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America's annual convention next year. This struck me as a coup for bowlers, but evidently they're not of one mind about Palin. This bowling columnist seems to have mixed feelings. Today, a highly placed source in the skiing industry notified me that Mitt Romney, unwilling to cede sports enthusiasts to Palin, will address the annual convention of the National Ski Areas Association in Florida next year. On the one hand, this is kind of a twofer--Romney hits the mountain swing states (Colorado, New Mexico) and Florida, too. On the other hand, skiing rather reinforces the out-of-touch-rich-guy image Romney is trying to play down, doesn't it? Seems like the GOP primary could soon shape up as a contest between salt-of-the-earth, bowling-class Republicans, and elite ski-track Republicans.