Mississippi for Mitt

2008-02-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Mitt Romney Honorably Suspends is Campaign.

Well it was gut wrenching for me to hear it, I was listening to Rush Limbaugh's show when he announced it. Romney is correct, we are a nation at was and we need to defeat the democrat candidates who are all about the US losing. uhg I wish people would have seen the great tings Mitt can do sooner, but as it has been rumored, there is always 2012.

I don't know what will happen to this site. I do not own it and was just an invited blogger. Either way, it has been a wonderful experience.

Karl

2008-02-05T11:05:00.001-08:00

THE FAITH TO TRY, and THE WILLINGNESS TO SERVE

By:

Jebee Kenji Solis

The Governor a few days ago said this regarding running for President, "This is not something I'm doing because I need or I want it desperately for myself. I believe the country could benefit from the experience I've had, but that is not what motivates me."

So what motivates Gov. Mitt Romney?

Some people at 60's with lots of money, who worked hard and save, would rather be well at the comfort of their lives, vacationing, running a charity, living life quietly.

But Mitt Romney is more than willing to get out of his comfort zone, as well as his wife Ann who had MS, as well as theirs sons who have happy lives of their own because they have faith in the American people. They have the courage to try even the prospect may not look that bright at the end part, because they have the willing heart and mind to serve.

Mitt said the following in Michigan back in September. The whole speech is worth reading, but here's a part:

"I don't have to tell you that my Dad made a mark on Michigan. And he made a mark on me. And I guess that is at the heart of things; he's a big part of why I'm running for President today. In 1957, when he was the President of American Motors, he gave a speech in which he reported the following conversation: "

'My nine year old son' – that would be me – 'came home from school and said "Mom, we really build the best cars, don't we?"' "She said, 'Why Mitt, of course we do. Why do you ask?' "

'Well, if we build the best cars, why is it that less than three percent of the people agree with us?'

"After my Dad heard of this conversation, he took me aside and said, 'Look, Mitt, size doesn't always indicate strength and popularity doesn't always indicate truth, and sales volume doesn't always indicate value.' "

And then he added: 'Right always prevails.'

What had happen the last few state primaries confirmed my fear, that instead of moving forward, we are moving backwards. Instead of choosing who the right candidate for us is, we choose someone who trampled our belief and ideals, who will abandon our dreams and aspirations.

Mitt Romney shared and is sharing himself to be a servant because he rightly believes that service to his countrymen and service to the world is a selfless act. Sometimes, when you are truly blessed, you have a burning desire to serve and bless and lift the lives of others. He doesn't want money; he already said he will donate his salary to the charity once elected president. He doesn't need fame, he is already well-known. He doesn't need honor or glory. All he wants is to make sure his grandchildren and the generation that will come after them will have a better place to live. The kind of country people look up too for goodness, justice and freedom. The kind of America that reaches out to people around the world, and serves as a beacon of hope and success.

Mark Steyn over the Corner said "This was conservatives' last chance... The only chance was for a really good conservative leader to be elected and make a Reaganesque impression on the country that would delay the liberal fate. If Romney is defeated tomorrow, that will not happen, and tomorrow will live in infamy as a monumental defeat for conservatism."

We will find out today if Americans will stands for something. I can only wait and see. The choice is ours. The choice is exclusively ours.

2008-02-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

Limbaugh says, "One Candidate Now Stands For All Three Legs of Conservatism"

Rush Limbaugh gave a full punch monologue today explaining how Mitt Romney is the only candidate that does embody the "three pillars" of conservatism.

Now, I think now, based on the way the campaign has shaken out, that there probably is a candidate on our side who does embody all three legs of the conservative stool, and that's Romney. The three stools or the three legs of the stool are national security/foreign policy, the social conservatives, and the fiscal conservatives. The social conservatives are the cultural people. The fiscal conservatives are the economic crowd: low taxes, smaller government, get out of the way.

Rush continues

So my take is, speaking for myself. I'm being honest here. All I do is tell you what I think. What you do with it is up to you. You are not mind-numbed robots as you know. I'm not a Svengali, I'm not a pied piper, and you're not lemmings running off the cliff. If I look at this roster of three candidates -- if I look at Hillary-Obama, about whom there's not a dime's worth of difference, because they're so far left it doesn't matter which one of them wins. If McCain adopts economic policies that sound very much like what you'd get from Hillary-Obama, and if I think those policies are going to take the country down the tubes I'd just as soon the Democrats take the hit for it, not us. Plain and simple.

And the coup de etat

I think that's pretty wise. I think right now Romney probably -- as the campaign has coalesced and as the campaign has progressing on down the highway -- I think the one candidate of the three still out there on our side matter (and actually it's just two, because Huckabee doesn't, in terms of a chance to win) in saying who more closely embodies all three legs of this conservative stool, you'd have to say that it's Mitt Romney. There's actually no choice in the matter. It certainly isn't Senator McCain.

Now add this to the endorsements of Sean Hanity, Laura Ingraham, Hugh Hewitt, Marc Levin and a host of other conservative media hosts, all of whom are well plugged into "us" the grass roots, and it makes a very compelling case who really is the conservative candidate that can unite us and lead this country.

Mitt Romney for President!

2008-02-03T13:12:00.001-08:00

In Ronald Reagan's words

Ronald Reagan's name have been invoked during this primary season many times on both sides of the party line. Well here is something to do. Go to this page http://www.wwrdheritage.org/Resources.aspx and watch the six videos on the right side bar, they are from President Reagan's first inaugural address. The last two are from later in his presidency.

After you've watched the videos ask yourself, "Of the candidates who wants to lower taxes?" "Who wants to increase citizens' potential by reducing government?" "Who wants to lead us into the economic future with optimism?" "Who wants to keep the nation's defense strong?" Who...and insert what you heard in the videos.

There are plenty of other questions, those are just a few, but we have candidates who have been a part of Washington for years. During that time the military decreased, taxes rose, national threats grew and more intrusions into individual freedoms enacted...and "they" were there.

As for me, I don't want someone who desires limiting free speech via legislation. I do not want someone who believes open borders is sound national and defense policy. I do not want someone who wants to interfere with capitalist economic principles under the guise of saving the environment. I do not want someone who sees forbearance as weakness. I do not want someone who will stab my conservative back for the sake of liberal policy or reaching across the aisle.

There will not be another Ronald Reagan. But there are people who espouse the conservative values he lived by. I say seek out those people and put them in office.

Karl

Post note: I found the the Heritage Foundation page with clips of President Reagan's first inauguration speech thanks to Powder Tracks' blog. His blog inspired me to create this one.

2008-02-03T11:39:00.001-08:00

ROMNEY WINS MAINE!

Yes! Gov Romney was one Maine's caucus...and do you hear about it in the media any where? This is a significant win; with the 18 delegates Maine has that put Romney now at 92 delegates to McCain's 97 delegates.

Here's an excerpt form the AP story found here:

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Mitt Romney coasted to a win in presidential preference voting by Maine Republicans on Saturday, claiming his third victory in a caucus state and fourth overall.

The former Massachusetts governor had 52 percent of the vote with 68 percent of the towns holding caucuses reporting. John McCain trailed with 21 percent, Ron Paul was third with 19 percent, and Mike Huckabee had 6 percent. Undecided votes accounted for 2 percent.

The nonbinding votes, the first step toward electing 18 Maine delegates to the Republican National Convention, took place in public schools, Grange halls, fire stations and town halls across the state.

The Associated Press uses presidential preferences expressed in those caucuses to project the number of national convention delegates each candidate will have when they are chosen at Maine's state convention, calculating that Romney will wind up with all 18 delegates when all is said and done.

Campaigning in Minnesota, Romney noted that his victory in Maine came despite McCain's endorsement by the state's two U.S. senators.

This should be receiving more media attention since Romney and McCain are now just 5 delegates apart. Some I've spoke to say it's just a caucus, well Iowa is just a caucus but we heard plenty about it and its results.

Folks, Romney is not out and don't be surprised if he comes out on top.

2008-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Highlights From Mitt Romney’s Conference Call

A repost of Jim Geraghty's Highlights From Mitt Romney’s Conference Call on National Review Online.

Moments ago, Mitt Romney completed a brief conference call with conservative bloggers.

Mitt Romney: It’s been fun to watch the Democratic race, Hillary and Obama are really going at it. I think Hillary has won four, Barack has won two. The national media says it’s not a done deal on that side. But it’s a different story on our side, apparently. We’ve had seven, Huck won one, John McCain and I have each won three.

And that last one was “very, very close indeed.” The Crist and Martinez support made a difference as well as Senator McCain’s false accusation about my support of pulling troops out of Iraq.

I give him a slight edge, but it’s a two man race now. It’s very unlikely Mike Huckabee emerges as our nominee… but he takes a slice of conservative voters who otherwise would come to me.
It is a battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party.

Romney compares this race to 1976, Ford vs. Reagan. “Reagan was the Washington outsider with a message of positive change. We picked the insider, the more moderate, the more established. We lost, and the cost of that was Jimmy Carter… I don’t want to say I’m Ronald Reagan. I’m not, there’s only one. And I respect Jerry Ford. But in some respects, there are some similarities.”

He says McCain has “scores to settle.” "We have different philosophies. McCain Feingold is a disaster. I would repeal it if I could."

Hits McCain-Kennedy immigration, says McCain would sign it into law if he could.

"When only one nation participates in McCain’s climate change legislation, high-carbon industries will just move overseas."
Notes McCain voted against tax cuts, voted against ANWR.

"I have an optimistic, I’ll-fight-for-every-job attitude."

Reid Wilson: Why delay in buying ads?

Romney: It took 24 hours, wanted to figure out which states would be best for us. Wanted to take into account Florida, Rudy’s departure, Rudy’s endorsement.

Ed Morrissey: What are your strong states on Tuesday?

Romney: It’s very possible nothing is decided on Tuesday. There are other scenarios, but I think this goes on… We have number of states we think we can win, that we think we have a good shot, that we think we have a good shot, and states that aren’t good for us. I don’t know if I want to reveal which states are which.

California is a state that is good for us. 54 districts. When you have something that big, it gives you some encouragement. We’re doing well in some winner-take-all. Some are apportioned, even if we can’t win, we can pick up some delegates there. It’s a complicated matrix you have to go through.

When Sean Hannity says he’s voting for me, when Laura Ingraham says she’s endorsing me…

Rush has been going after McCain pretty aggressively. Michael Reagan has been pretty aggressive. The world of conservatism is pretty solidly behind my effort.

Rasmussen has McCain up 28 to 26 nationally – he should do well in some places, I should do well in some places.

I was talking to one governor, and he said, ‘I’m gonna wait until the end, see who is ahead, and that’s who I’m going to endorse.’

Amanda Carpenter: How is McCain is winning economic voters?

Romney: I scratched my head on that. It’s very possible that in Florida, most people thought top issue was economy. Then the governor endorsed. Forty percent said that the governor’s decision was important in their decision. You had two things that may not be causal, and he may have gotten more support than he otherwise would have.

I missed Phil Klein’s inquiry, but it sounds like Romney said he wasn’t aware of what was going out in the robo-calls criticizing McCain’s vote on Medicare reform…

“I’ll look into that call and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Dean Barnett: Iraq war is going to be settled one way or the other in the next few years. What is the next front on the war on terror?

Romney: We’re going to continue to see flare-ups. Pakistan is going to have everyone holding their breath. Afghanistan is not finished. When I visited Afghanistan, I concluded, ‘Iraq is going to be easier to fix than Afghanistan.’ Their economy and infrastructure are like 800 years old.

Cites Aznar of Spain calling for help in intelligence and advice to other countries, a comprehensive global basis.

And with that, it was off to Colorado for Romney.

2008-02-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Check out this add from the United Victory Fund. They point out a surprisingly liberal John McCain.

2008-02-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

Speaker Hastert supports Romney

A Mark Levin talks with Denny Hastert. He was a Republican member of the United States

House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing Illinois's 14th congressional district, and served as Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2007. He was was the Speaker of the House during the Clinton Impeachment. He has worked with all the republican candidates save Huckabee. Importantly, he supports Romney and for some fantastic reason's. He worked with Romney during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. He speaks of taxes and issues such as McCain-Fiengold which, as he puts it, took more money out of the Republican party yet it's funny he got the nomination.

Last point. I agree with Speaker Hastert assessment that the media is setting up McCain for a REALLY big fall if he gets the nomination.

The audio is here ,it is worth your time.

By the way, is John McCain getting back at Bush and republicans for his loss in 2004?

2008-01-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

Four pro-family leaders endorse Mitt Romney for Florida Presidential Preference primary

Recent changes by candidates for the Republican nomination for president have made it much clearer that Mitt Romney is the preferred candidate of choice in the Florida Presidential Preference primary.

The recent withdrawal of Fred Thompson from the nomination process and the news reports that Mike Huckabee will only have a minimal campaign in Florida leaves the winner take all race for Florida's delegates between Mitt Romney, John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. The news reports on these recent changes are provided below. Additionally, the Rasmussen Report provided below shows Mitt Romney has the best chances of winning while Huckabee and Thompson trail far behind.

Rasmussen Survey of 754 Likely GOP Voters January 20, 2008

Election 2008: Florida GOP Primary

Mitt Romney 25%

John McCain 20%

Rudy Giuliani 19%

Mike Huckabee 13%

Fred Thompson 12%

Ron Paul 5%

Not Sure 6%

Dennis Baxley, David Caton, Carole Griffin and Anthony Verdugo, representing over fifty years of combined pro-family leadership in Florida, support Mitt Romney in the Florida Presidential Preference Primary.

The election results from Florida's Primary on January 29th will play a significant role in the Republican nomination for president. Florida's election results are expected to heavily influence the choice of voters during the February 5th Super Tuesday primary that will be held in many other state.

Mitt Romney is clearly the most conservative candidate among the top three competitive candidates (Giuliani, McCain, Romney) appearing on the Florida Presidential Preference ballot in Florida.

Dennis Baxley is the incoming Executive Director for Christian Coalition of Florida and former Florida State Representative for District 24.

David Caton is the Executive Director of Florida Family Association.

Carole Griffin is a pro-family lobbyist in Tallahassee and heads the Eagle Forum in Florida.

Anthony Verdugo is the president of Christian Family Coalition.

2008-01-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Flip-flop, or honest change of heart?

I read few posts dealing with the dealing with the Romney flip-flop accusation. I decided it be best to simple post and provide the links since the authors did a fine job of addressing the situation. First I’ll start off with the amazing Susan Baldwin of Conservative Wordsmith, then add a dash of Ann Coulter and final top things of with a little Glenn Beck.

First Susan Baldwin:

Is Mitt Romney A Flip-Flopper Or A Lifesaver?

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 9:48 PM

Conservative Wordsmith Susan Baldwin writes: Is Mitt Romney really a pro-choice, pro-life flip-flopper? My answer is "No." Governor Mitt Romney is definitely not a flip-flopper. My position on flip-flopping is this: A true flip-flopper flips opinions back and forth constantly, just like rubber beach sandals, or flip-flops, constantly flip up and down while walking, because one's feet are only supported by a thong that fits between two toes.

Mitt Romney is not a true flip-flopper, as a real flip-flopper will change views on a particular issue many, many times, just like the example of the beach flip-flops I mentioned above. See the dictionary definition for "flip-flopper" below, and note the significance of the word "continually," which is a synonym for the word "constantly."

Mitt Romney did not continually change his viewpoint on abortion. Mitt Romney should be commended for his honest turnaround. The truth is that Mitt is now very much against the evil sin of abortion, and I believe that he will be a strong advocate for the unborn when he becomes the first Mormon President of the United States of America.

flip-flopper: a person who continually changes a point of view or decision, esp. a politician

Now Ann Coulter –

The Elephant in the Room

Posted: 01/16/2008

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=24505

Liberals claim to be enraged at Romney for being a "flip-flopper." I've looked and looked, and the only issue I can find that Romney has "flipped" on is abortion. When running for office in Massachusetts…Romney said that Massachusetts was a pro-choice state and that he would not seek to change laws on abortion.

Even when Romney was claiming to support Roe v. Wade, he won the endorsement of Massachusetts Citizens for Life [a pro-life group by the way]. Romney's Democratic opponents always won the endorsements of the very same pro-choice groups now attacking him as a "flip-flopper."

After his term as governor, NARAL Pro-Choice America assailed Romney, saying: "(A)s governor he initially expressed pro-choice beliefs but had a generally anti-choice record. His position on choice has changed. His position is now anti-choice."

Pro-abortion groups like the Republican Majority for Choice -- the evil doppelganger to my own group, Democratic Majority for Life -- are now running videos attacking Romney for "flip-flopping" on abortion.

Of all the Republican candidates for president, Romney and Rudy Giuliani are the only ones who had to be elected in pro-choice districts. Romney governed as a pro-lifer and has been viciously attacked by pro-abortion groups.

Don’t you just love how it’s the liberals who are attacking him as a flip-flopper.

Finally Glenn Beck –

Mitt Romney Interview

January 16, 2008 - 11:13 ET

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/196/4356/

GLENN: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait. That's not evolution. I mean, if there's a clear case to be made some case for flip-flop, it's John McCain. He was just trying to hand free amnesty out to everybody and was like, wow, you know, that was a bad idea; we shouldn't do that. That, at least with your abortion thing, you had an explanation. I don't understand how McCain's not being labeled a flip-flopper.

GLENN: The first time we spoke, I don't know if you remember this, I said to you -- I was very, very skeptical and I said before you came on the air, I'll going to ask this guy for his pivot point and if he can't tell me the moment that it crystallized in his head on abortion, if he can't tell me the wallpaper color of when he realized, "Wait a minute, I'm on the wrong side of this issue," he's lying to you. And you told the story about when you changed and you didn't hesitate at all and I knew it was a valid pivot point. I'm a pivot point guy because I'm a alcoholic. I knew -- I can tell you the moment I said I've got to change my life. That's not the case with John McCain. That's a flip-flop. When it comes to taxes, you don't support them back then and now, "well, I'll make them permanent but I'm not really sure if I would do more tax cuts now." That's a flip-flop. He doesn't even understand what tax cuts do.

My Two Cents:

It takes great character to look at your life and realize something has to change. It isn’t easy and in politics it can be deadly since opponents will use it against you. For me, a father of six children, I will welcome any person with open arms who changes there stance to pro-life whenever that change may come. Is the real question/responce, "I’m a better conservative because I was a pro-lifer longer than you?" Or should the better response be, “Welcome to the light, we’re glad you are with us.”

Karl

2008-01-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

Thad Conrad endorses Mitt Romeny

Today, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) announced that he was endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States. Senator Cochran joins a Romney for President team that includes Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

"It is an honor to join Governor Romney and his campaign for our nation's highest office. At this moment our nation faces unprecedented challenges, and Governor Romney has the experience, vision and values needed to strengthen our country for future generations," said Senator Cochran. "Governor Romney is a man of outstanding judgment and strong character. I look forward to working with him and helping to implement his conservative vision when he is elected our next President."

Welcoming Senator Cochran's support, Governor Romney said, "Senator Cochran has been a strong voice for the State of Mississippi and our conservative values in the United States Senate. He has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Americans while defending this great country from foreign threats. I am proud that he has joined our campaign to strengthen our military, our economy and our families."

This is great news having Senator Cochran supporting Mitt Romney.

2008-01-12T19:26:00.001-08:00

Here is a fun little video of him and his family on one of Mitt's days off. I like the part with the kids watching the thunderstorm and when his son tries to light the whole box of firecrackers while standing over it.

Enjoy.

2008-01-09T10:31:00.001-08:00

"It's the Economy Stupid": John McCain Admits He Isn't Ready to Oversee Economy

This is repost of an excellent blog by Jeff Fuller from Iowans for Romeny

So "The Economy" constantly ranks up there among the top issues/concerns among voters of BOTH parties. With the Iraq issue being far less polarizing of late, the Economy, Illegal Immigration, and Healthcare look to be the key issues for the general election. Additionally, this New Hampshire Fox News Poll last month had the Economy and Illegal Immigration as the two most important issues to GOP voters with the Economy being by far the most important issue.

Additionally, unlike many issues listed, the status of the economy is something that touches EVERY American in some real and powerful way (as opposed to Iraq, or abortion, or foreign policy, or those without health care insurance).

In the financial world, the news of an imminent recession has been dominating the headlines (including the sinking strength on Wall Street). Just yesterday, Bush met with the economic advisors and the Fed Chairman to discuss these issues. The press conference afterwards was not terribly positive.

So is a McCain presidency a good fit for a good economy? Back in 2003 many didn't think so. His new economic plan isn't impressing many. And let's not forget what the Club for Growth thinks about McCain's economic record (Their main points are that "John McCain is No Supply-Sider" and that he has a "Tenuous Record as an Economic Conservative")

Those are the words of others . . . but what does McCain think of himself in relation to the economy?

Just one month ago, a piece from the Boston Globe (who has since endorsed McCain) led off with this:

SALEM, N.H. -- John McCain, who happily volunteers he doesn't know much about economics . . .

Later in the piece:

McCain stood before a line graph showing the increase of the alternative-minimum tax, a low-budget campaign's alternative to the PowerPoint presentation Mitt Romney uses when talking about economic policy, a subject McCain has said he feels he is unknowledgeable and that filling the void would be a priority when selecting a vice-presidential nominee.

So McCain wants to bolster the ticket because he's weak on the #1 issue and at a time that recession is a real concern? Sounds scary to me.

Yet further:

Like Mike Huckabee, who joked recently that he "may not be the expert that some people are on foreign policy, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night," McCain suggested to reporters Monday that American consumer culture offered a short cut to expertise. "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should," McCain said. "I've got Greenspan's book."

If Senator McCain hasn't a grasp of economic issues after 71 years of life, and after 3+ decades in politics, something tells me that you're not ever going to "get it" . . . even if Greenspan's book is really good.

If we really are headed toward recession in the next few months, do we really want John McCain as our nominee to put up against Hillary or Obama?
NO!
Romney's is a superior option to have at the TOP of the ticket.

2008-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Mitt Romney still on top!

Mitt Romney is still ahead of the pack. To recap, Romney came in second in Iowa, first in Wyoming, and close second in New Hampshire. The big story here is Romney still leads in over all delegates, what actually get you the nomination. Remember eight years ago when McCain won in New Hampshire, Michigan, and elsewhere. George W. Bush still won the majority of Republican votes. Bush played that card effectively as he marched towards the eventual GOP nomination.

Also, many say he's lost cause he out spent his opponents and it hasn't reaped a win. Romney has spent more money because he is not a house hold name like McCain or Guliani. He's had to get his message out there buy spending money on adds and trips to the states. I wrote about this previously here.

Below is the breakdown:

By the popular vote.

Romney - 30% - 103,247
McCain - 29% - 101,637
Huckabee - 19% - 66,638
Paul - 9% - 29,469
Giuliani - 7% - 23,955
Thompson - 5% - 18,684

The only other criteria–and the most important one for that matter–is overall delegate count.

Romney - 30 (42%)
Huckabee - 21 (30%)
McCain - 10 (14%)
Thompson - 6 (8%)
Paul - 2 (3%)
Giuliani - 1 (1%)
Hunter - 1 (1%)

Folks this is a long haul race not something decided on few states. Rush Limbaugh outlined it well

I want to remind all my Republican friends that there are many states after Iowa and New Hampshire where the Republican populations are far more indicative of the conservative base, and to get caught up in what happened in Iowa, to get caught up in what's going to happen in New Hampshire as though they're the only two states that matter and that they're going to determine the fallout on both parties is a little bit over the top.

Iowa is a caucus; it's a weird setup. New Hampshire allows independents to vote in the Republican primary, which is why McCain is doing as well as he is doing, and it's why the media want this to be a bellwether against Romney. I mean, Pat Buchanan came in second. He came in a very strong second in New Hampshire in 1992. Now, I'm not saying that these contests are not to be taken seriously here, and that they're not to be fought and to be won, but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. New Hampshire is no longer the conservative barometer it used to be. The state has changed, it is now quite liberal. A lot of people who used to live in Massachusetts have moved into New Hampshire to escape high taxation and other problems. New England generally the northern states, states like Iowa, is not where the conservative base resides in large numbers.

Funny the way the media and pundits report it, Romney is a dead duck...didn't they say the same about George Bush?

2008-01-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Mitt held his own on the 5 Jan Debate and many pundits declared him the but tonights debate was an all out victory for Romney.

I had to listen to the debate via FOX New's watch live. I was able to listen to a good portion and watch the Luntz focus group graphs while the candidates responded. It was amazing how often Romeny ranked high with the group when he explained his positions. Below is the final summary and with Romney clearly the winner with the people.

Below is the explanation of the focus group and how they reacted when Romney spoke on certain issues. Important note: Romney continued to score high through out the debate.

The last part of the video members of the group agree Romney can beat Obama in 2008.

In addition many of he folks at Townhall.com gave there assessment of the debate

Mary Katherine Ham stated ranked Mitt at #1 and stated:

He was a stronger, more real version of Mitt tonight. I truly enjoyed it, and I haven't thought he's won a debate since the very first Republican debate. I think he probably did himself a lot of good in New Hampshire tonight, and the Luntz focus group shows it. This is the first time I've thought, maybe ever, that there's a glimmer of hope for Romney in a general.

Hugh Hewitt brought out the Luntz focus groups and their amazing results

The Luntz focus group is the best ten minutes of television Romney has had since the campaign began.

Fred Barnes: "A terrific debate for Mitt Romney."

Luntz's people meters measuring moment by moment reactions from debate watchers show that Romney consistently got the best results from both conservatives and moderates. "Incredibly high results," Luntz says on both illegal immigration and the need to change Washington.

"With just two days to go Romney hit a home run tonight," Luntz concluded.

One secondary benefit of tonight's debate for Romney is that Republicans thinking forward to the fall debates with Barack Obama know who is the best prepared to handle those contests.

In addition here are moments from the 5 Jan Debate at St. Anselm College. Note the same

Now Romney soaring here describing why he is running and his values:

http://www.wmur.com/video/14986506/index.html

and here were he discusses radical jihad and the need to move to a second phase to deal with Iraq:

http://www.wmur.com/video/14986296/index.html

2008-01-05T20:38:00.001-08:00

Mitt Romney Signed A No Tax Pledge

This is from Monday, Oct 15, 2007 but explains well, from Governor Romney's own lips his feelings on rains taxes. It bears reposting with so many caucuses occurring folks need to know where Mitt Romney stands on taxes.

Governor Mitt Romney
Fox Business Network's "Cavuto"
October 15, 2007

Fox News' Neil Cavuto: "Now, he's the only GOP candidate so far to sign this no-tax pledge. Does he remember what happened to President Bush's father? So I asked him: is he nuts?"

Governor Mitt Romney: "Well, you have to stand for something and indicate what your priorities and your principles are and, in this setting, we're taking in enough money. The government is not taxing too little, it is spending too much. My priority is to rein in spending."

Cavuto: "So you can never see a situation where you might have to abandon that pledge?"

Governor Romney: "If King Kong attacks California, why, we'd obviously have to reconsider, but that's not..."

Cavuto: "What about a multi-year recession?"

Governor Romney: "Raising taxes is not the right answer for a multi-year recession. Major recessions would require reducing taxes, the right way to get our economy?"

Cavuto: "So there's no variable?"

Governor Romney: "The key is to keep our tax burden down so you grow the economy. A growing economy creates the revenues that government needs, and as long as you rein in spending so that spending is growing at a slower rate than the economy – then you have a stronger and stronger future."

Cavuto: "No one can get spending under control, Governor..."

...

Cavuto: "Would you ever envision a scenario where you'd entertain [raising taxes]?"

Governor Romney: "No, no the right answer is not to raise taxes on the American people and whether you're talking about capital gains tax or the ordinary income tax or the death tax or the Social Security tax, you don't want to raise taxes on people. We're taxing enough. The question is how do we spend our money more wisely and which programs are actually effective.

"When I came into the Olympics, for instance, I found out we had to cut our budget by $200 million and people said that's impossible. But you know, we did it. It took us a long time, we worked it through, we looked at all the things we were doing, we said, 'These are nice things to do, nice to have, but they're not need-to-have.' And in a country like ours, given the challenges we face globally, we're going to have to cut back to the need-to-have programs; the true safety-net programs, our military programs, but other sort of Congressional ideas that have been hanging around for years that aren't getting a lot done, we're going to pare some of those back or eliminate them all together.

To watch Governor Romney, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FN_dfXhSaQ

2008-01-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

Romney Wins Wyoming!!!!

Mitt Romney takes Wyoming. Congratulations! The media gave it about 30 seconds of air play since everybody is paying attention to New Hampshire.

Total delegates thus far

Romney 26
Huckabee 20
Thompson 6
McCain 3
Paul 2
Rudy 1

Updates can be found below:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/05/wyoming.republicans/index.html

Interesting thought if Romney takes 2nd in New Hampshire he'll have an even wider lead in the total delegate count. I'm pretty sure everybody will talk about how he's in trouble and looks like he is dead, but how could the total delegate leader who has finished 2nd, 1st, 2nd in the first three states be in trouble?

2008-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hugh Hewitt just posted a letter against Mike Huckabee written by a very staunch and active Republican in Arkansas, who is also a born-again Christian.

The story is here

Addy - http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/33391ddb-ed1f-4bc3-9d19-cdca6181d5d4

I'm not going to repost the whole letter, please visit Hugh Hewitt's site and read it, it is worth your time.

Here are the main points the gentlemen points out

1) Governor Huckabee did lasting damage to the Republican Party and conservative movement in Arkansas.

2) Governor Huckabee's non-stop clemencies continually hindered the work of criminal prosecutors and miffed Republicans.

3) Governor Huckabee's pattern was to ignore immigration laws, often in the name of Christianity.

4) Governor Huckabee was no friend to fiscal conservatives in Arkansas.

5) Huckabee left a long trail of ethics questions while Governor of Arkansas.

6) Huckabee's education record shows him to be an advocate of the "status quo".

7) Huckabee has very little support for his Presidential bid here in Arkansas.

Given the many vulnerabilities in his record, what is the likelihood that Huckabee would win in a general election? Democrat National Committee officials have already been quoted as saying that they see Huckabee as "easy kill" and refer to him as "the glass jaw -- and they're just waiting to break it." The DNC has issued over 200 attack press releases on Republican candidates - only 4 on Huckabee, the last one coming 10 months ago.

This is good stuff. Again please read the full story located here.

2008-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

As I read Townhall yesterday I cam across an interesting column by Douglas Mackinnon titled "McHuck-a-Smear" The article is here.

After discussing the pulled negative ad that know one was going to see (but here it is) he addresses a foreign policy gaffes by Gov Huckabee. Following Benazir Bhutto's assassination Gov Hukabee offered his apologies...NO WAIT!!! He offered "our apologies"...What? Why is he apologizing for what happened in Pakistan? That is an internal affair, we didn't do it. Mackinnon follows on with:
Aside from that strange response, why does he amateurishly talk of sending U.S. forces into Pakistan to hunt down one man? A plan that would further risk destabilizing an already fragile Pakistani government...
Good point. I seem to remember Gov Romney receiving a lot of flak when asked about what would he do if we had another 9-11 style attack. He answered something to the effect of meeting with advisers and seeing the legality of response. NOTE: (I can not find the exact statement, if you know it tell me and I'll revise the post).

My point - Romney would pull in some experts and talk about the best method to proceed, just as every decent president before us has done...think it out and then act.

-------------

Love is in the Air or you'd think that with the way Senator McCain and Gov Huckabee have come together recently. I like how Mackinnon describes it:

Clearly, the mutual admiration society of Huckabee and McCain has nothing to do with the feelings of each toward the other, but rather, their growing panic with regard to the Romney campaign. While Romney has run what the media has called “conventional contrast ads” against the positions and records of both candidates, McCain and Huckabee have chosen the low road in response. Each man decided to launch personal attacks against Romney and his very character.

Romney's ads attack the facts, the "what you did as governor or senator" It points out the substance. It reminds me of Reagan vs Carter, he went after his record not Carter personally. The Huckabee and McCain campaigns can't stand by the record so go after the person?

By the way McCain's add used personal attacks against Romney generated by the ultra-liberal Concord Monitor. When asked about it McCain said He was not saying it but the paper. (but I guess it was worth repeating?) This sounds like Huckabee's goof up...maybe they are sharing tactics.

Well at least Gov Huckabee is consistent, a former Arkansas Governor also used personal attacks against other candidates.

----------

Oh, one last point from Mr Mackinnon's article

[W]hy has the equally liberal Boston Globe endorsed McCain? Why has the National Education Association of New Hampshire endorsed Mike Huckabee? Why? Other than liking their amnesty and education plans for illegal aliens, what is it about these two candidates that these liberal organizations and media outlets love?

The media loves McCain and Huckabee. All today it's been about McVain's (whoops) McCain's surge and it has been the pitch line on every station, he's the "Comeback Kid." I'll throw my two cents in. The media knows Romney will beat, yes beat, any candidate on the Democrat side.

McCain and Huckabee go against Hillary or Obama it will be another Dole vs Clinton.

Against Romney, they lose.

P.S. If you'd like to read more regarding the media read El Rushbo's analysis here.

2007-06-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like I published this out of order...oh well.

I finally have returned from Iraq and after taking some time to spend with family and various TDYs for the Air Force I can start working on the blog again. It looks like some much has changed during my deployment - we had access to some news but we usually did watch it cause they report a lot about Iraq with skewed eyes. Either way I'm happy to be home and drink out of a garden hose with worrying about caching some really nasty stomach bug.

I'll start posting as soon as I get my head into the political scheme.

For all those who keep the troops in your prayers, please know they are answered in so many ways. yes there are men and women who die but the number that miraculously survive and stay alive is amazingly higher. God bless you all for you faith on our behalf.

Sincerely,

Karl Basham

2007-06-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Newt Gingrich says Romney can deliver a bold dramatic vision.

I was reading the Fox News Sunday transcript of the interview between Chris Wallace and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich lays down the line on many of Bush's policies and repeat a theme that "Washington" is not working. Now toward the end Wallace asks Gingrich about Fred Thompson pretty much saying he is running for president and if he is the "true conservative" for the Republican party. Gingrich states Mitt Romney would be capable of offering a very bold, dramatic vision for the Republican party.

The quote follows:

WALLACE: We've got a couple of minutes left. Fred Thompson all but announced this week that he is running for president. Are you satisfied with his credentials? Does the Republican field now have a true conservative?

GINGRICH: Well, first of all, there are several candidates who each bring their own unique strengths to this, and in terms of offering a very bold, dramatic vision, Governor Romney would be capable of it. I think Mayor Giuliani would be capable of it. I think Fred Thompson will be capable of it.

Now granted he mentions Giuliani and Thompson but Romney is the first one he comes up with, I think it's significant but that's my two cents. Either way the fact that Gingrich, who is no political idiot, recognizes Mitt Romney as person who can offer and deliver a bold dramatic message shows the increasing impact Mitt Romney is making. I hope there will be more opportunities for Mitt Romney to give his message...Americans need to hear it.

Sources:
article here
http addy if link doesn't work- http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,277454,00.html

2006-11-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

For those concerned about Romney's religious beliefs and how they might impact his candidacy for President, check out this article from the Boston Globe.

Romney consults evangelical leaders

By Scott Helman, Globe Staff | November 2, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney is convening meetings with small groups of evangelical leaders to seek guidance for his possible presidential run, as Romney and Mormon supporters intensify efforts to allay concerns about his faith.

Romney, who is ramping up preparations for a 2008 campaign, huddled privately at his Belmont home last Thursday with about a dozen evangelicals, including conservative activist Gary Bauer, president of the group American Values, and Richard Land, a prominent leader in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Two weeks earlier, Romney met with about a dozen Baptist pastors at a private club in Columbia, S.C. Today, he is set to meet with more Christian leaders at an activist's home in Greenville, S.C.

The meetings have touched on several themes, participants say, but two topics being discussed are Romney's religious beliefs and how he should address his faith as the campaign progresses.

Romney's meetings with evangelicals, which are reminiscent of a similar effort by President Bush before he ran for president in 2000, take place as groups and individuals separate from Romney's political team are trying to improve the public perception of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Polls indicate that the religion is widely misunderstood and viewed skeptically by many in the United States.

A pro-Romney political organization with no connection to his campaign operation has been educating people in South Carolina, a state with a key early presidential primary, about the Mormon faith to break down negative stereotypes. A well-known West Coast radio host has a new book coming out next year about Romney and his religion. And the Mormon Church leadership is reaching out to news organizations to explain Mormon beliefs and practices.

At last week's meeting at Romney's home, Land said, he told the governor that voters want "a commander in chief, not a theologian in chief." Land said he encouraged the governor to do what John F. Kennedy, a Catholic, did in 1960: Give a major speech that confronts head on the lingering prejudices against his religion.

"I told him I thought most Americans believed in fair play, and you have the opportunity to take the poison out of this issue the same way that Senator Kennedy did," said Land, who is president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the denomination's public policy arm. "I think he needs to address the issue sooner rather than later. I just encouraged him to do it forthrightly and honestly and say, 'Look, this is my faith, and we don't have a religious test for office, and here's how my faith informs my values system.' "

Land, who stressed that he doesn't endorse candidates, described the gathering at Romney's house as informal, "just sort of a get-together and get-acquainted kind of meeting."

Land said that Romney, whom he had never met, was in "listening mode" and heard a range of perspectives on several issues. The group discussed Romney's views on the judiciary, national security, and social issues such as abortion, said Land, who declined to say who else was there.

Jared Young, a spokesman for Romney's political action committee, said the meeting at Romney's home was private, and he declined to say who attended and what was discussed.

"He's been having various meetings with various groups and group leaders," Young said. "He's seeking their input and advice and just sitting down and talking with them."

On Oct. 13, Romney sat down with Baptist pastors at the Palmetto Club in Columbia, S.C., said Joe Mack, public policy director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

"I would probably characterize it as a first meeting, exploratory kind of thing, see where everybody was," Mack said.

Mack said they discussed Romney's religion, but focused on the values he shares with evangelicals.

"Obviously as Baptists, theologically we have some differences, but on social, moral issues . . . it seemed like we had some common ground," Mack said.

Today, 10 to 12 other Baptist pastors are lined up to talk to Romney at the Greenville home of activist Dee Benedict, who has expressed surprise at seeing social conservatives lining up behind Romney.

Meanwhile, a political organization called RunMittRun.org, created by a Mormon filmmaker this year to demystify Romney's religion, has just completed meetings with focus groups in Greenville and Columbia, S.C., to gauge the governor's political viability. The results were sobering: Misunderstanding and suspicion about the religion abound, Mitch Davis, the founder of RunMittRun.org, reported in an Oct. 21 e-mail update to supporters.

"Left unaddressed, the distortions of Mormonism would cause an insurmountable number of voters to vote against Mitt for president in South Carolina," Davis wrote.

But the focus groups also indicated that South Carolinians could be swayed. Fifty percent of the participants said before the focus groups began that they could not vote for a Mormon, but 80 percent of those participants said afterward that they had changed their mind , according to Davis.

RunMittRun.org, which counts about 2,000 supporters, has been bankrolled largely through a $100,000 donation in September from Hubert Humphrey, founder of the World Leadership Group, a Georgia-based company that helps people found their own businesses. But the organization has also collected contributions from many other backers, including Kris Murphy, 44, a stay-at-home father who lives outside Birmingham, Ala.

"I was born and raised in the church and served a mission, and frankly I am sick and tired of the mischaracterization of Mormons not being Christians," Murphy said, citing a belief held by some evangelicals. "Whenever there's an opportunity to talk about what Mormonism is, . . . we are ready and willing and able to talk about it."

"It is unfortunate that religion is a factor," Murphy continued, "but you'd have to be a moron to ignore it."

At the same time, the Mormon Church, through its public affairs staff and an outside public relations firm, Edelman, has been conducting background briefings with news organizations to familiarize them with what the church believes and how it works.

The church's director of media relations, Michael R. Otterson, would not say which organizations church representatives have met with. But the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call reported last week that the church had approached journalists at that publication, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the Hotline, a political newsletter published by the National Journal.

The church's effort is similar to its campaign before the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics to reach out to hundreds of journalists who descended on the city, to help them understand what the church was, and what its history and beliefs were.

"The church takes every opportunity to help journalists understand its beliefs and practices," Otterson wrote in an e-mail response to questions about the effort.

Otterson said part of the motivation was to reiterate to media organizations the church's commitment to being politically neutral. He said the effort began before stories in the Globe last month detailing discussions among representatives of the Mormon Church and Romney's political team about building a list of Mormon supporters.

In another development, Hugh Hewitt, a popular conservative radio host, plans to add his voice next spring to the debate about Romney's religion and how it will or won't affect his White House chances. Hewitt is finishing a new book, drawn in part from extensive interviews with Romney and his family, called "A Mormon in the White House? Ten Things Every Conservative Should Know About Mitt Romney."

Hewitt, in an interview this week, wouldn't give away the book's conclusions. But he said that he found that Mormonism was "not particularly well understood by many" and that he believes it will pose challenges for Romney.

Hewitt has spoken positively about Romney in the past. But he said that he has no favorite 2008 candidate and that the book is not meant to boost Romney's campaign.

"This is an objective journalistic effort . . . that will speak for itself," said Hewitt, a professor of constitutional law. "It's not a campaign biography, and it's not anti-anybody."

Romney has not officially announced a presidential bid, but his political action committee, the Commonwealth PAC, has been bulking up with key staff, including Sally Bradshaw, one of the top political advisers to Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, and Barbara Comstock, a onetime strategist for the Republican National Committee.

The PAC has also been signing up well-known political consulting firms around the country, including the Sterling Corp. in Michigan and the Phillips Group in West Virginia.

The PAC has also been in talks with Warren Tompkins, a top-shelf South Carolina campaign consultant who helped Bush win in 2000.

2006-09-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally arrived in Iraq, as such my ability to add updates to this blog will be limited. If you are looking for updated information on Gov. Romney please visit Iowans for Romney. Even though it is for Iowa, Jeff Fuller has a large amount of information about Gov. Romney. Thank you for visiting and God Bless or Troops.

Karl

2006-08-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Jeff Fuller at Iowans for Romney has a great post discussing Gov Romney's record of state and distric judicial appointees. A common attack on Romney is that he has appointed more Democratic Judges than Republican judges. In a 87% Democratic Legislature, Romney has appointed 9 Republicans and 14 Democrats (two of which are homosexual). After reading Jeff's post it becomes apparent that Romney is trying to remove "politics" from the appointing process so as to appoint quailified judges tougher on crime. One would assume that Romney, a Harvard Law magna cum laude grad knows a thing or two about proper qualifications for a good judge.

2006-08-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

NEWS!!!

Gov. Romney spoke in Sen Trent Lott's hometown, Pascagoula, to the local Federation of Republican Women; from my understanding there where about 380 people in attendance. Nice. As soon as I have pictures/speech info I’ll get it posted. He also toured the coast and was amazed by the hurricane damage that still exists.

Interesting fact I didn’t know, Gov Romney spearheaded the Massachusetts relief effort “Operation Helping Hand." It aided 235 Gulf Coast evacuees by flying them to Camp Edwards in Cape Cod. In addition to 860 walk-ins, victims ended up receiving food, housing or walk-in support services from the state and private donors. The Legislature provided $25 million in emergency funding."

I’m not sure of the time frame but still, the Governor acted. He saw where he could help, coordinated the necessary requirements and got the program going.

Here is the Boston globe article talking about the visit.

2006-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all fellow Mississippians and anyone else interested in Gov. Mitt Romney! My name is Karl Basham, I live in the Biloxi area, D'Iberville actually and I'm helping Maggie keep things running on the blog. I'll post some more recent news stories and information and then link to some older news found on other "For Mitt Romney" sites a little later

I meet Gov Romney while he was in Iowa; end of July time frame. My brother in law invited me to hear him speak at two occasions. I have to admit the man is impressive. There where four things that stood out to me:

1. The War on Terrorism – Gov Romney called it a war against radical jihadists; not insurgents or criminals or some soft name. He clearly understands they are people bent on killing us and they are a real threat that needs to be dealt with. He even visited troops in Iraq, from his state, to see first hand what the situation in theater was like. Being a member of the armed forces I was impressed that he is not to afraid to truly identify the enemy.

2. My brother-in-law asked him why he was tackling the Big Dig since it is a political risk. Gov Romney stated, ``The best thing for me to do politically is stay away from the Big Dig -- just get as far away from that tar baby as I possibly can, but I got elected as governor of Massachusetts. It's part of my job to do what I think is the right thing." I loved his answer. He’s has a job to do ‘cause he is the elected governor, he is not worried about the political risk that could accompany it. A leader does what is right and not what is expedient at the time. Finally, he simple isn’t afraid to take action. He further said, ``One thing's for sure, I am sure tired of people who just have nothing but talk and are not willing to take action. I'm willing to take action, and that's what I'm going to do.”
The original Boston Globe article is located here

3. His speech wasn’t one of, “the Democrats this…” and “the other party is bad at that…” He spoke of how great America is. He used stories from the Olympics, the Boy Scouts, people he has met around the U.S. It reminded me of Reagan, a leader who believed in the greatness of this country.

4. Now this may seem strange if you don’t have kids but the way people treat our children gives insight into them. My son Benjamin ran right up to Gov Romney and hugged him right at the knees. Gov Romney took it in total stride and hugged him right back and gave him the “Grand Pa” pat on the back. You know that pat on the back that only loving grand dads give there grand sons. Well, when I saw it and then found out he has 5 children; I couldn’t think of a better family man to hold up as an example to the nation. Think about it, in a time where marriage is being defined in different ways and some youth have doubts about it all together, here is a man married to the same woman, raised five children and has a successful life.

2006-03-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Promotional Material

1. Exceptional Executive Leadership

“Mitt Romney is the consummate leader with a rare combination of talent, sincerity, integrity, and charisma. In a world where ‘spin’ is too often king, he is the real deal. What he did with Salt Lake City’s Olympic Games is the stuff of which legends are made.”

--Sheri Dew, Deseret Book Company President & CEO

“Mitt Romney has more management ability than any potential candidate on either side. He is one of the best managers in the country. He took over Massachusetts, which is an extremely liberal state with a totally dominant Democratic Legislature and turned a $3 billion deficit into a $1 billion surplus in just the few years he's been in there.”

--Orrin Hatch, U. S. Senator (Utah-R)

2. Vocal Social Conservative

"On marriage and cloning, he has provided aggressive leadership as a positive, pro-family governor."

--Kris Mineau, Massachusetts Family Institute

3. Broad-based Voter Appeal

“Mitt Romney may just be the most appealing candidate Republicans can field in 2008, the one most likely to win the White House by shoring up social conservatives and rallying business interests without frightening swing voters.”

--Ann Sullivan, Washington Monthly editor

4. International & Homeland Security Experience

“Mr. Romney…is a governor, as four of the past five presidents were; but he can claim more international experience than most state executives. In addition to his work on the Olympics, he has served on the federal Homeland Security Advisory Council, chairing its working group on intelligence and information sharing.”

--James Taranto, OpinionJournal.com editor

5. Impeccable Ethical Reputation

“With some conservatives worried about serious Republican electoral trouble because of a growing number of bribery, money laundering, illegal lobbying, and obstruction of justice scandals embroiling many key figures in the GOP…Romney's D.C.-free whistle-clean image, coupled with his proven ability to transcend a corrupt mess, may prove a tempting antidote.”

--Michael M. Rosen, Republican Jewish Coalition-San Diego Chapter

IMAGINE…

Imagine a politician who tracks his progress on fulfilling all 97 of his campaign promises…

Imagine a politician who is called in to clean up the messes of scandal and debt caused by others…

Imagine a politician who donates his entire government salary to charity each year…

Imagine Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney for President in 2008

It’s time for a higher standard!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO

www.americansformitt.com

Romney Rocks!

2006-03-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Okay I confess that I have long pledged myself to be an apolitical creature. I avoid politics like the plague. I didn't even vote in the last Presidential election because I loathed both Bush and Gore and couldn't even find the lesser of two evils. But events of this past weekend have forced me to change my mind.

I have just returned from the Southern Republican Leadership Conference. I went at the behest of a friend from Boston who is the eastern regional director of Americans for Mitt and apparently one of only two Republicans at Harvard (she's married to the other) because she said I simply had to hear Mitt Romney speak. I believe my initial resopnse was "Who?" Mitt Romney is the current governor of Massachusetts. He's a Republican in the bluest state in America. My pal's group is working on a grassroots movement to get him elected President in 2008. We were a little over 200 strong at the SRLC this weekend and brought a surprise to the media at the conclusion of the straw poll. Frist won--no shock there...the conference was held in Memphis, Tennessee and he was the only candidate who actually actively recruited delegates. But Romney came in a solid 2nd place with over 14% of the vote. The media were shocked when McCain got a distant fifth. Romnney spoke on Friday for fifteen minutes and got 3 standing ovations. This Yankee Governor has Southern Values (and I have a t-shirt that declares just that), which clearly resonate with the public. There were many among the 1,400 delegates who came to see who there was to see and were very favorably impressed by Romney--myself among them.

So, at this point I decided to create a blog for Mississippians for Mitt to join the 27 other states who already have websites or blogs to that effect. I confess it probably won't be updated often (as I am in my final year of graduate school and working on my thesis), but I just had to get my thoughts out there.