Will a lengthy Republican primary help or harm the GOP?

As the race for the 2012 Republican nomination continues, many have asked if a long, drawn out primary campaign will hurt the GOP heading into the general election in November? Newt Gingrich has vowed to stay in the race through the convention, regardless of the outcome of the remaining primaries and caucuses. If the former Speaker's new campaign slogan, 6 states down, 46 to go is any indication, the Gingrich campaign bus will continue racking up the miles. Those who would like to see the nomination wrapped up sooner rather than later will say that a long primary race will weaken the Republican party and the eventual nominee. Those who hold this belief may point to recent polls that indicate that every time the Republican candidates debate each other, the favorability of the candidates and the party goes down. Many Republicans fear that the constant back and forth attacks will possibly drive voters away from their prospective candidate. Also, supporters of a short primary season would say that the earlier the nomination is secured, the more time the nominee would have to attack President Obama and his policies of the last three years. At the same time, many would argue that a lengthy primary campaign could strengthen the eventual nominee by ensuring that he is "battle tested" heading into the general election. In the 2008 Democratic primary, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton battled for months before Obama finally wrapped up the nomination in June of that year. Those close to the president would say that the lengthy primary fight with Hillary Clinton actually made the president a stronger candidate, not the other way around. I guess it is safe to say that only time will tell if a long, drawn out primary will help or harm the GOP.