Rush, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, & Michael Savage Have Great Things to Say About Gov. Mitt Romney

Well, it doesn't take too much listening to figure this all out. Conservative talk radio is doing everything they can to educate and inform voters that Mitt Romney is the "real deal" (Sean Hannity this week).

Glenn Beck a super great fan, of course. Today Sean Hannity said it straight, but he has been a wonderfully supportive and rallying force behind Gov. Romney for several weeks and months. Here is his official support, as of today:

Rush has been very kind and started the Smitten Mitten "title" a couple weeks ago when a few very proud, pro-Romney women called in. It was actually pretty sweet as he could barely conceal a smidge of jealousy over the swooning Romney gals. I assured him that we love him too - and it's not so much the hair, but the voice that we really go for.

Tonight we listened to Michael Savage who was uncharacteristically calm but ever so eloquent and on point. He had only positive things to say for Gov. Romney, including that he is a "moral conservative". This actually is a profound compliment considering that the American family has been left out of every other candidate's stump speech. This really is shocking. It's almost like our country is embarrassed about the most fundamental unit of society.

If nothing else, this week and the support of Conservative Talk Radio has been nothing short of a miracle. What all of these people have come to assess is the most amazing validation of the LDS faith into the realm of true values and conservatism. "By their fruits ye shall know them" is the very essence of what Mormons are all about. There is something, great things, to be said of a people, who, this day and age, stand for virtue and excellence.

Technorati Tags: Talk Radio,GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Conservatism,Reagan,Republican,Sean Hannity,Rush Limbaugh,Michael Savage,Glenn Beck

Sean Hannity Is Voting For Mitt Romney

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: ANOTHER CONSERVATIVE VOTE
FOR GOVERNOR ROMNEY

Sean Hannity:  "I'll tell you right now, and I've not announced this, but I will be voting for Mitt Romney in this campaign. It's the first time I've stated it publicly.  I'll state it now."  ("Sean Hannity Radio Show," 1/31/08)

I'd also like to say that a couple days ago, an Evangelical called Sean up with flaming Mormon Derangement Syndrome dripping in her voice. Se sounded like someone who was left having to clean up dog vomit. She was a Huckabee supporter ready to consider Romney. She hinted and evaded around her COMPLETE HATRED AND FEAR OF A MORMON and asked Sean if he was okay to vote for. Sean reminded her that he had spent a lot of time with Governor Romney and his family and was convinced he was a great guy and the "real deal".

Thank you Sean. YOU MY FRIEND, ARE A GREAT AMERICAN.

 

Technorati Tags: Talk Radio,Sean Hannity,GOP 2008,Republican,Conservatives,Reagan,Mitt Romney

Huckabee Evangelical Pastors CAUGHT Breaking the Law - Illegally Raising Money At Pastor's Conference

Well, I predicted this was going to happen and got some pretty hateful comments on this one. These people have been doing this all across America since this filth went into public office.

Copeland Ministries accused of 'shady' Huckabee donation

Allie Martin - OneNewsNow - 1/31/2008 1:50:00 PM

One of six televangelists targeted in a Senate finance inquiry is being accused of turning a recent pastors' conference into a fundraising opportunity for GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

Last week, Kenneth Copeland Ministries held an annual -- by invitation only -- ministers' conference at his headquarters in Newark, Texas. The Trinity Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit group that monitors televangelists, reports that during a live webcast Huckabee called Copeland and requested emergency financing.
Ole Anthony, president of the Trinity Foundation, says Copeland immediately adjourned the conference and then reconvened the group in a private meeting, in order to stay within guidelines on fundraising. "They raised $111,000 in cash and maybe in excess of a million dollars in pledges for Huckabee," says Anthony. "If that isn't a violation of the law, it certainly strains at ethical positions."

Read the rest of this sick relationship these types of Evangelicals have with the law. The LDS Church makes no bones about keeping Religion and Candidates separate. Let's not forget that at this point, Mike Huckabee has no PRAYER to win and is only in for his usual vindictiveness against someone who is successful

Go here to read more.

Technorati Tags: Huckabee,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican",Campaign Lies,Corruption,Evangelical

Hillary? Or Is That Juan McCain?

A campaign commercial by the group, “Citizens United” calls John McCain “surprisingly liberal,” noting he voted against the Bush tax cuts twice, advocated more restrictions on gun owners, and joined Ted Kennedy to sponsor amnesty for illegal aliens.

Technorati Tags: John McCain,GOP 2008,Hillary,Liberal "Republican"

Liberals Favorite Republican

 

Technorati Tags: Liberal "Republican",GOP 2008,John McCain,Republican,Democrats

McCain: The Big Loser At California Debate

 

Go to CNN to see it all. See "Dial Testers On McCain"

 

Watch all of them to get a very clear understanding that McCain is wrong on so many levels. He fails miserably as any kind of leader for this American Nation.

Technorati Tags: John McCain,GOP 2008,Debate,Liberal "Republican"

McCain Ends the Year Rollicking in $4 Million In Debt - And Yes, That's How He Would Run the Country

WASHINGTON - John McCain, who ended the year with a $4.5 million debt, plans six coast-to-coast fundraisers in three days to capitalize on his Florida victory and front-runner status and build on the $7 million he raised in the first three weeks of January.

McCain's end-of-year financial reports, filed late Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission, showed he raised $6.7 million during the last three months of 2007 and had $3 million cash in hand, not counting end-of-year debt.

He also got a significant boost from a $3 million line of credit from Fidelity Bank & Trust, a loan he secured in November as he prepared to mount a campaign-salvaging stand in New Hampshire.

 

Read more here.

Technorati Tags: John McCain,Debt,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican"

John McCain's Secret Agenda "Mexamericanada here we come!"

This is so INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT and please do everything you can to get this word out. This reason alone is enough to throw McCain completely out of any politics ever.

This is straight from Glenn Beck. Please go to his website or Michelle Malkin's as soon as possible and do everything you can this information out to everyone you know.

Stay up to date with Michelle Malkin at her website, http://michellemalkin.com/

GLENN: Have you ever seen such an audacious slap in the face to the American people as this?
MALKIN: I haven't felt one like this in a long time, Glenn. I'm still reeling from it. But I do hope that as more people find out about McCain's open border roots that they won't buy the dye job that he's given himself and the instant immigration makeover that he's trying to sell to conservatives and Republicans.
GLENN: Okay, I want you to lay it -- two pieces of audio, one from John McCain being asked about it and then another piece of audio from the gentleman that is now working with him. So you tell me the best time to play it while you explain what he's doing right now behind everybody's back.
MALKIN: Sure. Well, last month I received a tip from a concerned reader and she had listened to John McCain speak to the Hispanic Republicans in Nevada at a conference and apparently at this conference McCain was trying to tout his connection to a man named Dr. Juan Hernandez who has been named the national director of Hispanic outreach for the McCain 2008 campaign. This reader of mine was appalled when she learned of this hire and it had exactly the opposite effect that apparently McCain wanted it to have. This was supposed to be reassuring to Hispanic Republicans that this guy had been hired as outreach.
My colleague at hotair.com, Bryan Preston, confirmed this staff hire and, in fact, on John McCain's daughter's campaign website, there's a lovely, cozy picture of Juan Hernandez pivoting with Meghan McCain and Mark MacKinnon who is the campaign guru for John McCain. Well, who is this guy? I'm quite familiar with him. I've debated him several years on the cable TV circuit because he's one of the most ubiquitous ethnocentric open borders zealots on the scene.
GLENN: I have never -- you know what, Michelle, he's been on my show quite a few times. In fact, I've banned him from the show. I'm just not going to give the guy any more airtime.
MALKIN: Good. He is an expert at filibustering and he is an expert at crooked talk. He talks a smooth game about how, of course, he supports our immigration laws but at the same time he had served as a Mexican cabinet official under Vicente Fox where he worked diligently to do nothing but undermine sovereignty and our laws. Yeah, it would be a great time to go ahead and play one of those audio clips because --
GLENN: Let's play, Stu, let's first play the John McCain and then we'll play the second clip of Juan Hernandez.
STU: Right, this is the answer because someone actually asked about Juan Hernandez.
GLENN: Here it is, here's John McCain.
VOICE: I wonder if you agree with those policies. If so, explain it to me. And if not, why is he on your staff.
McCAIN: He's on my staff because he supports my policies and my proposals and my legislative proposal to secure the borders first, that no one will receive Social Security benefits who is in this country illegally. I don't know what his previous positions are, other previous positions are but he supports mine. I have nothing to do with his. And he has volunteered to help me with outreach to our Hispanic citizenry as that is his reach as I outreach to every citizen in America. I've made very clear my position on immigration, made very clear on my position on Social Security and, of course, I am grateful that we have so many people who came from Ireland to the United States of America and anybody else who can come here legally under the right system and that's the only system that I would ever support and I have no idea but I will check into the information you've given me. But I want to promise you I will secure our borders. I will not allow anyone to come here illegally. I will not allow anyone to receive Social Security or any other benefit because they have come here illegally and broken our laws.
GLENN: Okay. That's John McCain. Now, it's so disingenuous to say he doesn't know who this man is or his policies. This is a guy who used to work for Vicente Fox. He is the most open border guy you could possibly imagine. Here's just one clip of Juan Hernandez, and we've got tons of them and we'll be playing them over the next few days. Here's just one clip of Juan Hernandez on TV.
HERNANDEZ: I don't think that we need to build walls to control immigration. We are the 21st century now and we're a country that has always broken down walls. Once again with regard to securing the borders, we need to work with Mexico. We're never going to have a secure border. We're not going to put a wall up for these hundreds and hundreds thousands of miles. We have to work with our neighbors. We need to think now for the future. Canada, the United States and Mexico as a block.
GLENN: Canada, Mexico and America as a block. That's who this guy is. Michelle?
MALKIN: A block, not a region. He said it many times. He also, when he worked for this Mexican bureaucracy called the presidential office for Mexican abroad, what he did was he spent his time traveling all across our country lobbying local, state and federal officials for driver's license for illegal aliens. He defended his operators who were carrying illegal aliens to the country and who promoted extending banking privileges here in the United States to illegal aliens, lobbied to get lower rates for them so that they could send home billions of dollars in remittances back to their country. The guy does not believe in borders. He is a senior fellow at something called the Reform Institute which is a think tank that John McCain founded and it has come under scrutiny by the mainstream media because it underscores John McCain's hypocrisy not just on open borders but also on campaign finance because he's used his supposedly nonpartisan, nonprofit thinking to solicit donations from big donors who he then goes and crusades for while he's sitting on Senate committees. At this reform institute which is in part funded with George Soros money, Juan Hernandez was in charge of leading the lobbying campaign for John McCain's amnesty effort last year. And this reform institute also sponsored an art contest for students where they spent their time demonizing the border. And you can go and look. I linked this on my website, to all of the art that compares the walls our borders and our border fences to the Berlin wall which keeps people in instead of walling people out to prevent invasion, to prevent undermining our sovereignty, to prevent encroaching of our laws. And for McCain to have the gall to stand there and tell that voter in Florida who, by the way, learned about this Juan Hernandez thing by looking at our research on the Internet, for him to say that he supports securing the border first when he's got a guy outreaching to illegal aliens to persuade them to make John McCain President? It's more than nauseating. I have an ulcer.
GLENN: Michelle, I mean, I don't think -- I just don't think I have ever seen, well, at least on the GOP side I don't think I have seen anything more insidious than this kind of stuff. I mean, this is Bill Clinton insidiousness. This is somebody who is taking and wrapping themselves around an issue and trying to convince the American people that he's doing one thing and he is doing exactly the opposite behind our back.
If John McCain would get into office and this stuff would happen, I really honestly think, Michelle, and talk me down from this tree, I think John McCain is more dangerous even than Hillary Clinton because at least Hillary Clinton has Bill Clinton to make her triangulate eventually. There will be no stopping between John McCain and the Progressives of going down a road that is massive internationalists. Right or wrong?
MALKIN: I'm with you on much of that...

MALKIN: I'm with you on much of that. I think it's fascinating to --
GLENN: But hang on, Michelle. My point is if you have Hillary Clinton try to pull off what John McCain is going to try to pull off, I mean, and I don't believe he doesn't know this guy's policies. This guy is a leader. If he tried to pull this off and you have a Progressive Democratic congress, there's no one to stop it because there's enough John McCain Republicans in congress that it would sweep through. They're going to sweep through all kinds of treaties, all kinds of internationalism and there would be no stopping it. I mean, you've got -- how did we get welfare reform? We got it with a Democratic President and a Republican congress. They swept it through. You want to have gigantic international global warming treaties or gigantic treaties that are signed for setting up a block of Mex-Ameri-Canada, you put John McCain in office.
MALKIN: Yeah, I understand your point about triangulation and I'm very down. I'm very depressed about the rise of John McCain. But I don't completely believe that we wouldn't be able to stop it. Look, we had a globalist open borders Republican President try to push amnesty through with the Progressive left, the open borders left. His name was George W. Bush and he did not get his way and that's thanks in large part to the conservatives and talk radio and in the grassroots who John McCain has the same hostility to. The point is we don't want to repeat history here. I don't want another George W. Bush open borders type in the White House. And, you know, I'm galled by all of the Republican establishments who think we should shut up about it. Yes, everybody should know about Juan Hernandez. Everybody should know about Jerry Perenchio who is the billionaire founder of Univision who is a national campaign co-chair of John McCain. People should know about it.
GLENN: What is his -- besides him being the head of Univision, what is, you know, what's so devious about him?
MALKIN: He's also -- I mean, he's Juan Hernandez with a billion dollars. Let's put it that way. He's led the campaign to fight an English emergent initiative which was hugely popular and won overwhelmingly in California with the 227 that abolished so-called bilingual education which is keeping students hostage and basically forcing them to learn a foreign language instead of English and it was included popularly and overwhelmingly especially by Hispanic parents, law-abiding Hispanic parents who were appalled at the public schools with teaching their kids Spanish instead of English. Well, Perenchio, who is the national co-chair for McCain, poured millions of dollars not only directly into the opposition campaign but he put hourly public service announcements on Univision claiming that this was just -- it was not about helping Hispanic families, he was about helping his bottom line an keeping people from watching Univision instead of putting it into American culture. He's also given tons of money to Planned Parenthood and the National Resources Defense Council and you can see these are birds of a feather, Juan Hernandez, Jerry Perenchio, John McCain who, you know, isn't just a guy, the open borders type but also happens to be one of these stop global warming fear mongers. So it all says, and people should know the company that he keeps and the outreach that he is doing now to Reagan is, you know, completely cynical move to try and get into the office and nobody should buy it. This is the New York Times' favorite Republican.
GLENN: So Michelle, we were doing the math today on the election. How do you reverse this?
MALKIN: Well, I said last night that it is a Mt. Everest battle for Mitt Romney and, of course, Mitt Romney has this problem but one problem he doesn't have is he doesn't have a record of crushing his shoe heel into the face of the conservatives. I would rather have someone who has, you know, had an epiphany and is now coming to court conservative votes because he wants to represent them than to somebody who even, as he now claims that he's the conservative frontrunner, continues to insult and spit in their faces.

The grand prize winner incorporated the specious open-borders propaganda comparing our fence to keep trespassers out to the Berlin Wall designed to wall people in:

Technorati Tags: Mexiamericanada,GOP 2008,John McCain,Corruption,North American Union,URGENT

Mitt Romney Coalesces GOP With Another Stellar Performance at Reagan Library in California (Part II)

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR

MITT ROMNEY AT THE SECOND REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE – VOL. II

Fox News' Frank Luntz: FOX NEWS' FRANK LUNTZ: "First off, who won the debate tonight? I always begin that way." VOTER: "Romney." LUNTZ: "Who says John McCain won the debate tonight raise your hands, 3, only 4 of you. Who says Mitt Romney, about half of you." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 1/30/08)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "He hit back and defending his honor and truth on Iraq. I don't think most Americans get "timetables was a buzzword." I think they get that neither of these guys are Harry Reid. The sum of it is oddly, unnecessarily, McCain came off badly during an Iraq round." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Is Romney Reading the Corner?" National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Lopez: "I think Romney came off effective and competent." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Weird, Irritating Debate," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/=, Posted 1/30/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Mitt Romney is exactly right on letting states take the lead on global warming and emissions standards if they want to tighten them, but he does the work McCain wouldn't do by pointing out that those actions have consequences in higher costs and lost jobs. When he talks these issues, he is smart and right." (Mary Katharine Ham, "Global Warming Mania!" Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/30/08)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Mitt Romney won this debate. He looked crisp, sharp, had facts at his command, and exuded confidence." (Ed Morrissey, "Live Blog And Wrap Up," Captain's Quarters' Blog, http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

CNN's Bill Schneider: "A couple of Romney's answers were quite good, particularly on the Iraq timetables issue." (Bill Schneider, "The Night's Big Winner: Huckabee," CNN's Political Ticker Blog, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney's giving a pretty interesting conservative explanation of a health care plan that otherwise makes conservatives nervous. As he explains, it forces people to pay their own way — which they get." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Makes A Sale On Health Care," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney's giving a full-throated rebuttal to McCain's charge that he proposed a timetable on Iraq withdrawal – and he's right. That was a strong answer." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Calls McCain Out," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

National Review's Mark Hemingway: "I think I can say that Romney was the clear winner in the debate." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Hemingway: "[Gov. Romney] showed an admirable fighting spirit." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Hemingway: "Romney kept his head about him and remained gracious even as a number of his charges against McCain stuck." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Applause from audience when Romney says Reagan would have found the dirty tricks reprehensible." (Marc Ambinder, "Debate Wire," Atlantic Online, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Ambinder: "Romney gives a strong answer that weaves together his experience with his resume...notes that Abe Lincoln wasn't a military leader..." (Marc Ambinder, "Debate Wire," Atlantic Online, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Instapundit's Glenn Reynolds: "GOOD POINT BY ROMNEY about how McCain shouldn't 'demean' people who start businesses. McCain has been doing that a lot, acting as if meeting a payroll is somehow less honorable than working for the government." (Glenn Reynolds, "Good Point By Romney," Blog, http://instapundit.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Technorati Tags: Reagan,GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Conservatives,Republican

Romney Makes Another Stellar Performance at California Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR

MITT ROMNEY AT THE SECOND REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "When Romney takes his shots at McCain, it's both strong and fair - he acknowledges that McCain has some areas in which he's a conservative, but he takes several fair shots - McCain Feingold; voting against the Bush tax cuts twice (McCain noted earlier that he had voted to make them permanent)." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "I like that Romney says that the original version of the McCain-Kennedy immigration legislation wasn't so bad, and that it got worse as it moved through the process. It shows familiarity with the legislative details." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "'Let me help you with the facts, Senator.' Wow. Romney nails him for pointing out the study McCain is referring to in his answer about job creation and loss includes his predecessor, Jane Swift, who lost many jobs on her watch." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "Where the heck has this Romney been? He just calmly and clearly took McCain to school." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

The American Spectator's John Tabin: "Romney corrects some of McCain's facts – McCain confused Romney's lieutenant governor with his predecessor, among other things. I think Romney won this exchange." (John Tabin, "Romney Vs. McCain," The American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, Posted 1/30/08)

CNN's Bill Schneider: "Romney's response scores big points with conservatives – and with a lot of Americans who aren't conservative." (Bill Schneider, "Big Points For Romney On Immigration," CNN's Political Ticker, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney is winning this big-time — McCain's wrong. We already have timetables for everything in Iraq, whether we stick to them or adjust them later on." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Has McCain On The Ropes," CNN's Political Ticker Blog, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "Not that I needed anyone to tell me the McCain-Lieberman cap-and-trade program is a bad idea, but Romney's dissection of it was clear and compelling." (Mark Hemmingway, "Not That I Needed Anyone," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/30/08)

Captains Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Romney dominating near the close -this debate is owned by Mitt." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Dominating Near The Close," Heading Right, http://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney's Playing Ball Control. He's answering in depth, and by doing so he gets more air time. He's using the format to his advantage." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Dominating Near The Close," Heading Right, http://headingright.com/,  Posted 1/30/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney is getting the best of this exchange … Romney does a good job of keeping the tone even and factual while scolding McCain for getting the data incorrect." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Is Getting The Best Of This Exchange," Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/07)

Commentary Magazine's John Podhoretz: "Mitt Romney is doing a great job. Very commanding. He's far more substantive than McCain." (John Podhoretz, "Mitt Romney," Commentary Magazine, http://www.commentarymagazine.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Ankle Biting Pundits' Bull Dog Pundit: "We're 45 minutes in and I'm not going to go point by point, but I have to say that Romney is hitting the notes he needs to." (Bull Dog Pundit, "GOP Debate," Ankle Biting Pundits, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Bull Dog Pundit: "Purely on substance Romney hit it exactly right when he started talking about the need for entitlement reform.  When he said we have to 'change the deal' on Social Security and Medicaid for people in their 40's I almost stood up and cheered. He also did a great job of pointing out John McCain's conservative apostasies." (Bull Dog Pundit, "GOP Debate," Ankle Biting Pundits, http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Heading Right's Douglas Gibbs: "Romney's expertise …and knowledge of economics and facts is outshining his opponents." (Douglas Gibbs, "Romney's Expertise," Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/07)

Heading Right's Faust Wertz: "Romney's answers are great … Clear, to the point but explaining what needs to be explained, and he looks comfortable." (Faust Wertz, "Romney's Answers Are Great," http://headingright.com/, Heading Right Blog, Posted 1/30/07)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Conservatives,Reagan,Politics,Debate

Senator McCain Flip-Flops On His Support For McCain-Kennedy

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN ON MCCAIN-KENNEDY

Senator McCain Flip-Flops On His Support For McCain-Kennedy

Tonight Sen. McCain Said He Would Not Vote For McCain-Kennedy Amnesty Legislation:

McCain Said He Would Not Vote For His Own Immigration Bill If It Came To The Senate Floor Again. QUESTION: "At his point, if your original proposal came to a vote on the Senate floor, would you vote for it?" MCCAIN: "It won't. It won't, that’s why we went thought the debate." QUESTION: "But it did…" MCCAIN: "No I would not because we know what the situation is today." (CNN, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Simi Valley, CA, 1/30/08)

However, Just Recently Sen. McCain Said As President He Would Sign McCain-Kennedy:

McCain Recently Said He Would Sign The McCain-Kennedy Immigration Bill Into Law If Passed The Senate While He Was President. NBC'S TIM RUSSERT: "If the Senate passed your bill, S.1433, the McCain/Kennedy immigration bill, would you as President sign it? MCCAIN: "Yeah. But look, the lesson is, it isn't – one, it isn't going to come. It isn't going to come." (NBC's "Meet The Press," www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLWRW4GoGHY, 1/27/08)

Technorati Tags: Flip-Flopper,GOP 2008,John McCain,Liberal "Republican"

McCain: Mr. Benchmark Ad Nauseum

In 2007, Sen. McCain Suggested Setting Benchmarks In Iraq Which, If Not Met, Might Mean The End Of Our Mission In Iraq:

In January 2007, Sen. McCain Suggested Setting Benchmarks For Success In Iraq. "Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement.  Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain's thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects.  McCain said Thursday that he hadn't yet decided on precise benchmarks. 'They'd have to be specific and they (the Iraqi government) would have to meet them.'" (Margaret Talev, "McCain Suggests Iraqi Government Meet Benchmarks," Knight Ridder, 1/25/07; www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/166271)

Sen. McCain Suggested An End To The Iraq Mission If Benchmarks Weren't Met: "Haven't Met The Benchmarks? Obviously, Then, We're Not Able To Complete The Mission." "Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, [McCain] said: 'I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven't met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we're not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options.'" (Margaret Talev, "McCain Suggests Iraqi Government Meet Benchmarks," Knight Ridder, 1/25/07; www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/166271)

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,John McCain,Benchmarks,Liberal "Republican"

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT SEN. JOHN MCCAIN'S FALSE ATTACK ON GOV. MITT ROMNEY

The Associated Press' Libby Quaid: "Romney Never Called For The Kind Of Public Withdrawal Date Or Timeline That Democrats In Congress Sought Last Year." "Republican John McCain tried to lump Mitt Romney with Democrats who want a timetable for pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq. But Romney never called for the kind of public withdrawal date or timeline that Democrats in Congress sought last year." (Libby Quaid, "Fact Check: Romney Didn't Say What McCain Says He Said On Withdrawing From Iraq," The Associated Press, 1/27/08)

· Quaid: "The Facts: Romney Never Embraced The Idea Of A Public Withdrawal Date." (Libby Quaid, "Fact Check: Romney Didn't Say What McCain Says He Said On Withdrawing From Iraq," The Associated Press, 1/27/08)

Reuters' Jason Szep and Tim Gaynor: McCain's Accusations Are "A Distortion Of Romney's Record." (Jason Szep and Tim Gaynor, "McCain, Romney Battle In Tight Republican Race," Reuters, 1/27/08)

The Washington Post's George Will: McCain's Attack Was "Crooked-Talk." "And it was no worse than – actually, not as gross as – St. John of Arizona's crooked-talk claim in Florida that Mitt Romney wanted to 'surrender and wave a white flag, like Senator Clinton wants to do' in Iraq because Romney 'wanted to set a date for withdrawal that would have meant disaster.'" (George Will, Op-Ed, "Staying The Coarse," The Washington Post, 1/29/08)

The Washington Post's Fact Checker: "McCain Has Distorted The Meaning Of A Nine-Month Old Quote From Romney." (Michael Dobbs, "McCain Attacks Romney On Iraq," The Washington Post's Fact Checker Blog, http://blog.washingtonpost.com, Posted 1/28/08)

CNN's Bill Bennett: "Way Below The Belt." "But the blow he took at Romney was way below the belt. (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

· Bennett: "He Should Apologize For It." "He's a maverick candidate. He should apologize for it." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

· Bennett: "He Twisted That Entirely Out Of Context." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

· Bennett: McCain "Absolutely Should Not Have Done It." "He's always criticizing people doing that to him and he absolutely should not have done it." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

· Bennett: McCain "Wasn't Fair" And Was "Wrong." "It just wasn't fair and honor is his watch word and he -- I think it would be great if he said I got that one wrong. And that would be a rare thing." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

Fox News' Brit Hume: McCain Is Being "Dishonest" And Is Not Using "Straight Talk." HUME: "And I think that for McCain to claim that is dishonest. Not straight talk." (Fox's "Fox News Sunday," 1/27/08)

CNN's Jeffrey Toobin: McCain Was "Deceptive." "And he has managed to talk about the war in this I think very deceptive way…" (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

· Toobin: McCain Is "Distorting" Mitt Romney's Record "So He Doesn't Have To Talk About The Economy." "And you know I think that -- this idea that Mitt Romney supports timetables, now in fact most Americans support timetables to get out of Iraq, Mitt Romney doesn't happen to be one of them. But that's really outrageous what McCain is doing, bringing up this ancient interview and distorting it at the last minute so he doesn't have to talk about the economy." (CNN's "Late Edition," 1/27/08)

CNN's John King: "Governor Romney Did Not Say That." "He did not say the president should go to Iraq and give Al-Maliki a timeline for withdrawal in private. Governor Romney did not say that." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/26/08)

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "He's Desperately Trying To Change The Topic From The Economy..." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/28/08)

· Scarborough: "He Did Lie About, Everybody Knows That He Lied About Mitt Romney." "If John McCain did lie and he did lie about it, everybody knows that he lied about Mitt Romney, everybody knows he lied when he said that he wanted to put a timeline on it and get us out of there." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/30/08)

· Scarborough: "I Haven't Met Anybody In The Media That Hasn't Said John McCain Lied About Mitt Romney." "I haven't met anybody in the media that hasn't said John McCain lied about Mitt Romney and it threw Romney off for two days. What's wrong with saying that?" (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/30/08)

MSNBC's David Shuster: "John McCain Is Being Misleading." "Actually, Mitt Romney is on the money with this one, and John McCain is being misleading." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/28/08)

· Shuster: McCain's Attack Was "Not Right." "But the fact of the matter is, when John McCain says that Mitt Romney was for public timetables, in other words, letting the Iraqis know when U.S. troops are leaving and that therefore Mitt Romney should apologize to the troops, as John McCain said, that's not right." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/28/08)

National Review's Rich Lowry: McCain's Comments Showed "Rank Dishonesty." "But that doesn't justify the rank dishonesty of his attack on Romney over the weekend." (Rich Lowry, "McCain's Dishonest Attack," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/27/08)

· Lowry: McCain Was Using "The Opposite Of Straight Talk" And "Blatant Distortions." "Clearly, McCain wants to change the topic from the economy. And since he's suffering from his 'straight-talk' about his relative lack of knowledge of and interest in the economy, he's trying to compensate with the opposite of straight talk—blatant distortions—about Romney's record." (Rich Lowry, "McCain's Dishonest Attack," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/27/08)

· Lowry: McCain's Attack Was A "Dishonest Low-Blow." "This dishonest low-blow—if it continues to get attention in the closing hours—could chip away at that asset." (Rich Lowry, "McCain's Dishonest Attack," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/27/08)

Time's Michael Scherer: "A Misleading Low Blow." (Michael Scherer, "McCain's Conversation Changer: A Misleading Low Blow," Time's Swampland Blog, www.time-blog.com, Posted 1/26/08)

· Scherer: "No Evidence" Of McCain's Claims. "[I] know of no evidence that shows Romney said he wanted to set a date to abandon the war effort and bring the troops home." (Michael Scherer, "McCain's Conversation Changer: A Misleading Low Blow," Time's Swampland Blog, www.time-blog.com, Posted 1/26/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "McCain Stretches Romney's Words." (Marc Ambinder, "McCain Stretches Romney's Words," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/27/08)

· Ambinder: "That quote was derided by McCain at the time as a 'secret timetable,' although Romney never said he favored a particular withdrawal date and did not advocate an inflexible timeline for American troops to begin a draw down. Indeed, Romney has many times said he opposed such a withdrawal timetable." (Marc Ambinder, "McCain Stretches Romney's Words," The Atlantic Blog, http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/27/08)

National Review's Mark Levin: Romney's Statements "Do Not Support McCain's Accusation." "But these statements, and the others, do not support McCain's accusation." (Mark Levin, "Did He Or Didn't He?" National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/, Posted 1/26/08)

· Levin: "Low Blow." (Mark Levin, "Low Blow," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/26/08)

· Levin: McCain Used A "Dishonest Mischaracterization." "The hard-driving Tim Russert blew it. He allowed McCain to slip away with his dishonest characterization of Romney's statement, i.e., Romney never said he favored a specific time for withdrawal. McCain read the first part of the quote but not the second part, where Romney would veto a congressional time table." (Mark Levin, "Meet the Press, Dissembling, and More," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/27/08)

National Review's Andy McCarthy: McCain's Claims Are "Just Flat Not True." "I mean, he levels an allegation about Romney that's just flat not true, and if some organization wanted to run an add calling him on it, they would be in violation of his 'reform' of campaign finance regulations.  What a racket!" (Andy McCarthy, "Re: Low Blow," National Review's The Corner Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/26/08)

Power Line's Paul Mirengoff: "I Don't Think Romney's Statement Fairly Can Be Construed As Advocating Setting A Date For Our Withdrawal." (Paul Mirengoff, "Did He Or Didn't He?" Power Line Blog, www.powerlineblog.com, Posted 1/26/08)

· Mirengoff: "McCain, In Short, Has Smeared Romney." (Paul Mirengoff, "Less Than Straight Talk," Power Line Blog, www.powerlineblog.com. Posted 1/27/08)

· Mirengoff: "In Any Case, What We Are Now Getting From McCain Is Less Than Straight Talk." (Paul Mirengoff, "Less Than Straight Talk," Power Line Blog, www.powerlineblog.com. Posted 1/27/08)

National Review's David Freddoso: McCain Was "Misleading." "But as the original quote demonstrates, this was misleading." (David Freddoso, "Bait And Switch," National Review, http://article.nationalreview.com=, 1/28/08)

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,John McCain,Liberal "Republican",Negative Campaign,Campaign Lies

McCain Dodges His Opposing Tax Cuts

McCain dodges on past rationale for opposing tax cuts

POLITICO

Jonathan Martin

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0108/McCain_dodges_on_past_rationale_for_opposing_tax_cuts.html

Posed with a tough question about his shifting explantion for opposing the original Bush tax cuts, McCain completely dodged.

When he originally opposed them, he did so saying that they were skewed in favor of the rich.

Now he says he voted against them because he wanted to get spending under control.

He didn't really reconcile the difference, choosing instead to harp on his usual message about spending being out of control, the cause for GOP losses in '06 and why "our base became disenchanted."

Oh, and he noted a couple of times that he was part of the Reagan Revolution and has the support of Phil Gramm and Jack Kemp (both coming in for their second mention of the night).

None of this gets at his past language regarding the Bush tax cuts, but there was no follow up.

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican",Tax Policy

McCain: Punish The Rich

In case you missed it, Senator McCain returned to class warfare rhetoric tonight when discussing the sub-prime crisis:

McCain Said There Are Some "Greedy People In Wall Street" That Need To Be Punished. MCCAIN: "I think that we've got to return to the principle that you don't lend money to people that can't pay it back. I think that there's some greedy people in Wall Street that perhaps need to be punished. I think there's got to be a huge amount more of transparency as to how this whole thing came about so we can prevent it from happening again." (CNN, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Simi Valley, CA, 1/30/07)

 

Technorati Tags: John McCain,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican",Economy

John McCain: "CLASS-WARFARE DEMAGOGUERY USED BY DEMOCRATS"

A Look At Why Sen. McCain Voted Against The Bush Tax Cuts

"In 2001, Sen. McCain argued, 'I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief.' That statement is virtually indistinguishable from the class-warfare demagoguery used by Democrats like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry." – Pat Toomey, The Club For Growth (Pat Toomey, Op-Ed, "The McCain Record," The Wall Street Journal, 3/13/07)

Sen. McCain Joined Democrats In Voting Against The 2001 And 2003 Bush Tax Cuts:

In 2001, Sen. McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Vote Against The $1.35 Trillion Bush Tax Cuts. The bill lowered marginal rates, eliminated the marriage penalty, and doubled the child tax credit. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31; I 0-0, 5/26/01, McCain Voted Nay)

In 2003, Sen. McCain Was One Of Only Three Republicans To Twice Vote Against The $350 Billion Bush Tax Cuts. The comprehensive bill lowered taxes by $350 billion over 11 years – including increasing the child tax credit and eliminated the marriage penalty. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, McCain Voted Nay)

Sen. McCain Attacked The Bush Tax Cuts Using Democrat Class Warfare Talking Points:

In 2001, Sen. McCain Said The Bush Tax Cuts Were "At The Expense Of Middle-Class Americans." "…Mr. McCain echoed the Democrats' message that it favors the wealthy, saying, 'I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief.'" (Ralph Z. Hallow, "Republicans See McCain As Liability," The Washington Times, 6/9/01)

· Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Said The Bush Tax Cuts Were "At The Expense Of Middle-Class American Families." REP. WATERS: "I voted against the Republican tax cut plan, which is an irresponsible tax cut that will further undermine the nation's struggling economy at the expense of middle-class American families." (Rep. Maxine Waters, Op-Ed, "Bush's Tax Cut Is Bad For America," The Los Angeles Sentinel, 5/29/03)

In 2003, Sen. McCain Said The Bush Tax Cut Went "To The Wealthiest Americans." SEN. MCCAIN: "[W]hen you look at the percentage of the tax cuts that, as the previous tax cuts, that go to the wealthiest Americans, you will find that the bulk of it, again, goes to wealthiest Americans. I would like to see some of that redistributed more heavily to middle-income and low-income Americans."  (NBC's "Today," 1/7/03)

· Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Said The Bush Tax Cuts Went "To The Wealthiest Americans." SEN. KERRY: "I'm going to roll back the high end of the Bush tax cut. The tax cut that goes to the wealthiest Americans we can't afford, Paula." (CNN's "Paula Zahn Now," 9/25/03)

In 2004, Sen. McCain Said "I'm Not Giving Tax Cuts For The Rich." SEN. MCCAIN: "Sixty percent of the benefits from Bush's tax cuts go to the wealthiest 10 percent of Americans … I'm not giving tax cuts for the rich." (Glenn Kessler, "Outcome Uncertain In Bush Tax Cut's First Test," The Washington Post, 4/3/01)

· 2004 Democrat Presidential Contender Wesley Clark Said The GOP Gave "Tax Cuts For The Rich." "'Today's budget proposal makes it clear what President Bush's priorities are: tax cuts for the rich and tough luck for everyone else,' said retired Gen. Wesley Clark, running for the Democratic nomination." (David Espo, "Budget Politics: Plenty For All Sides To Campaign About," The Associated Press, 2/2/04)

In 2006, Sen. McCain Said The Death Tax Cut Goes "Only To The Wealthiest." SEN. MCCAIN: "I am concerned that repeal of the estate tax would provide massive benefits solely to the wealthiest- and highest-income taxpayers in the country." (Sen. John McCain, "Statement Of Senator John McCain On H.R. 8, The Death Tax Elimination Act," Press Release, 6/11/02)

· Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA): Death Tax Cut Goes To "Only The Wealthiest." SEN. KENNEDY: "Now, they are proposing more of the same, more tax breaks benefiting only the wealthiest among us." (Sen. Ted Kennedy, "Statement By Senator Edward M. Kennedy On Defeat Of Estate Tax Repeal," Press Release, 6/8/06)

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,John McCain,Liberal "Republican"

SEN. MCCAIN: PAY AT THE PUMP

Sen. McCain's Energy Legislation Would Hit Consumers

"What is not widely understood is that [Sen. McCain] is currently sponsoring legislation that, in the name of fighting global warming, would dramatically raise the tax on all carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, home heating oil, coal, and to a lesser extent, natural gas." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

McCain-Lieberman Energy Legislation Would Hike Taxes On Consumers:

McCain-Lieberman Would Dramatically Raise Taxes On All Carbon-Based Fuels, Like Gas For Your Car And Home Heating Oil. "What is not widely understood is that [Sen. McCain] is currently sponsoring legislation that, in the name of fighting global warming, would dramatically raise the tax on all carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, home heating oil, coal, and to a lesser extent, natural gas." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

McCain-Lieberman Would Lead To Higher Gas Prices, Anywhere From 26 Cents To 50 Cents To 68 Cents Per Gallon:

American Council For Capital Formation Study: McCain-Lieberman Could Hike Gasoline Prices By 50 Cents Per Gallon.  "A study by an economic research institute, the American Council for Capital Formation, underscored these findings, estimating that under S. 139: … By 2020, gasoline prices would increase 30 to 50 cents per gallon." (H. Sterling Burnett, "Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions," National Center For Policy Analysis, 11/18/04)

The EPA Estimated Sen. McCain's Plan Would Hike Gas Prices By 68 Cents Per Gallon. "The EPA has estimated what the McCain energy tax would mean to consumers. Since the bill's provisions are phased in, the full cost of the tax would not be felt for a number of years. But in a letter to Senator McCain dated July 2007, the EPA estimated that the tax will be about $.26 cents in current dollars per gallon of gasoline by 2030 and $.68 cents per gallon by 2050." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

U.S. Energy Information Administration: McCain-Lieberman Would Hike Gas Prices 19%. "The increases in gasoline prices projected to occur (is) 9 percent in 2010 and 19 percent in 2025." ("Analysis Of Senate Amendment 2028, The Climate Stewardship Act Of 2003," Energy Information Administration, 1/6/07)

McCain-Lieberman Would Lead To Higher Utility Costs For Consumers:

Under McCain-Lieberman, Consumer Electricity Bills Would Rise By Nearly 20%.  "Electricity prices across the main S. 280 cases are 6 percent to 14 percent higher than the reference in 2020 and 16 percent to 25 percent higher in 2030 as the allowance prices rises throughout the forecast. Consumers' total electricity bills in 2020 in the S280 Core case are $18 billion (5 percent) higher than in the reference case, with a range of 2 percent higher in the Fixed 30 Percent Offsets case to 8 percent higher in the No International case. By 2030, the increase in consumer bills above the reference case ranges from $33 billion (8 percent) to $75 billion (18 percent)." ("Energy Market And Economic Impact Of S. 280, The Climate Stewardship And Innovation Act Of 2007," Energy Information Administration, 8/07)

McCain-Lieberman Would Increase Natural Gas Prices By Sixteen Percent. "A new analysis by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows the McCain-Lieberman bill will increase natural gas prices 16 percent over the next seven years." (Bonner R. Cohen, Op-Ed, "Drilling For Natural Gas," [Baton Rouge, LA] Sunday Advocate, 7/13/03)

U.S. Government Analysis Shows That McCain-Lieberman Would Harm The Economy:

According To Energy Information Administration Figures, Manufacturing Jobs Would Decline 300,000 By 2030 If S. 280 (McCain-Lieberman) Were Enacted.

· If S. 280 were not enacted, manufacturing jobs would stand at 12.5 million in 2030. (Energy Information Administration Website, www.eia.doe.gov, Cell AB1768)

· If S. 280 were enacted, manufacturing jobs would stand at 12.2 million in 2030. (Energy Information Administration Website, www.eia.doe.gov, Cell AB1768)

U.S. Energy Information Administration: McCain-Lieberman Would Decrease United States GDP By $776 Billion In The Short Term. "The cumulative losses in actual GDP are about $776 billion (1996 dollars) in the SA.2028 (McCain-Lieberman).... The peak, single-year impact on actual GDP under SA.2028 occurs in 2025, with a loss of $76 billion (1996 dollars), or about 0.4 percent of GDP. The largest percentage change in actual GDP, 0.5 percent, occurs in 2011, where the estimated loss in actual GDP that year is $57 billion…" ("Analysis Of Senate Amendment 2028, The Climate Stewardship Act Of 2003," Energy Information Administration, 5/04)

The EPA Estimates Sen. McCain's Plan Could Reduce United States GDP By As Much As $5.2 Trillion By 2050. "The effect on the economy of the McCain tax would be similar to any other broad-based tax. In the EPA's own words: 'The present value of the cumulative reduction in real GDP for the 2012-2030 period ranges from $660 billion to $2.1 trillion…the cumulative reduction in the present value of real GDP for the 2012-2050 period ranges from about $1.6 trillion to $5.2 trillion.'"  (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

McCain-Lieberman Has Been Rejected By The Senate Before:

McCain-Lieberman Was Introduced In 2003, And Sought To Require A Reduction In Greenhouse Gas Emissions By All Power Plants And Industries. "Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Joseph I. Lieberman (D-Conn.) will unveil a plan this week to require all U.S. power plants and industries to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, setting the stage for a conflict with the Bush administration and the new chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee." (Eric Pianin, "Fight Ahead On Emissions," The Washington Post, 1/7/03)

In 2005, McCain-Lieberman Was Reintroduced – And Was Soundly Rejected By Senate Republicans And Democrats, 38-60. 49 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against McCain's "greenhouse gas" amendment to the energy bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #148: Rejected 38-60: R 6-49; D 31-11; I 1-0, 6/22/05, Lieberman and McCain Voted Yea)

McCain-Lieberman Was Reintroduced In 2007, And Is Known As Bill S. 280. "Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) reintroduced the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act (S. 280) today with his longstanding ally, Senator John McCain (R-AZ)." (Sen. Joe Lieberman, "Lieberman, McCain Reintroduce Climate Stewardship And Innovation Act," Press Release, 1/12/07)

Criticism Of McCain-Lieberman:

Climate Expert Fred Singer Called McCain's Legislation "Worse Than Kyoto." "The McCain-Lieberman proposal is also clearly contrary to the clear mandate delivered by the Senate in 1997. In reality, McCain-Lieberman would be worse than Kyoto since it would require a unilateral reduction of emissions, even if Kyoto fails to go into force -- a situation that appears increasingly likely since Russia, an essential country, appears to be leaning against ratifying it." (S. Fred Singer, Op-Ed, "Energy-Rationing By Another Name Still Spells 'Kyoto,'" Investor's Business Daily, 10/31/03)

McCain-Lieberman Is "Kyoto By Another Name." "Who does Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) think he is fooling?  McCain's Climate Stewardship Act, cosponsored with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D., Conn.), is a political roadmap back to the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations global-warming treaty that the Senate preemptively rejected by a vote of 95-0 in July 1997." (Marlo Lewis, "Kyoto By Another Name," National Review, 6/16/04)

Detroit News Columnist Thomas Bray: 2005 McCain-Lieberman Plan Would Ultimately Result In A Huge Indirect Tax On The American People.  "Aside from the crucial question of whether a government bureaucracy is smart enough to do so, even environmentalists confess that Kyoto or McLieberman measures would have been a small first step in clamping a huge indirect tax on the American and world economy." (Thomas Bray, Op-Ed, "Public Rejects Giving Control Of Energy Use To Government," The Detroit News, 6/26/05)

Sen. McCain's Energy Policy Could Devastate The Auto Industry. "Higher energy costs will, among other things, raise the cost of manufacturing big-ticket items in American factories. And higher gas prices will likely raise demand for those classes of automobiles that tend to be manufactured overseas. Somehow, I think Michigan voters will be less than thrilled about this, should anyone bother to inform them." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

Technorati Tags: McCainonomics,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican",Flip-Flopper

ROMNEY RECORD: A STRONGER STATE ECONOMY

Governor Romney Helped Turn Around The Massachusetts Economy And Today, The State Is Among The Most Economically Competitive In The Nation:

Because of work done by Governor Romney, Massachusetts is now credited with being one of the most economically-competitive states in the nation.

· The Boston Globe:  "Nonetheless, Romney's policies are credited with improving the state's competitiveness. His administration promoted high-density development to increase housing production, got a fast-track permitting law enacted by the Legislature to help businesses expand, and revived an agency to help firms move to the state." (Brian Mooney, Stephanie Ebbert and Scott Helman, "Ambitious Goals," The Boston Globe, 6/30/07)

· The Beacon Hill Institute:  Massachusetts "One Of The Most Economically Competitive States In The Nation."  "Massachusetts ranks as the one of the most economically competitive states in the nation, buoyed by innovation, entrepreneurship, and an educated and skilled workforce, a new study concludes. The study, released today by the Beacon Hill Institute, a think tank at Suffolk University, ranks Massachusetts second only to Utah in the attributes that create and sustain high levels of income for residents."  (Robert Gavin, "Reports: Mass. A Top U.S. Economic Competitor," The Boston Globe, 12/19/07)

· The Information Technology And Innovation Foundation:  Massachusetts First In The Ability "To Compete In A Dynamic, Innovation-Driven Global Economy."  "It follows another study, by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington think tank, that measures states' abilities to compete in a dynamic, innovation-driven global economy and ranks Massachusetts first."  (Robert Gavin, "Reports: Mass. A Top U.S. Economic Competitor," The Boston Globe, 12/19/07)

· Under Governor Romney, The State's Credit Rating Was Upgraded For The First Time Since January 2000.  "Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Standard & Poor's has raised the state's credit rating one notch, from 'AA-' to 'AA'. This is the state's first ratings upgrade since January 2000, when Moody's Investors Service raised the state's credit rating from 'Aa3' to 'Aa2'."  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Governor Romney Announces Bond Rating Upgrade For Commonwealth's Debate," Press Release, 3/15/05)

· MassINC And Northeastern University Report:  "The Massachusetts economy is the envy of many other states. Our economy consistently ranks among the top in measures of New Economy success. We rank near the top of the nation in our level of labor productivity and have outpaced the nation in recent years in the rate of growth. We have the most educated workforce in the nation. We also score near the  top in terms of knowledge jobs and innovation capacity."  (MassINC & The Northeastern University Center For Labor Market Studies, "Mass Jobs: Meeting The Challenges Of A Shifting Economy," November 2007)

Under Governor Romney, Massachusetts Added Tens Of Thousands Of Jobs After The End Of A Deep Recession:

Before Governor Romney took office, Massachusetts was losing jobs month after month after the tech bubble burst in 2001.  Under Governor Jane Swift, Sen. McCain's chief Massachusetts surrogate, the state lost over 140,000 jobs.

· Massachusetts "Suffered The Deepest Job Losses In The Nation After The Tech Boom."  "Massachusetts, because of its large technology sector, suffered the deepest job losses in the nation after the tech boom went bust in 2001, shedding 6 percent of its jobs, compared to 2 percent nationally."  (Robert Gavin, "Job-Growth Study: Mass. Next To Last," The Boston Globe, 11/28/07)

· Under The Previous Administration, Massachusetts Lost Jobs Month After Month.  Under Governor Swift, Massachusetts lost 141,000 votes.  (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, "State And Area Employment, Hours, And Earnings," Massachusetts, Total Non-Farm, Seasonally Adjusted, Accessed 1/21/08)

Under Governor Romney, jobs began to return to Massachusetts.  Massachusetts added 57,600 jobs after the recession ended in December 2003.  In 2006 alone, Massachusetts added 18,700 jobs. 

· Massachusetts Added 57,600 Jobs Since The Recession's End In December 2003 Until The End Of Governor Romney's Term.  "Massachusetts has added 57,600 payroll jobs since December 2003."  (Massachusetts Department Of Workforce Development, "Jobs In Massachusetts Up By 1,700 In December," Press Release, 1/18/07)

· In 2006, Massachusetts Added 18,700 Jobs.  "Total jobs are up 18,700 from one year ago to 3,224,700." (Mass. Department Of Workforce Development, "Jobs In Massachusetts Up By 1,700 In December," Press Release, 1/18/07)

· Under Governor Romney, Massachusetts Posted The First Gain In Manufacturing Jobs In Several Years.  "For the first time in several years, Massachusetts has posted a gain in manufacturing jobs, according to the 2007 Massachusetts Manufacturers Register, an industrial directory published annually by Manufacturers' News, Inc. (MNI), Evanston, IL. MNI reports Massachusetts has added 3,681 net jobs since August of 2005, indicating a slight reversal in the downturn the Bay state has felt since 2001."  (Manufacturers' News, "Industrial Directory Reports Massachusetts Manufacturing Jobs Up," Press Release, 8/30/06)

Under Governor Romney, personal incomes grew dramatically, and the level of personal income was far higher than the national average.     

· During Governor Romney's Term, Massachusetts Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) Grew By 17%, Outpacing Per Capita Personal Income Growth For The Entire United States. In 2003, Massachusetts per capita personal income was $39,442 and rose to $46,255 in 2006.  (Department Of Commerce, Bureau Of Economic Analysis, "State Annual Personal Income," www.bea.gov, Accessed: 1/21/08)

· In 2006, Massachusetts Had A Per Capita Personal Income (PCPI) Of $46,255.  This PCPI Ranked 3rd In The United States And Was 126 Percent Of The National Average, $36,629. (Department Of Commerce, Bureau Of Economic Analysis, "State BEARFACTS 1996 – 2006: Massachusetts," Accessed: 1/21/08)

Under Governor Romney, Massachusetts Became A Better Place To Do Business:

Under Governor Romney, the business climate improved and more companies were attracted to Massachusetts. 

· In Three Years Under Governor Romney, The Number Of Companies In The State's Development Pipeline Went From 13 To 288.  "Under Ranch C. Kimball, who became Romney's secretary of economic development in 2004, the number of companies in the Massachusetts development pipeline jumped from 13 to 288 in three years."  (Brian C. Mooney, Stephanie Ebbert And Scott Helman, "Ambitious Goals," The Boston Globe, 6/30/07)

· The Boston Globe: "Last year, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. chose an 89-acre site at the former Fort Devens over one in North Carolina for a $660 million complex that will create 550 jobs. The deal required a customized tax credit, a $34 million infrastructure bond, and an unusual show of teamwork by Romney and the Legislature." (Brian Mooney, Stephanie Ebbert And Scott Helman, "Ambitious Goals," The Boston Globe, 6/30/07)

Governor Romney took the action necessary to improve the state's business climate and stimulate the economy through pro-growth economic policies.

· ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE:  In November 2003, Governor Romney Signed An Economic Stimulus Package To Help Spur The Massachusetts Economy.  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)

· ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE:  In June 2006, Governor Romney Signed A Second Economic Stimulus Package To Help Spur The Massachusetts Economy.  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cities Needed To Maintain Fiscal Discipline," Press Release, 11/26/03)

· 2004 SALES TAX HOLIDAY:  Governor Romney Enacted The State's First-Ever Sales Tax Holiday In 2004.  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Promotes Tax-Free Shopping Day On Saturday," Press Release, 8/14/04)

· 2005 SALES TAX HOLIDAY:  Governor Romney Enacted A Second Sales Tax Holiday.  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney, Dimasi, Hart Promote Tax-Free Shopping Weekend," Press Release, 8/14/0)

· INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT:  Governor Romney Signed An Economic Stimulus Package Making The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Permanent. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)

· BIOTECH MANUFACTURING JOBS TAX REBATE:  Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted A Tax Rebate For Manufacturing Jobs Created In The Biotechnology, Life Sciences And Medical Device Fields. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)

· RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT:  Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted An Expansion Of The Research And Development Tax Credit. (Jay Fitzgerald, "Gov Nearly Halves Package; Rebellious Legislators Vow To Override Stimulus Vetoes," The Boston Herald, 11/27/03)

· COMMUTER TAX RELIEF:  Governor Romney Signed Legislation Allowing Commuters To Deduct Transportation Costs From Their Income Taxes.  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Governor Romney Signs $25.2 Billion FY 2007 State Budget," Press Release, 7/8/06)

· BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:  Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted A Refundable Tax Credit To Promote Development At The Former Fort Devens U.S. Army Base.  (Stephen Heuser, "$660M Drug Plant, 550 Jobs For Mass.," The Boston Globe, 6/2/06)

· PERMITTING REFORM:  In August 2006, Governor Romney Signed Permitting Reform To Expedite The Permit Process For New Businesses.  "Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation that reforms and streamlines the commercial permitting process, making it easier for companies to expand and add jobs in Massachusetts."  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Permitting Reform Into Law," Press Release, 8/2/06)

· INFRASTRUCTURE:  Governor Romney Created A $200 Million Fund To Help Businesses Pay For The Infrastructure Costs Of Growing And Expanding.  "The Governor signed into law the $200 million in bonding, half of which will go into a fund under the control of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EED) to help pay for infrastructure costs to help businesses grow and expand."  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cities Needed To Maintain Fiscal Discipline," Press Release, 11/26/03)

· MARKETING MASSACHUSETTS:  Governor Romney Expanded Massachusetts' In-State Sales Force.  "The Governor also signed $1.5 million for the creation of an in-state sales force to market Massachusetts to companies around the country."  (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Vetoes Wasteful Spending, Cities Needed To Maintain Fiscal Discipline," Press Release, 11/26/03)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Conservatives,Republican

McCain's Secret Desire to Create Mexiamericanada or North American Union

Today Glenn Beck interviewed Michelle Maulkin who revealed just the tip of the iceberg of insidious corruption of John McCain that would take your breath away. His chief "Hispanic Advisor" is Juan Hernandez.

Dr. Juan Hernandez serves as a Senior Fellow of the Institute’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform Initiative. Dr. Hernandez formerly served as a cabinet member to President Vicente Fox as Director of the Office for Mexicans Living Abroad. He is the first American to serve Mexico’s government at this level. He left his cabinet position to create The Organization for Hispanic Advancement, (HispanA, a non-profit 501c3). Dr. Hernández’s recent book, The New American Pioneers, is an authoritative, in depth look at the complex issues related to Mexican immigration.

• Click here for Dr. Juan Hernandez’s full bio

He is the man who "formerly" worked for Mexican President Vincente Fox. He is doing everything he can to keep borders open and to indoctrinate all Mexicans to remember their first allegiance is to Mexico not America. He is also doing everything he can to bring about the "North American Block" in other words, the North American Union.

You need to do everything you can to wrap your mind around this. Our nation's sovereignty is horribly at stake.

Read the full transcript here, but take a look at this:

GLENN: Canada, Mexico and America as a block. That's who this guy is. Michelle?
MALKIN: A block, not a region. He said it many times. He also, when he worked for this Mexican bureaucracy called the presidential office for Mexican abroad, what he did was he spent his time traveling all across our country lobbying local, state and federal officials for driver's license for illegal aliens. He defended his operators who were carrying illegal aliens to the country and who promoted extending banking privileges here in the United States to illegal aliens, lobbied to get lower rates for them so that they could send home billions of dollars in remittances back to their country. The guy does not believe in borders. He is a senior fellow at something called the Reform Institute which is a think tank that John McCain founded and it has come under scrutiny by the mainstream media because it underscores John McCain's hypocrisy not just on open borders but also on campaign finance because he's used his supposedly nonpartisan, nonprofit thinking to solicit donations from big donors who he then goes and crusades for while he's sitting on Senate committees. At this reform institute which is in part funded with George Soros money, Juan Hernandez was in charge of leading the lobbying campaign for John McCain's amnesty effort last year. And this reform institute also sponsored an art contest for students where they spent their time demonizing the border. And you can go and look. I linked this on my website, to all of the art that compares the walls our borders and our border fences to the Berlin wall which keeps people in instead of walling people out to prevent invasion, to prevent undermining our sovereignty, to prevent encroaching of our laws. And for McCain to have the gall to stand there and tell that voter in Florida who, by the way, learned about this Juan Hernandez thing by looking at our research on the Internet, for him to say that he supports securing the border first when he's got a guy outreaching to illegal aliens to persuade them to make John McCain President? It's more than nauseating. I have an ulcer.
GLENN: Michelle, I mean, I don't think -- I just don't think I have ever seen, well, at least on the GOP side I don't think I have seen anything more insidious than this kind of stuff. I mean, this is Bill Clinton insidiousness. This is somebody who is taking and wrapping themselves around an issue and trying to convince the American people that he's doing one thing and he is doing exactly the opposite behind our back.
If John McCain would get into office and this stuff would happen, I really honestly think, Michelle, and talk me down from this tree, I think John McCain is more dangerous even than Hillary Clinton because at least Hillary Clinton has Bill Clinton to make her triangulate eventually. There will be no stopping between John McCain and the Progressives of going down a road that is massive internationalists.

There is supposed to be another meeting of the "Three Amigos" in the next few weeks, but I'm unable to find a news report on that. Bush mentioned this in his State of the Union.

At any rate, spend some time looking into this and visit Glenn Beck's site to read the full transcript here.

Technorati Tags: John McCain,GOP 2008,NAU,North American Union,Juan Hernandez,Corruption

McCain In Bed With Corruption From Head to Toe

Glenn Beck:

Today on Glenn Beck, besides everyone being in the deepest, most profound depression ever, Michelle Maulkin was a guest.

As Michelle says,

(John McCain) Insult the base, trash the base, and pay lip service to the base only when it suits his needs.

Michelle passionately explained some of the most horrific connections between Juan McCain and Juan Hernandez. Juan is John McCain's chief Hispanic Outreach Director for his campaign.

Michelle says:

Digger’s Realm did a terrific job compiling this clip reel of open borders zealot/McCain Hispanic outreach director Juan Hernandez’s greatest hits. He considers Canada, the U.S., and Mexico “a bloc, not one nation.” He puts “Mexico first.” He doesn’t believe there are any criminals among the 12-20 million illegal aliens he thinks should be legalized. He’s been saying all of this for a long time.

The McCain campaign knew what it was getting. So should Republican voters:

Also, check into McCain's little organization he created called the Reform Institute where he takes George Soros money funneled through this thing.

Here's where Juan Hernandez is on the "Reform Institute Team":

Dr. Juan Hernandez serves as a Senior Fellow of the Institute’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform Initiative. Dr. Hernandez formerly served as a cabinet member to President Vicente Fox as Director of the Office for Mexicans Living Abroad. He is the first American to serve Mexico’s government at this level. He left his cabinet position to create The Organization for Hispanic Advancement, (HispanA, a non-profit 501c3). Dr. Hernández’s recent book, The New American Pioneers, is an authoritative, in depth look at the complex issues related to Mexican immigration.

• Click here for Dr. Juan Hernandez's full bio

Some of my notes from the Glenn Beck program with Michelle Maulkin interview:

Some of the things that Juan Hernandez has said, in effect, "I don't think we need to build walls between our countries. We're never going to have a wall." Canada-Mexico-America block not a region. Reform Institute founded by John McCain. Campaign Finance to solicit donations funded by George Soros money. Art Museum compare our wall to Berlin Wall in an Art Contest. Meximericana

The grand prize winner incorporated the specious open-borders propaganda comparing our fence to keep trespassers out to the Berlin Wall designed to wall people in:

Is this what McCain believes in his heart, too? No wonder he cursed the “goddamned fence.”

More Notes:

Univision, prop 227 in California fought English Immersion. Perenkio national co-chair for McCain. Univisio. Planned Parenthood. Jerry Perenkio.

For Mitt Romney, Michelle said that right now he has a Mt. Everstian battle.

Technorati Tags: John McCain,Campaign,Corruption,Liberal "Republican",GOP 2008

Gov. Mitt Romney's Florida Concession Speech

Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney made a strong showing in the Florida Primary.  In St. Petersburg, Governor Romney spoke about the need for change in Washington so that we can build a stronger America for future generations.  With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney made the following remarks to supporters, volunteers and the American people:

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/FL_Primary

"Almost, but not quite.  You guys are my heroes.  You took this campaign from nowhere to the very top tier.  You worked your hearts our and you made me a contender and for that, Ann and I and our family will be forever grateful. Thank you so very much.

"Now, I just got off the phone with Senator McCain, and I offered him my congratulations.  I'm sure that you are excited here this evening, but a little disappointed as well, and my guess is when you left your home this evening, you put a son or a daughter to bed, and probably that's happening across the country.  Moms and dads are putting kids to bed, or they already have, and they're sleeping peacefully.  They're probably a bit like my grandkids, full of big dreams and plans, excited by every tomorrow.  

"I remember when I was growing up, I always knew that America was the greatest nation on Earth: first nation on the Moon, our cars and movies and technology were the envy of the entire world, and freedom and opportunity was just like the air, it was everywhere I went.  I believed there was nothing I couldn't do, and I knew there was nothing that America couldn't do because we led the world.  

"Now, America's leadership didn't come without cost.  It was won by the Greatest Generation in the history of the world.  They defeated fascism, and they built the world's strongest economy.  My Mom and Dad are gone as maybe yours are as well.  What they and their generation left us is the greatest nation in the history of the entire planet.

"And now it's our turn.  What kind of nation will we leave our children and our grandchildren?  We can leave future generations a nation that's even greater than that which we inherited, but to do that, we're going to have to overcome a new generation of challenges.  

"Our world is under attack from violent radical Jihadists.  

"Our jobs are being sought by new competitors, countries like Asia and India. 

"And here at home, our government is spending too much.  We're using too much oil.  Our health care system leaves a lot of people behind.  And our schools are failing way too many.  Even our values are under attack.  

"We looked to Washington for leadership, but Washington has failed us.  

"We've asked them to fix illegal immigration.  They haven't.  

"We've asked them to get the tax burden off our families and businesses.  They haven't.  

"We asked them to end our dependence on foreign oil.  They haven't.

"We asked them to maintain high ethical standards.  They haven't.

"We asked them to fix Social Security.  They haven't.

"We asked them to stop spending money on pork barrel projects.  We asked them to balance our budget.  They haven't.

"We asked them time and time and time again, and they just haven't gotten the job done.

"You see, Washington is fundamentally broken, and we're not going to change Washington by sending the same people back just to sit in different chairs.  I think it's time for the politicians to leave Washington and for the citizens to take over.  

"It is time for a change in Washington, and here's some of the things we're going to do.  First, we're going to strengthen our families.  We'll make sure that every citizen in our country has affordable health insurance that they can't lose – private, free-market insurance, not socialized medicine, not Hillary-care.  We'll make sure our kids have great schools.  We'll treat teachers like the professionals they are, and we'll put our kids first and the unions behind.  And to build strong families, we'll teach our kids that before they have babies, they should get married.  So we'll strengthen our families.

"And we'll strengthen our military.  We need more troops.  We need better funding.  We need better equipment.  And we need better care for our veterans.  Let's point out to all those who criticized President Bush that it's thanks to him that we've been safe these last six years.  So strengthen our families and strengthen our military.

"And finally, we need to strengthen our economy.  I spent my entire life in the real economy.  I know why jobs come.  I know why they go.  I've been doing business in 20 countries around the world.  I've run small business and large business.  The economy is in my DNA.  

"Many of the people across our country are worried about their retirement accounts.  They wonder if they can pay for the college education of their child.  They see their largest asset, their home value, dropping.  Some wonder if their job is going to be secure in a new global economy.  Americans wonder how they can afford the rising cost of health care, and gasoline, and taxes.  These are real challenges.  

"At a time like this, America needs a President in the White House who has actually had a job in the real economy.  You see at a time like this, knowing how America works is more important than knowing how Washington works.  The Democrats think that America's greatness flows from our government.  They're wrong.  The source of America's greatness is the American people – hard-working, innovative, risk-taking, family oriented, God-fearing, freedom-loving American people have always been the source of America's greatness, and they always will be.  And so the right course for America isn't to strengthen our government, but to strengthen our people.  And to do that, we're going to have to change Washington, and change will begin with us.  

"This presidential election in November of '08 is not about yesterday, it's about tomorrow.  It's not about re-fighting the battles of the past.  It's about winning the future for our children and their children and for America.  When you go home tonight, and you go and kiss your son or your daughter before you go to sleep, you can promise them that this generation will meet the challenges of our time.  That we'll leave them a stronger America, and you can tell them to dream big because for the children of America, every dream will be possible."

Technorati Tags: Conservatives,Republican,GOP 2008,Mitt Romney

Gov. Mitt Romney on the Passing of Gordon B. Hinckley

West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement regarding the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

"I was saddened to learn of the death of Gordon B. Hinckley. Ann and I respect him as a man of great faith and character. Like all people who knew him, we were deeply touched by his humility, his sense of humor and by the way he inspired so many people around the world. We will miss his leadership."

Funeral Services for President Hinckley Announced

SALT LAKE CITY 28 January 2008 Funeral services for President Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who died Sunday evening, will be held this Saturday, February 2, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

The proceedings will be broadcast via satellite in 69 languages to over 6,000 Church buildings globally. Brigham Young University’s BYU Television will also broadcast the funeral internationally.

Those who attend the funeral services at the Conference Center will need to be in their seats no later than 10:30 a.m. for an 11:00 a.m. start. Seating will be restricted to the 21,000 capacity of the Conference Center. Overflow seating with large screen viewing of proceedings will be offered in the adjacent Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Conference Center Theater.

Between the funeral and graveside services, a program profiling the life and ministry of President Hinckley titled In His Own Words will also be televised.

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since March 12 1995.

There will be a public viewing Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Church Administration Building, 47 East, South Temple Street, Salt Lake City.

President Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, died at the age of 97.

The Church president passed away at his apartment in downtown Salt Lake City at 7:00 p.m. Sunday night from causes incident to age. Members of his family were at his bedside.

Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to condolences@ldschurch.org or mailed to Church headquarters at 47 East South Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150.

President Hinckley’s family members have suggested that in lieu of flowers those who wish to send a memorial gift could donate to the Church’s Perpetual Education, Humanitarian or Missionary funds, or the Gordon B. Hinckley Chair of British Studies at the University of Utah.

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,LDS,Mormon

The Founding Principles of Our Nation and Gov. Mitt Romney

 

Technorati Tags: Nation's Founding,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Inspirational

Want an Honest President? Forget Clinton or McCain

Campaign Dishonesty from the Clintons and McCain

By George Will

Some highlights about the Clintons:

The week before South Carolina voted was the week when, at last, even some Democrats noticed. Noticed, that is, the distinctive cloud of coarseness that hovers over the Clintons, seeping acid rain.

That cloud has been a constant accouterment of their careers, and has been influencing the nation's political weather for 16 years. But by the time Bill Clinton brought the Democratic Party in from the wilderness in 1992, the party had lost five of the previous six, and seven of the previous 10, presidential elections. Democrats were so grateful to him, and so determined not to resume wandering in the wilderness, that they averted their gazes to avoid seeing, and hummed show tunes to avoid hearing, the Clintons' routine mendacities.

And about St. John of Arizona (McCain)

This was a garden-variety dishonesty, the manufacture of which does not cause a Clinton in midseason form to break a sweat. And it was no worse than -- actually, not as gross as -- St. John of Arizona's crooked-talk claim in Florida that Mitt Romney wanted to "surrender and wave a white flag, like Senator Clinton wants to do" in Iraq because Romney "wanted to set a date for withdrawal that would have meant disaster."

Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, the Clintons should bask in the glow of John McCain's Clintonian gloss on this fact: Ten months ago Romney said that President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki should discuss, privately, "a series of timetables and milestones." That unremarkable thought was twisted by McCain, whose distortions are notably clumsy, as when Romney said, accurately, that he alone among the candidates has had extensive experience in private-sector business. That truth was subjected to McCain's sophistry, and he charged that Romney had said "you haven't had a real job" if you had a military career. If, this autumn, voters must choose between Clinton and McCain, they will face, at least stylistically, an echo, not a choice.

And of course all of us Romney fans know this to our core, but it's so great to hear it:

But that dreary scenario need not come to pass. Romney seems to have found his voice as attention turns to the economy, a subject concerning which McCain seems neither conversant nor eager to become so.

Thanks George for painting reality the way it is. And of course the vantage point RealClearPolitics gives us is "priceless".

Technorati Tags: Dishonesty,McCain,Clintons,GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Obama

Mitt Romney Comments on Bush's State of the Union Address

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Republican,SOTU

McCain: Democrats Favorite Republican

The ad highlights Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) positions that are more in line with The New York Times than conservatives.  More often than not, Senator McCain has found himself to be the only Republican who could find himself the running mate of Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and even John Kerry.  Script and ad facts are below.  

Script For "Democrats' Favorite Republican" (WEB 1:10):

CHYRON:  "Who is the Democrats' favorite Republican?"

MARA LIASSON:  "John McCain"

BRIT HUME:  "John McCain"

SUZANNE MALVEAUX:  "John McCain"

ARI FLEISCHER:  "Conservatives do have deep reasons to mistrust John McCain." 

CHYRON:  "Why?"

SEAN HANNITY:  "He's got problems with conservatives on McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, Gang of 14."

JOE SCARBOROUGH:  "He lost among Republicans big time in Michigan. He lost among Republicans big time in Wyoming."

CHUCK TODD:  "Judges, immigration, campaign reform, taxes, John McCain has consistently, sort of, challenged the Republican Party on some of those stances."

CHYRON:  "The only Republican who could run with Hillary or Obama." 

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): "I stood with Ted Kennedy and John McCain."

FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON:  "The bill that Senator McCain supported in the Senate. I think it's the right thing to do and so does Hillary."

SUZANNE MALVEAUX:  "In an online interview, Kerry says Senator John McCain approached him about being his running mate." 

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ):  "John Kerry is a very close friend of mine. We've been friends for years. Obviously, I would entertain it."

BRIT HUME:  "McCain though denies he ever considered leaving the party. But, his chief political strategist, John Weaver, tells the paper that McCain did indeed talk to Democrats about moving across the aisle."

CHYRON:  "No wonder the liberal NY Times endorsed John McCain." 

CHYRON:  "Paid for by Romney for President, Inc." 

AD FACTS For "Democrats' Favorite Republican" (WEB 1:10):

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer: "[C]onservatives Do Have Deep Reasons To Mistrust John McCain." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 1/23/08)

Fox News' Sean Hannity: "He's Got Problems With Conservatives On McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, Gang Of 14." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 1/21/08)

McCain Lost Among Republicans In South Carolina, Nevada, Michigan And Wyoming. MSNBC's JOE SCARBOROUGH: "John McCain lost among Republicans in South Carolina. John McCain lost among Republicans in Nevada. He lost among Republicans big time in Michigan. He lost among Republicans big time in Wyoming." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/21/08)

NBC's Chuck Todd Said McCain Challenged The Republican Party On Judges, Immigration, Campaign Reform, And Taxes. NBC's CHUCK TODD: "[J]udges, immigration, campaign reform, taxes, John McCain has consistently, sort of, challenged the Republican Party on some of those stances." (MSNBC's "Countdown," 1/24/08)

Sen. Barack Obama: "I Stood With Ted Kennedy And John McCain." (MSNBC, Democratic Presidential Debate, 1/16/08)

Former President Clinton Said He And Hillary Clinton Agreed That Sen. McCain's Immigration Bill Was "The Right Thing To Do." CLINTON: "[T]he bill that Senator McCain supported in the Senate. I think it's the right thing to do and so does Hillary." (Bill Clinton, Speech, Bow, NH, 1/5/08)

John Kerry Said McCain Approached Him About Being His Vice President. CNN's SUZANNE MALVEAUX: "In an online interview, Kerry says Senator John McCain approached him about being his running mate…." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 4/3/07)

McCain Said He Would Entertain Being John Kerry's Vice President. SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "John Kerry is a very close friend of mine. We've been friends for years. Obviously, I would entertain it." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 3/10/04)

McCain's Chief Political Strategist Said McCain Talked To Democrats About Leaving The Republican Party. FOX NEWS' BRIT HUME: "McCain though denies he ever considered leaving the party. But, his chief political strategist, John Weaver, tells the paper that McCain did indeed talk to Democrats about moving across the aisle." (Fox News' "The Special Report," 3/29/07)

The New York Times Endorsed John McCain. "Still, there is a choice to be made, and it is an easy one. Senator John McCain of Arizona is the only Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe. With a record of working across the aisle to develop sound bipartisan legislation, he would offer a choice to a broader range of Americans than the rest of the Republican field." (Editorial, "Primary Choices: John McCain," The New York Times, 1/25/08)

Technorati Tags: McCain,Democrats,GOP 2008

FORMER CONGRESSMAN DAVID MCINTOSH (R-IN) ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Today, former U.S. Congressman David McIntosh (R-IN) endorsed Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.  Note that McIntosh most recently served as a senior policy adviser to former Republican presidential candidate Senator Fred Thompson.  He is a co-founder of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_McIntosh

FORMER CONGRESSMAN DAVID MCINTOSH 
ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, former U.S. Congressman David McIntosh (R-IN) endorsed Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.  McIntosh most recently served as a senior policy adviser to former Republican presidential candidate Senator Fred Thompson.  He is a co-founder of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies.

"I am proud to make today's endorsement.  Governor Romney has the vision to bring true conservative change to Washington and strengthen our economy.  As President, he will advance a pro-growth agenda that strengthens our economy, encourages innovation and creates jobs.  From business and the Olympics to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Governor Romney is the proven leader we need in Washington today.  I also am convinced that Governor Romney will appoint judges who will exercise judicial restraint, respect the rule of law and appreciate the Constitution as written," said David McIntosh. 

McIntosh will serve as a Co-Chair of the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts with Professor Douglas W. Kmiec, former constitutional legal counsel to President Ronald Reagan.  He replaces Professor Mary Ann Glendon who was recently appointed to be U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.

Announcing McIntosh's support, Governor Romney said, "As a founder of the Federalist Society, David McIntosh is a highly respected conservative leader with an extensive career of public service.  It is an honor that he has joined our campaign to strengthen America.  As a valuable addition to our legal advisory committee, I look forward to working with him and having his counsel on the important judicial issues confronting our country today."       

Background On Former U.S. Congressman David McIntosh:

Former Congressman David McIntosh Is A Co-Founder Of The Federalist Society And Has An Extensive Career Of Public Service.  During the Reagan administration, McIntosh served as special assistant to the Attorney General and special assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs.  During the first Bush administration, he served as executive director of the President's Council on Competitiveness and assistant to the Vice President.  In Congress, he represented Indiana's Second Congressional District from 1995 until January 2001.  He served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulatory Relief. 

*Organization names are listed for identification purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements by such organizations.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Endorsements

McCain: Democrat in Republican Clothing

Below you’ll find a research briefing on Senator McCain’s years of leading Democrats against Republicans.  Former Senator Santorum sums it up perfectly:

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Straight_Talk_Detour_1.26

"The bottom line is that I served 12 years with him, 6 years in the United States Senate as leader, one of the leaders of the Senate — the number-3 leader — who had the responsibility of trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side."

Maybe that’s why Senator McCain is the “Democrats’ Favorite Republican.”

MCCAIN: "LEADING THE CHARGE ON THE OTHER SIDE"
Inside The Beltway, Years Of Leading Democrats Against Republicans

"The bottom line is that I served 12 years with him, 6 years in the United States Senate as leader, one of the leaders of the Senate — the number-3 leader — who had the responsibility of trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side." – Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "A Conservative Case Against McCain," National Review Online, 1/14/08)

Sen. McCain's Washington Leadership – Leading The Democrats:

Sen. McCain Is Touting His Leadership Inside The Beltway As A Reason To Support His Candidacy. "Speaking to reporters on his bus elsewhere in Florida, McCain insisted his service on the Senate Commerce Committee is better preparation for overseeing the U.S. economy than Romney's work as a business consultant, venture capitalist and Olympics CEO." (Glen Johnson, "GOP Candidates Tout Economic Skills," The Associated Press, 1/26/08)

Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA): "John McCain Was Not Only Against Us, But Leading The Charge On The Other Side." SEN. SANTORUM: "The bottom line is that I served 12 years with him, 6 years in the United States Senate as leader, one of the leaders of the Senate – the number-3 leader – who had the responsibility of trying to put together the conservative agenda, and almost at every turn on domestic policy, John McCain was not only against us, but leading the charge on the other side." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "A Conservative Case Against McCain," National Review Online, 1/14/08)

Leadership? Opposing The Bush Tax Cuts:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Democrats Opposing President Bush's 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts. "On taxes and spending, Mr. McCain … has been disingenuous in explaining his opposition to Mr. Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. He claims to have cast these votes to protest the fact that the tax cuts were not accompanied by spending cuts. But the fact is that in opposing these measures, Mr. McCain joined liberal Democrats like Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Tom Daschle in employing class-warfare rhetoric and pushing in favor of higher taxes — voting on the pro-tax side on 14 different occasions." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

• Club For Growth President Pat Toomey: Sen. McCain Opposed The "Most Important Pro-Growth Tax Cuts In A Generation." "When the most important pro-growth tax cuts in a generation were proposed by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003, Sen. McCain vigorously opposed them." (Pat Toomey, Op-Ed, "The McCain Record," The Wall Street Journal, 3/13/07)

Leadership? McCain-Kennedy Immigration:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) On Immigration Reform, Which Many Conservatives Derided As "Amnesty." "On illegal immigration, Mr. McCain said that anyone who says he supported amnesty is 'a liar' and says he has 'never' supported Social Security benefits for illegals. However, in 2006 and 2007, he joined with Ted Kennedy to support Senate bills that would have granted amnesty to millions of illegals. In 2006, Mr. McCain denounced in a floor speech and cast the deciding vote against an amendment by Sen. John Ensign, Nevada Republican, that would have denied Social Security benefits to illegals who work under a Social Security number obtained through identity fraud." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

• National Review: McCain's Immigration Proposal Amounts To Amnesty. "Supporters of the McCain/Kennedy proposal deny that it is an amnesty, pointing to the fact that payment of a (modest) fine is one of the prerequisites of legalization. But since the goal of an illegal immigrant is to work in the United States, anything that legalizes his presence is a reward; the putative fine is little more than a retroactive smuggling fee paid to the U.S. government." (Editorial, "Hope Over Experience," National Review, 5/17/05)

Leadership? McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) On Campaign Finance Reform, Which Many Conservatives Said Violated The First Amendment. "Another issue where Mr. McCain has clashed with conservatives was over campaign finance reform, also called the McCain-Feingold bill, which instituted a series of regulations that limit the ability of independent groups not associated with the Democratic or Republican parties to participate in the political process. These regulations, which violate the First Amendment, bar the use of corporate or union money to pay for broadcast advertising that identifies a federal candidate within 30 days of a primary or nominating convention or within 60 days of a general election. … McCain's advocacy of the legislation has created a bitter political divide between the senator and the National Right to Life Committee, which views it as a hindrance to its ability to get its message out." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

• Former Speaker Newt Gingrich: McCain-Feingold Is A "Dangerous Modern-Day Assault On The First Amendment." "The McCain-Feingold campaign-finance law enacted in 2002 is an equally dangerous modern-day assault on the First Amendment. It could more accurately be called the McCain-Feingold censorship law because it stifles political speech, protects incumbent politicians and consolidates power in Washington. This law is of the Congress, by the Congress, and for the Congress, because it protects members of Congress by silencing opposing points of view." (Newt Gingrich, Op-Ed, "Blacking Out Speech," National Review, 6/1/06)

Leadership? McCain-Lieberman Climate Change Legislation:

Sen. McCain Took The Lead With Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) On Environmental Legislation, Which Many Conservatives Say Will Hurt The Economy. "Mr. McCain also differs with free-market conservatives on numerous environmental issues. He opposes oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska and has joined with Sen. Joe Lieberman to cosponsor legislation that would require that greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 2000 levels by 2010 — a measure sure to result in substantial increases in electricity and gasoline costs." (Editorial, "McCain vs. McCain," The Washington Times, 1/25/08)

• John Locke Foundation's Roy Cordato: McCain-Lieberman "Would Dramatically Raise The Tax On All Carbon-Based Fuels." "What is not widely understood is that [McCain] is currently sponsoring legislation that, in the name of fighting global warming, would dramatically raise the tax on all carbon-based fuels, including gasoline, home heating oil, coal, and to a lesser extent, natural gas. … Higher energy costs will, among other things, raise the cost of manufacturing big-ticket items in American factories. And higher gas prices will likely raise demand for those classes of automobiles that tend to be manufactured overseas." (Roy Cordato, "McCain's Costly Tax On Energy," National Review, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/10/08)

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican"

McCain: 'Uh, maybe I shouldn't say this..."

Trying to defend against his own admission of economic ignorance, Senator McCain is now saying that he wouldn't need a Vice President with economic experience. However, in November, he was saying the exact opposite.  Yet another straight talk detour.

McCain Said That Because Of His Experience On The Senate Commerce Committee, He Wouldn't Need A Vice President With Economic Experience. "Noting that he also later ran the Senate Commerce Committee, Mr. McCain said in the interview that he would feel no need to select a vice president with expertise in economic policy to balance his own foreign-policy experience." (David Leonhardt, "Fiscal Mantra For McCain: Less Is More," www.nytimes.com, The New York Times, 1/26/08)

However, In November, McCain Said He Would Choose A Vice-President Who Understands Economics Because He Doesn't. "On at least one occasion, McCain has raised the matter himself. On Nov. 10, while traveling through New Hampshire on his Straight Talk Express bus, McCain was asked what he would seek in a vice presidential candidate if nominated. After mentioning the ability of a potential running mate to replace the president, McCain said, 'You also look for people who maybe have talents you don't, or experience or knowledge you don't, as well.' 'What are those qualities that you don't - that you wouldn't mind complementing?' asked David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times. McCain paused. 'Uh, maybe I shouldn't say this, but, somebody who's really well grounded in economics,' he said." (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain Tested On Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, 1/26/08)

Technorati Tags: McCain,Economics,GOP 2008

McCain's Disgusting Character

Last Weekend, Senator McCain made a stunningly false statement about Governor Romney’s strong position of achieving success in Iraq.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5if5DTLHOkjV981GiHLtXNtHOaTDgD8UDNU8O0

This statement is especially egregious because Senator McCain knows in his heart that he is engaging in a blatant distortion towards a fellow Republican who is also committed to helping the men and women of our military achieve a successful result in Iraq.

This is, unfortunately, just the McCain way.  The senator from Arizona is using a tactic of misleading people about a fellow Republican in way that is cheap and desperate.  Below is information on Governor Romney’s record on achieving success in Iraq:

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ON ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN IRAQ

Governor Romney Criticized Withdrawal Timetables And Instead Talked About Setting Metrics To Measure Progress:

Governor Romney:  "You want to have a series of things you want to see accomplished in terms of the strength of the Iraqi military and the Iraqi police and the leadership of the Iraqi government." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 4/3/07)

Governor Romney:  "Could you imagine the setting where during the Second World War we said to the Germans, 'Gee, if we haven't reached the Rhine by this date why we'll go home,' or if we haven't gotten this accomplished we'll pull up and leave?" (ABC's "Good Morning America," 4/3/07)

Governor Romney Has Warned About Bringing American Troops Home Too Quickly:

Governor Romney:  "Well, there's no question we all want to see our troops home as soon as we can possibly have them home.  But we have to recognize that if we bring them home too quickly or in a way which leads to a collapse of the country or perhaps the Iranians grabbing the Shia south or Al-Qaeda playing a dominating role among the Sunnis or a Kurdish population destabilizing the border with Turkey, you could then end up with a regional conflict which would cause Americans to somehow have to get involved again – this time at a much more ugly situation with more casualties."  ("Laura Ingraham Show," 3/9/07)

Governor Romney: "I Don't Think We Should Run Our Foreign Policy Based Upon Elections, Election Schedules Or Anything Of That Nature." "But Mr. Romney said he did not agree with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the New York Democrat, that President Bush needed to resolve the war he started before he left office and not hand it off to his successor, as she said while campaigning in Iowa on Sunday.  'She can do what she likes – but I take exception to her conclusions,'” Mr. Romney said in an interview while campaigning across this state today.  'I don’t think we should run our foreign policy based upon elections, election schedules or anything of that nature.'" (Adam Nagourney, "Romney: Clinton's Wrong About Bush," The New York Times, 1/29/07)

Governor Romney Has Consistently Said There Must Be "Clear Objectives And Milestones":

Governor Romney Said There Must Be "Clear Objectives And Milestones" In Iraq.  "This effort should be combined with clear objectives and milestones for U.S. and Iraqi leaders."  (Romney For President, "Governor Mitt Romney On Iraq," Press Release, 1/10/07)

President Bush Has Himself Talked About The Importance Of Setting Benchmarks In Iraq:

President Bush:  "Iraq's Leaders Must Continue To Work To Meet The Benchmarks That Have [Been] Set Forward."  "As we help the Iraqis secure their capital, their leaders are also beginning to meet the benchmarks they have laid out for political reconciliation. … There's been good progress. There's a lot more work to be done, and Iraq's leaders must continue to work to meet the benchmarks that have set forward."  (President George W. Bush, Remarks On The Fourth Anniversary Of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Washington, D.C. 3/19/07)

President Bush "Pleased" Iraqi Government "Meeting Benchmarks."  "I was pleased that he's meeting benchmarks that he had set out for his government. One of the benchmarks was to move Iraqi troops into the city of Baghdad – troops that will be complemented by our own troops. He is meeting those obligations. A second such benchmark is that he would change the rules of engagement so that criminals, regardless of their religion, would be brought to justice in equal fashion. He is meeting that benchmark. Thirdly, he passed a budget of which $10 billion is available for reconstruction. He said he would do that; the budget has been passed, he has met that benchmark."  (President George W. Bush, Remarks Meeting With Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Ambassador-Designee To Iraq, Washington D.C., 2/16/07)

Technorati Tags: McCain,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008

LIZ CHENEY JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Elizabeth "Liz" Cheney will be joining the Romney for President campaign.  Having most recently worked at the U.S. State Department handling Middle East policy, Cheney will serve as a senior foreign policy adviser to Governor Romney. Note that Cheney served as a National Campaign Co-Chair for the Fred Thompson presidential campaign.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Cheney

LIZ CHENEY JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Elizabeth "Liz" Cheney will be joining the Romney for President campaign.  Having most recently worked at the U.S. State Department handling Middle East policy, Cheney will serve as a senior foreign policy adviser to Governor Romney. 

"I am proud to support Governor Romney.  Throughout this campaign, he has distinguished himself as a leader who can guide our country with a clear vision for overcoming the threats we face today.  Dedicated to the success of our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor Romney is the only candidate who has outlined a comprehensive strategy for defeating the global Jihadist threat.  I look forward to working with Governor Romney, because he is the leader our country needs," said Liz Cheney. 

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Liz Cheney brings to our campaign years of experience helping to formulate America's foreign policy and to advance democracy and reform in the Middle East.  She understands that to defeat this global Jihadist threat we have to help Muslim nations reject the violent extreme.  I am honored that she will be joining our team."

Background On Liz Cheney:

Liz Cheney Is A Former High-Ranking State Department Official With Years Of Experience Helping To Formulate America's Foreign Policy.  Most recently, Cheney served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.  As the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, she was the second-ranking State Department official overseeing U.S. policy in the Middle East.  She helped develop and oversee programs to promote democracy and reform in the Arab world.  Before joining the State Department, she served at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, and as an attorney at White & Case LLP.  Cheney was also a National Campaign Co-Chair for the Fred Thompson presidential campaign.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Endorsements

"ASK ANY OF THE VOTERS – IT'S THE ECONOMY"

"ASK ANY OF THE VOTERS – IT'S THE ECONOMY"
Sen. McCain Desperately Wants To Avoid Discussing Economics

"Ask any of the voters – it's the economy. Senator McCain, you have said repeatedly, quote, 'I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.' Is it a problem for your campaign that the economy is now the most important issue, one that by your own acknowledgment you're not well versed on?" – NBC's Tim Russert (MSNBC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

This Morning, Sen. McCain Was Confronted For His "Direct Contradiction" On The Bush Tax Cuts:

Sen. McCain Voted Against The Bush Tax Cuts, And Was Against Extending Them. NBC's TIM RUSSERT: "One of the questions that has been raised repeatedly in this campaign, Senator, is your opposition to the Bush tax cuts back in 2001. One of only two Republican senators. Back then you gave a floor speech and said this: 'I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who most need tax relief.' Then you were on Meet The Press in April of '04, I asked you about that vote. I also asked you about postponing the Bush tax cuts and this is what you said: SEN. MCCAIN: "I voted against the tax cuts because of the disproportionate amount that went to the wealthiest Americans. I would clearly support not extending those tax cuts in order to help address the deficit." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/27/08)

NBC's Tim Russert: "Now You Are Supporting Extending Them… A Direct Contradiction." RUSSERT: "You wouldn't support extending them, but you are now supporting extending them on the radio with this ad: MCCAIN RADIO AD: "I'll make the Bush tax cuts permanent." RUSSERT: "That's a direct contradiction." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/27/08)

To view Sen. McCain's "direct contradiction," click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVG4ROuLSf0

Sen. McCain Recently Insisted He Wouldn't Need An Economically-Savvy Running Mate:

Sen. McCain Now Says That Because Of His Experience On The Senate Commerce Committee, He Wouldn't Need A Vice President With Economic Experience. "Noting that he also later ran the Senate Commerce Committee, Mr. McCain said in the interview that he would feel no need to select a vice president with expertise in economic policy to balance his own foreign-policy experience." (David Leonhardt, "Fiscal Mantra For McCain: Less Is More," The New York Times, www.nytimes.com,1/26/08)

Yet Just  Months Ago, Sen. McCain Said He Would Need A Running Mate "Well-Grounded In Economics":

In November 2007, Sen. McCain Said He Would Choose A Vice-President Who Understands Economics Because He Doesn't. "On at least one occasion, McCain has raised the matter himself. On Nov. 10, while traveling through New Hampshire on his Straight Talk Express bus, McCain was asked what he would seek in a vice presidential candidate if nominated. After mentioning the ability of a potential running mate to replace the president, McCain said, 'You also look for people who maybe have talents you don't, or experience or knowledge you don't, as well.' 'What are those qualities that you don't - that you wouldn't mind complementing?' asked David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times. McCain paused. 'Uh, maybe I shouldn't say this, but, somebody who's really well grounded in economics,' he said." (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain Tested On Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, 1/26/08)

In The Recent Boca Raton Debate, Sen. McCain Denied Saying He Didn't Know About Economics:

McCain Denied His Own Comments When Tim Russert Quoted Him Saying He Did Not Know About Economics. RUSSERT: " And now the economy has taken hold. Ask any of the voters; it's the economy. Senator McCain, you have said repeatedly, quote, 'I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.' Is it a problem for your campaign that the economy is now the most important issue, one that by your own acknowledgment you're not well versed on?" MCCAIN: "Actually, I don't know where you got that quote from. I'm very well versed in economics." (MSNBC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

But Sen. McCain Himself Has Repeatedly Said He Doesn't Understand Economic Issues:

Sen. McCain: "The Issue Of Economics Is Not Something I've Understood As Well As I Should." "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.'" (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, Posted 12/18/07)

• Sen. McCain: "I Still Need To Be Educated." "On a broader range of economic issues, though, Mr. McCain readily departs from Reaganomics. His philosophy is best described as a work in progress. He is refreshingly blunt when he tells me: 'I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.'" (Stephen Moore, "Reform, Reform, Reform," OpinionJournal.com, 11/26/05)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,John McCain,Economics

"My Vote" Captain's Quarters

"My Vote"

Captain's Quarters

Posted by Ed Morrissey

January 27, 2008

"Over a year ago and many times since, I wrote that I could give no endorsement, because I had honestly not made up my mind about which candidate to support. I also told the CapQ community that if I did make a decision, I would announce it as soon as I made it so that they knew where I stood. The deadline for that decision rapidly approaches, since Minnesota caucuses on February 5th, and I have decided to caucus for Mitt Romney."

…

"Third, we face a tough election if the economy turns south, even mildly. We saw this in 1992 and lost when Bill Clinton successfully convinced people that he had the best ideas for a turnaround. We have one candidate who has undeniable success in the global markets, who understands them and the players that run them. Romney gives us an advantage as the nominee that none of the others can match in this regard.

"Over the last two weeks, my focus has come down to Rudy and Romney. Both would make good Presidents. Mitt, however, has shown that he will fight in every state, while Rudy played a bit of rope-a-dope -- and has apparently lost the gamble. Until the debate, I thought Rudy might have had the right idea, but Rudy still hasn't come out of the gate in any effective manner.

"Romney is not a perfect candidate. We don't have any perfect candidates. In fact, I could still support Rudy, McCain, or Mike Huckabee without reservation in a general election against either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. I think, though, that Romney has the most staying power, the better argument, and the best resume of the remaining Republican candidates. I will enthusiastically caucus for Mitt Romney on February 5th."…

To read the full endorsement, please see:  http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016770.php

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Endorsements

Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) McCain-Lieberman Bill

Today, Governor Mitt Romney addressed members of the media about Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) McCain-Lieberman bill and the economic burdens this bill would put on Florida families.  Below are Governor Romney's remarks as delivered:

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/McCain-Lieberman_1.28

"On a very different topic, we're at a gas station.  And the reason for that is that I want to underscore the fact that Senator McCain's McCain-Lieberman would be a very expensive bill for the people of Florida.  By our calculation, a family of four would have to spend about an extra $1,000 a year if McCain-Lieberman became law.  And again that's because gasoline would rise in price by approximately .50 cents a gallon and natural gas would rise about 20 percent.  The burden on Florida homeowners would obviously be excessive.

"And what's particularly troubling about the bill is that the effect on the global environment would be negligible, and that's because the bill does not require other nations to participate in order for the regulation to be promulgated.  And the effect of that would be that high emitting industries would simply move from a country like ours that had these limits to a country like China that did not.  And the net effect would be that emissions had just moved from one country to another and also jobs had moved from one country to another.  And what is left behind in our country would be the burden of paying for the entire cost of this symbolic act.

"There's no question that symbols have value.  But a symbol that costs a family of four $1,000 in Florida is a symbol far too rich and is not something which makes common sense. 

"I would note that Senator McCain is noted for three major pieces of legislation.  I think all of them were badly flawed.  And if somebody wants to know where he would lead the country you simply need to look at the three pieces of legislation with his name at the top.  McCain-Feingold has not reduced the impact of money in politics, it has made it worse.  McCain-Kennedy is viewed by virtually all as an amnesty bill. And McCain-Lieberman would cost the families of America as much as $1,000 a piece.  All three are bills which evidence a lack of understanding of our economy, the very lack of understanding which Senator McCain has admitted on numerous occasions."

Technorati Tags: John McCain,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Energy,McCain-Lieberman

U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) Endorses Mitt Romney

This week, U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced her endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.  Congressman Blackburn has served in Congress since 2003 and is a member of the Republican Study Committee.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Blackburn

"It is a pleasure to welcome Marsha back to our campaign to build a stronger America.  As a rising conservative leader, she knows firsthand that we must bring conservative change to Washington.  The only way we can do that is by returning to our core conservative principles of lowering taxes, restraining spending and streamlining government.  I look forward to working with Marsha as we strengthen America through conservative change," said Governor Romney. 

Announcing her support today, Congressman Blackburn said, "Tennesseans are looking for a real conservative to hold the White House in November, and I support Governor Romney as the true conservative choice for Tennessee.  I was proud to support our native son in the race, but I believe that Mitt Romney is now the clear conservative choice in this contest."

Also today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that 13 additional Tennessee state elected leaders have joined the Romney for President team.  These Tennessee leaders were previously part of Senator Fred Thompson's campaign team, and they represent a wide cross section of the Tennessee population including all of the State's three Grand Divisions.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/TN_Elected_Leaders

"I'm proud to support Governor Mitt Romney for President.  Washington is broken – and we're not going to fix it by sending the same people back just to sit in different chairs.  Governor Romney is uniquely qualified to bring change to Washington, D.C.  Throughout his career, he has been an agent of change.  He created jobs in the private sector.  He turned around the ethically and financially challenged 2002 Winter Olympic Games.  And as the chief executive of Massachusetts, he cut taxes and promoted innovative solutions that created jobs and expanded health coverage," said former Tennessee Governor Winfield Dunn.

In making today's announcement Governor Romney said, "I appreciate the support of these strong Republican leaders from Tennessee.  All over the country people are saying that Washington is broken.  I believe that I have the experience and plan to fix it.  Together, we can stimulate our economy by cutting taxes, we can strengthen our military, we can end illegal immigration, and we can build stronger families.  I look forward to working with these leaders to earn the support of as many Tennesseans as possible."

Tennessee Elected Leaders Supporting Governor Romney:

· Former Governor Winfield C. Dunn, Memphis, Tennessee Governor 1971-1975

· Senator Mae Beavers, Mt. Juliet, Senate District 17

· Senator Diane Black, Gallatin, Senate District 18

· Senator Jack Johnson, Brentwood, Senate District 23

· Senator Bill Ketron, Murfreesboro, Senate District 13

· Senator Paul Stanley, Memphis, Senate District 31

· Representative Chris Crider, Milan, House District 79

· Representative Jimmy Eldridge, Jackson, House District 73

· Representative Curtis Johnson, Clarksville, House District 68

· Representative Phillip Johnson, Pegram, House District 78

· Representative Debra Young Maggart, Hendersonville, House District 45

· Representative Jason Mumpower, Bristol, House District 3

· Representative Parkey Strader, Knoxville, House District 14

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Endorsements

Romney Addresses His Faith - Again - Can You Say, "There Shall Be NO Religious Test" (Article VI)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Mormon,Religious Test,Campaign,Florida

Buchanan: "I think Romney clearly won tonight." WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOV. ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE – VOL. III

MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "I got to say that I think clearly Mitt Romney dominated tonight. His performance was flawless. He looked presidential." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

• Buchanan: "I think Romney clearly won tonight." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

• Buchanan: "He looked terrific. He got off the best two lines of the night." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/25/08)

• Buchanan: "I think he was crisp and strong." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/25/08)

• Buchanan: "If Romney is in the lead tonight and people are looking at this, he looks to me like a man, quite frankly that can beat Hillary Rodham Clinton and can be president of the United States." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

ABC News' Jake Tapper: "Romney, who is in a dead heat with McCain for first place in some recent polls here in Florida, had perhaps the best night, presenting a polished and confident demeanor." (Jake Tapper, "GOP Debate: Not Quite A Smoka In Boca," ABC News' Website, www.abcnews.go.com, Posted 1/24/08)

The Washington Post's Michael D. Shear And Juliet Eilperin: "The debate offered Romney a chance to shine as he received several opportunities to discuss economic issues and his experience in the private sector." (Michael D. Shear and Juliet Eilperin, "Republicans Play To Right In Fla. Debate," The Washington Post, 1/25/08)

The Weekly Standard's Dean Barnett: "With that preamble out of the way, I must unequivocally state that last night was an enormously successful evening for Romney. He's a serious guy, and a capable one. That came through last night." (Dean Barnett, "Boca Break Down," The Weekly Standard, www.weeklystandard.com, 1/25/08)

Time's Mark Halperin: "… Romney came out strong, unapologetic and on message." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

• Halperin: "[Romney] settled comfortably into the 'looks and sounds like a president' zone that is one of his chief assets." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

• Halperin: "[Romney] Seemed to anticipate an eventual one-on-one contest with McCain, and displayed the confidence of a man who feels certain he has a spot in the finals. Bottom line: Benefited more than anyone else from the oddly low-key nature of a high-stakes." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

National Review's David Freddoso: "By the time he was done, Romney even demonstrated that he understands why a one-time rebate is not a real economic stimulant." (David Freddoso, "The Debate Begins," National Review's The Corner, www.corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Townhall's Jennifer Rubin: "Romney had perhaps his best debate performance… He was at his best when speaking on economics and he successfully ducked a question from Giuliani on his position on a national catastrophic insurance fund." (Jennifer Rubin, "Republican Debates Offer Little Foresight," Townhall, 1/25/08)

• Rubin: "He forcefully rebuffed the moderator's inquiries about how much of his personal fortune he has spent on the campaign. He too should be pleased that voters saw a confident, economically literate candidate." (Jennifer Rubin, "Republican Debates Offer Little Foresight," Townhall, 1/25/08)

Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell: "Overall, Mitt Romney had a good night. He sounded informed, human and comfortable. And he handled several tough questions with ease." (Scott Maxwell, Op-Ed, "Debate Was A Good Night For Everyone But Pimps, Gamblers, Non-Republicans," Orlando Sentinel, 1/25/08)

RedState's Alexham: "There weren't many fireworks between our candidates last night, but one did stand out in a big way: Mitt Romney. He was good. Very good." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

• Alexham: "I think we are finally seeing the real Mitt Romney: The smart, wonkish, well-mannered, technocrat, problem-solving businessman. That's who Mitt Romney is, and he has finally revealed his true persona to the rest of us. And I, for one, appreciate it." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

• Alexham: "Romney is at his best when he is engaged in wonkish problem solving ..." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

• Alexham: "Be who you are Mitt, and you may just become the next president of the United States." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Florida,Campaign

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR

MITT ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "I think conservatives probably related to Mitt Romney, talking about tax cuts, talking about being a governor, talking about what he did in the private sector for all those years. On the economic part of this debate, I don't think there is any doubt that this was Mitt Romney's best performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

· Scarborough: "The first 30 minutes - it was about the economy. I thought Mitt Romney absolutely dominated that segment of it." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

Time's Mark Halperin: "Romney A-" (Mark Halperin, "Who Wants To Be The Nominee?" Time's The Page, http://thepage.time.com, Posted 1/24/08)

MSNBC's Chuck Todd: "I thought this was Mitt Romney's best debate performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "Romney has seemed authoritative – confident and on his game…" (Rich Lowry, "The Debate So Far," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "'We're the Party of Change' … Home-run answer from Romney. It was drawn from his standard lines on the stump, but a terrific message, convincingly delivered." (Rich Lowry, "'We're The Party Of Change'," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Good night for Romney." (Rich Lowry, "Good Night For Romney," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Romney is dominating the last half-an-hour." (Rich Lowry, "In Terms Of Sheer Time..." National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Romney just stole that issue from both Rudy and McCain. His answer was intelligent and far-reaching. I liked the idea of high-risk areas getting together to pool risk. Rudy's been trying to pander with this idea and I think both Romney and McCain made the pandering look silly by taking a broader approach." (Mary Katharine Ham, "The Cat Fund," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Romney's insights about his state's National Guard was helpful.  He seems particularly aggressive and sure-footed tonight." (Kate O'Beirne, "On Offense," National Review's The Corner, http://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Excellent Romney answer on Iraq. Strong, tough, focused on the surrendercrats. He takes on Dems for their withdrawalmania…cites debate in SC when Hillary refused to say she wanted to win and recycled Code Pink line." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," http://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney excoriates Dems and says 'how dare they' take credit for surge." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," http://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney just out-McCained McCain on the war." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," http://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney was swell on the economy…." (Marc Ambinder, "Romney Made A Strong First Impression.... No One Tried To Jab At Him," Twitter Blog, http://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Hot Air's Bryan Preston: "Mitt Romney is asked whether the war in Iraq was worth the sacrifice and effort. He delivers the best answer of the bunch and punches the hippies in the Democrat party to boot." (Bryan Preston, "Debate Highlights: Huckabee On The Economic Stimulus; Romney On Iraq," Hot Air, http://hotair.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Florida,GOP 2008,Conservatives,Republican

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOV. ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL GOP DEBATE – VOL. II

MSNBC'S Chuck Todd: "Romney looks good and sounds confident tonight." (Chuck Todd, "Romney Starting Off Well Tonight," MSNBC's First Read, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney made a strong first impression." (Marc Ambinder, "Live Twittering Of The Debate," The Atlantic, http://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Florida voters got their final head-to-head look at the Republican presidential candidates tonight, and the winner of the debate was Mitt Romney." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "He looked presidential, poised, and factually prepared." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "In a debate that spent the first two-thirds with everyone doing well, Romney not only broke out on his own in the last stanza, he successfully parried some strange attacks from Tim Russert as well." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Romney's being treated like the front-runner and he's acting like it." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate: Show Us The Conservatism," Michelle Malkin's Blog, http://michellemalkin.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Mitt Romney should send a thank you card to Tim Russert and Brian Williams.  They threw hard balls at the former Massachusetts governor and he hit them all, many out of the park.  Romney's allocation of time had to be disproportionate, but that was the Williams/Russert choice, and Romney made the most of it." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

· Hewitt: "Democrats watching tonight have to be very worried that Mitt Romney will be the GOP nominee." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Wlady: "Terrific Romney answer to Russert's nosiness about how much he's spent in Florida. Russert's mistake: his insinuation that he was asking the question on behalf of the people's right to know. Romney instead let it be known he'll report his spending on Jan. 31, as required by law; and there's no reason to give his opponents a competitive advantage." (Wlady, "Rich Man, Poor Man," AmSpec Blog, http://www.amspec.org/, Accessed 1/24/08)

ABC News' Rick Klein: "Romney gets an initial question on the economy -- this is tailor made for him. … He sounds authoritative and in control on this subject." (Rick Klein, "Live Blogging During GOP Debate," ABC News' Political Radar, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar, Posted 1/24/08)

National Journal's Jennifer Skalka: "Winners…Mitt Romney -- Mistake-free night." (Jennifer Skalka, "No Battle In Boca," National Journal's On Call, http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Ed Morrissey: "Best line of the evening so far: General Hillary Clinton." (Ed Morrissey, "Best Line Of The Evening So Far," Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney just delivered a hell of a punch against Hillary Clinton, Bill, and the Democrats." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Lapping The Pack," Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "I am impressed." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney's Running Away With It!" Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Phillip Klein: "Romney is clearly benefiting from the focus on the economy." (Phillip Klein, "Quick Debate Reaction," AmSpec Blog, http://www.amspec.org/blogger,  Accessed 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Fausta Wertz: "[Y]es, this is the Mitt Romney hour." (Fausta, "Back To Mitt," Heading Right Blog, http://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "If one had to assign a winner tonight, Mitt Romney would probably get the nod." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "The debate focused more on the economy than it did on any other topic, and I think he is more adept at talking about this topic than is his primary opponent, John McCain." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "He also did a good job of going after the Clintons -- something that McCain should have actually done more of." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "Romney was ahead in the last Florida poll I saw, and since nothing that happened tonight is likely to radically upset the apple cart, he wins tonight merely by maintaining the status quo." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Florida

McCain Falsely Claimed That He Won Among Republicans In NH And SC

MCCAIN ON REPUBLICAN VOTE TOTALS

McCain Falsely Claimed That He Won Among Republicans In NH And SC

In Tonight's Debate, Sen. McCain Falsely Claimed That He Won The Republican Vote In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina:

MCCAIN: "But Look, I Won The Majority Of Republican Vote In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina." (MSNBC, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

However, Sen. McCain Lost In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina Among Self-Identified Conservatives And Republicans:

McCain Lost Among Self-Identified Republicans In New Hampshire. "In New Hampshire, a state McCain had won in 2000 and lavished time and attention on this time around, he lost self-identified Republicans narrowly -- 35 percent to 34 percent -- to former governor Mitt Romney. But, it was among independents where McCain's winning margin came as he won that bloc by 13 points over Romney." (Chris Cillizza, "McCain And The Closed Primary Challenge," Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/, 1/24/08)

McCain Lost Among Republicans In South Carolina. "In South Carolina, McCain lost Republicans by a statistically insignificant margin, but carried independents by a massive 42 percent to 25 percent margin -- ensuring his narrow three-point victory." (Chris Cillizza, "McCain And The Closed Primary Challenge," Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/, 1/24/08)

Conservatives Are Wary Of McCain's Past Tendencies And Willingness To Team Up With Liberal Senators. "McCain has long had difficulty currying favor from his party's conservative wing. Despite his solid voting record in the senate, many ardent Republicans have been unhappy with his past willingness to team up with liberal Sens. Russ Feingold on campaign finance reform and Ted Kennedy on immigration." (Alexander Mooney, "McCain Brushes Aside Suggestion Of Weak Republican Support," http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/20/mccain-brushes-aside-suggestion-of-weak-republican-support/, 1/20/08)

• "Support from the base will be crucial in upcoming contests: McCain now faces a bevy of state primaries where independents are not allowed to participate, beginning with Florida’s vote on January 29. But the Arizona senator is predicting that his support among veterans, his economic proposals, and his record on environmental issues important to many Floridians will carry him to victory there." (Alexander Mooney, "McCain Brushes Aside Suggestion Of Weak Republican Support," http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/20/mccain-brushes-aside-suggestion-of-weak-republican-support/, 1/20/08)

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008

John McCain: The Liberal "Republican"

That bastion of conservative advocacy known as the New York Times Editorial Board has endorsed a candidate in the Republican race:

Senator John McCain

Why?  Because of his positions that are at odds with grassroots Republicans:

“…Arizona Sen. John McCain as “the only “Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe.”

But McCain, the New York Times said, “has been a staunch advocate of campaign finance reform, working with Senator Russ Feingold, among the most liberal of Democrats, on groundbreaking legislation, just as he worked with Senator Edward Kennedy on immigration reform.

From the Chicago Tribune:

NYT Endorses Clinton and McCain

CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S THE SWAMP

by Lisa Anderson

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/nyt_endorses_clinton_and_mc_ca.html

COLUMBIA, S.C.—The New York Times came out Thursday night endorsing New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as “the best choice for the Democratic Party as it tries to regain the White House” and Arizona Sen. John McCain as “the only “Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe.”

…

But McCain, the New York Times said, “has been a staunch advocate of campaign finance reform, working with Senator Russ Feingold, among the most liberal of Democrats, on groundbreaking legislation, just as he worked with Senator Edward Kennedy on immigration reform. That doesn’t make him a moderate, but it makes him the best choice for the party’s presidential nomination.”

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,Liberal "Republican"

MCCAIN ON MCCAIN-LIEBERMAN (Rhetoric)

MCCAIN ON MCCAIN-LIEBERMAN:

RHETORIC:

McCain Praised His Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill With Senator Lieberman. MCCAIN: "Joe Lieberman and I, one of my favorite Democrats and I have proposed -- we did the same thing with acid rain. They're doing it in Europe now, although not very well. What we're saying is look, if you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, you'll earn a credit. If somebody else is going to increase their's, you can sell it to them. Meanwhile we have a gradual reduction in the greenhouse emissions." (MSNBC, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

REALITY:

Sen. McCain Has Repeatedly Teamed Up With Sen. Joe Lieberman To Push Radical Climate Change Legislation:

McCain-Lieberman Would Have Capped Carbon Dioxide Emissions. "The latest bill rejected by the Senate, sponsored by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz, and Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., would have mandated caps on carbon dioxide and a market-oriented system for trading them. Those who needed more energy could theoretically buy credits from those who could make do with less. But government would still have to establish the overall cap on energy use." (Thomas Bray, Op-Ed, "Public Rejects Giving Control Of Energy Use To Government," The Detroit News, 6/26/05)

• McCain-Lieberman Would Have Hiked Gas Prices. "The increases in gasoline prices projected to occur (is) 9 percent in 2010 and 19 percent in 2025.” (“Analysis Of Senate Amendment 2028, The Climate Stewardship Act Of 2003,” Energy Information Administration, 1/6/07)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration Estimated That McCain’s Global Warming Legislation Would Have Decreased U.S. GDP By $776 Billion. “The cumulative losses in actual GDP are about $776 billion (1996 dollars) in the SA.2028 (McCain-Lieberman).... The peak, single-year impact on actual GDP under SA.2028 occurs in 2025, with a loss of $76 billion (1996 dollars), or about 0.4 percent of GDP. The largest percentage change in actual GDP, 0.5 percent, occurs in 2011, where the estimated loss in actual GDP that year is $57 billion…" (“Analysis Of Senate Amendment 2028, The Climate Stewardship Act Of 2003,” Energy Information Administration, 1/6/07)

"Impact Of McCain-Lieberman * If The Climate Stewardship Act Passes, It Would Increase:

• Energy Costs By 30 To 50 Percent.
• Unemployment By Nine Percent.
• Electricity Costs By 46 Percent.
• Fuel Oil Prices By 33 Percent.

• Inflation By 27 Percent." (Editorial, "Climate Stewardship Bill Would Starve U.S. Economy," The Detroit News, 10/30/03)

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Said McCain-Lieberman Was "The Right Thing To Do." "Continuing his fight for environmental protection and energy security, Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) today joined a bipartisan group of Senators in offering an amendment to the Energy Bill that would ensure that America takes a leadership role in addressing the effects of global climate change. … Kerry said. 'It is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.'" (Sen. John Kerry, "Kerry Joins Bipartisan Group In Offering Climate Change Amendment To Energy Bill," Press Release, 6/22/05)

Sens. McCain, Kerry And Lieberman Voted For Global Warming Legislation That Was Soundly Rejected By Senate Republicans And Democrats. 49 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against McCain’s "greenhouse gas" amendment to the energy bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #148: Rejected 38-60: R 6-49; D 31-11; I 1-0, 6/22/05, McCain, Kerry and Lieberman Voted Yea)

National Review Called McCain's Legislation "Kyoto By Another Name." "Who does Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) think he is fooling?  McCain's Climate Stewardship Act, cosponsored with Sen. Joe Lieberman (D., Conn.), is a political roadmap back to the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations global-warming treaty that the Senate preemptively rejected by a vote of 95-0 in July 1997." (Marlo Lewis, "Kyoto By Another Name," National Review, 6/16/04)

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,McCain-Lieberman

McCain has belittled his own knowledge on economics

McCain has belittled his own knowledge on economics

POLITICO

Jonathan Martin

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0108/McCain_has_belittled_his_own_knowledge_on_economics.html

McCain, faced with his own past statements pooh-pooh'ing his grasp of economic issues, said "I don’t know where you got that quote from."

Moderator Tim Russert probably got it from the Wall Street Journal.

"I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues," McCain told the paper's Steve Moore in 2005.  "I still need to be educated."

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,Economics

Sen. McCain: "'The Issue Of Economics Is Not Something I've Understood As Well As I Should."

During tonight’s debate in Florida, Senator John McCain questioned where a quote came from that cited his own admission that he does not understand economics.

Here is Senator McCain’s admission:

Sen. McCain: "'The Issue Of Economics Is Not Something I've Understood As Well As I Should." "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.'" (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, Posted 12/18/07)

Sen. McCain Says He Doesn't Fully Understand Economic Issues:

Sen. McCain: "'The Issue Of Economics Is Not Something I've Understood As Well As I Should." "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.'" (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, Posted 12/18/07)

· Sen. McCain: "I Still Need To Be Educated." "On a broader range of economic issues, though, Mr. McCain readily departs from Reaganomics. His philosophy is best described as a work in progress. He is refreshingly blunt when he tells me: 'I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.'" (Stephen Moore, "Reform, Reform, Reform," OpinionJournal.com, 11/26/05)

Technorati Tags: McCain,Economics,GOP 2008

SEN. MCCAIN ON HIS UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMICS

In Tonight's Debate, Sen. McCain Denied That His Own Comment On His Understanding Of Economics:

McCain Dismissed His Own Comments When Tim Russert Quoted Him Saying He Did Not Know About Economics. RUSSERT: "National security in the war in Iraq a dominant issue in the campaign until a few weeks ago. Now the economy has taken hold. If you ask any of the voters, it's the economy. You have said repeatedly, quote, I know a lot less about economics than I do about military or foreign policy issues. I need to be educated. is it a problem for the campaign that the economy is the most important issue, one by your own acknowledgment you're not well versed on." MCCAIN: "I don't know where you got that quote from." (MSNBC, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

But Sen. McCain Himself Said He Doesn't Understand Economic Issues:

Sen. McCain: "The Issue Of Economics Is Not Something I've Understood As Well As I Should." "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.'" (Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, www.boston.com, Posted 12/18/07)

• Sen. McCain: "I Still Need To Be Educated." "On a broader range of economic issues, though, Mr. McCain readily departs from Reaganomics. His philosophy is best described as a work in progress. He is refreshingly blunt when he tells me: 'I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.'" (Stephen Moore, "Reform, Reform, Reform," OpinionJournal.com, 11/26/05)

Technorati Tags: McCain,Economy,GOP 2008

SEN. MCCAIN ON THE BUSH TAX CUTS

In Tonight's Debate, Sen. McCain Called On Making The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent, And Said Not Doing So Would Amount To A Tax Increase:

McCain: We Should Make The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent. "I'm disappointed because I think it's very important that we make the bush tax cuts permanent. I voted to make them permanent twice already…. If we don't make the tax cuts permanent, they will have what amounts to a tax increase." (MSNBC, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

But Sen. McCain Voted Against The 2001 And 2003 Bush Tax Cuts:

In 2001, McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Vote Against The $1.35 Trillion Tax Cut. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31; I 0-0, 5/26/01, McCain Voted Nay)

In 2003, McCain Was One Of Only Three Republicans To Twice Vote Against The $350 Billion Tax Cut. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, McCain Voted Nay)

In 2004, Sen. McCain "Clearly" Opposed Making The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent:

In 2004, McCain Said He Was Against Making The Bush Tax Cuts "For Higher Income People" Permanent. SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "They want to make the tax cuts for higher-income people permanent, and I don't want that." (NPR's "Morning Edition," 6/16/04)

· Sen. McCain: "I Would Clearly Support Not Extending Those Tax Cuts." RUSSERT: "Since the Civil War, every president who has been at war has increased taxes. Should the president consider postponing his tax cut?" MCCAIN: "I would have – I voted against the tax cuts because of the disproportionate amount that went to the wealthiest Americans. I would clearly support not extending those tax cuts in order to help address the deficit. But the middle-income tax credits, the families, the child tax credits, the marriage tax credits, all of those I would keep." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 4/11/04; www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLSookkRNIk)

Just Weeks Ago, Sen. McCain Said His Votes Against The Bush Tax Cuts Were Not Mistakes:

Sen. McCain Still Believes He Was Right To Vote Against Numerous Republican Tax Cuts. NBC's TIM RUSSERT: "Do you believe that voting against the Bush tax cuts was a mistake?" SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "Of course not." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/6/08; www.youtube.com/watch?v=5swpJxMNU-A)

Technorati Tags: John McCain,Tax Policy,GOP 2008

Senator McCain Can't Defend and Explain is Votes Against Bush Tax Cuts

 

Senator McCain has had trouble defending and explaining his votes against the Bush tax cuts.  During an interview this morning, Senator McCain—during the course of just one sentence—highlighted the fact that he voted against the Bush tax cuts that he now says he favors extending. Vote against tax cuts…then say you’re for the tax cuts?  Quite a waltz to dance.

Here’s a web video that highlights these contradictory stances, titled “Waltz.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StZcJWpmKwk

The script and ad fact follow:

Script For "Waltz":

CHYRON: "John McCain…on taxes."

"First he says…"

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "I've always been for tax cuts."

CHYRON: "Then he says…"

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "Although I voted against the first tax cuts."

CHYRON: "What was that?"

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "I've always been for tax cuts.  I have always, although I voted against the first tax cuts."

CHYRON: "One more time."

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "I've always been for tax cuts.  I have always, although I voted against the first tax cuts."

CHYRON: "John McCain.  Always for tax cuts.  Except when he's against them."

Ad Fact For "Waltz":

Sen. John McCain: "I've been involved in all of these issues, I know how to stop the irresponsible spending. I've always been for tax cuts, I have always…uh… although, I voted against the first tax cuts, but these tax cuts have to be made permanent…" (Fox News' "Fox & Friends," 1/24/08)

Technorati Tags: John McCain,GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Tax Policy,Economy

MORTON BLACKWELL (Conservative Leadership Institute) ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Today, Morton Blackwell, President of the conservative Leadership Institute, announced his support for Governor Mitt Romney.  Note that when Mr. Blackwell endorsed Senator Fred Thompson in December of 2007, Senator Thompson called him “one of the most respected leaders of the conservative movement in America.”

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Blackwell

Jonathan Martin at Politico comments:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0108/Romney_lands_movement_conservative_figure.html

“Mitt Romney has picked up the support of Morton Blackwell, a veteran conservative warrior who previously backed Fred Thompson. Blackwell is the GOP's national committeeman from Virginia, but he's better known to conservatives as chief of the Leadership Institute, a training center for ambitious young Republicans. With the race increasingly appearing to match Romney versus McCain, more movement conservative figures such as Blackwell will surely side with the candidate opposing who some on the right still view as their intra-party bete noire.”

MORTON BLACKWELL ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Today, Morton Blackwell, President of the conservative Leadership Institute, announced his support for Governor Mitt Romney and his candidacy for President of the United States.  Morton Blackwell is a leader in the conservative movement and the long-standing Republican National Committeeman from Virginia. 

"The only way conservatives are going to beat the Democrats this year is if we unite the major elements of our coalition.  Governor Romney is the only candidate who can bring conservative change to Washington now and maintain the conservative coalition so many of us helped Ronald Reagan build.  I am proud to support Governor Romney," said Morton Blackwell. 

Welcoming today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Across this country, thousands of conservatives have been inspired by Morton Blackwell's leadership.  The conservative movement is stronger because of him.  It is an honor to have him as part of our team as we work to bring conservative change to Washington and build a stronger America." 

Background On Morton Blackwell:

Morton Blackwell Is President Of The Leadership Institute, A Non-Partisan Educational Foundation He Founded In 1979.  As its mission, the Leadership Institute prepares conservatives for success in politics, government and the media.  In 1988, Blackwell was elected as Virginia's Republican National Committeeman (RNC), a post he holds to this day.  In 2004, he was elected to the RNC Executive Committee.  He was Barry Goldwater's youngest elected national convention delegate in 1964 and has participated in every national GOP convention since then.  From 1981 to 1984, he served as a Special Assistant to the President on President Reagan's White House Staff.  In the 1960's and 1970's, Blackwell held national leadership positions in the College Republicans and Young Republicans.

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,Endorsements,Mitt Romney

Host of Former Thompson Conservative Lawyers and Scholars Join Romney Camp

The Chicago Tribune writes of today’s additions to the campaign’s Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts:

“A far as legal-brained firepower goes, the chief beneficiary of Fred Thompson’s decision to pull out of the presidential race is Mitt Romney. … Romney’s committee can go toe-to-toe with Rudy Giuliani’s legal advisory group.”

As they say on the Internets, read the whole thing:

Romney transplants Thompson's braintrust

CHICAGO TRIBUNE’s THE SWAMP

by James Oliphant

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/romney_transplants_thompsons_b.html#more

A far as legal-brained firepower goes, the chief beneficiary of Fred Thompson’s decision to pull out of the presidential race is Mitt Romney.

The Romney campaign Thursday announced that a host of conservative lawyers and scholars who were backing Thompson have joined the Romney camp.

Among them is Victoria Toensing, who made her mark as an anti-terrorism policy-maker at the Justice Department during the Reagan administration. Toensing is joined by her husband (and fellow regular on the cable news circuit) Joseph diGenova, the former U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C.

To date, Romney’s conservative legal cabal has been notable for the presence of Catholic scholars such as Douglas Kmiec, the former dean of Catholic University and another Justice Department lawyer under Reagan, ostensibly because of the candidate’s anti-abortion position.

The Thompson diaspora diversifies his advisory group a bit, bringing along Justice Department officials who recently served in the George W. Bush administration, including Viet Dinh, a leading architect of anti-terrorism department policy under John Ashcroft who is now a professor at Georgetown University, and Rachel Brand and Noel Francisco, two more former high-level policymakers.

Also notable is Eugene Scalia, a former top lawyer at the Labor Department and son of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Romney’s committee can go toe-to-toe with Rudy Giuliani’s legal advisory group, which also consists of a variety of former high-level Justice Department officials and conservative scholars. The two candidates seem to have staked out most of this particular field between them.

Such committees are instructive, not only to shine a light on the particular views held by the candidate, but also in terms of how he is likely to govern should he win election. The lawyers and advisers involved are likely to be involved in transition teams that would supervise hiring at key positions across the executive branch. And many of them could end up in high-level policymaking roles themselves.

Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced new additions to the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  Note that among the additions are nine former members of Lawyers for Fred Thompson.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Constitution_Courts_Additions

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced new additions to the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  This group, chaired by Professor Douglas W. Kmiec, former constitutional legal counsel to President Ronald Reagan, has been advising Governor Romney on the important legal issues confronting the country today.

Joining Romney for President after having served as National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Fred Thompson, Victoria Toensing said, "Appointing strong judges is one of our President's most important responsibilities.  The next President will make a number of appointments, and I am confident Governor Romney will nominate judges in the mold of President Bush's nominees, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito.  I am proud to work with Governor Romney and this outstanding group of legal minds." 

Also joining the Advisory committee from Lawyers for Fred Thompson are Lizette D. Benedi, Rachel L. Brand, Reginald Brown, Charles J. Cooper, Joseph E. diGenova, Michael R. Dimino, Viet D. Dinh, Noel J. Francisco and Eileen J. O'Connor.

Eugene Scalia, who served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, has also joined the committee.  "Governor Romney has the ability, experience, and values to serve as an exceptional President," he said.   "He appreciates the role of the courts and rule of law in our society."

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "It is an honor to have the counsel of so many distinguished men and women.  Together, they represent years of experience in the legal field and their help to this campaign will be invaluable." 

Governor Romney also announced that Victoria Toensing and Joseph diGenova will serve on the Steering Committee of Lawyers for Romney in addition to their roles on the Advisory Committee.

New Members Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts:

• Lizette D. Benedi – Counsel, Bancroft Associates; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• James F. Blackstock – Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Shoney's Restaurant Company;  Former Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, CBRL Group, Inc.

• Rachel L. Brand – Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Reginald J. Brown – Partner, WilmerHale; Former Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Deputy General Counsel to Florida Governor Jeb Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Daniel Collins – Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP; Former Associate Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States; Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of California; Former Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice; Lawyers for Fred California Co-Chair.

• Charles J. Cooper – Partner, Cooper & Kirk, PLLC; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Law Clerk, then-Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Professor George Dent – Schott-van den Eynden Professor, Case Western Law School; Director, National Association of Scholars; President, Ohio Association of Scholars; Former Law Clerk, Judge Paul R. Hays, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

• Joseph E. diGenova – Partner, diGenova & Toensing; Former Chief Counsel and Staff Director, Senate Rules Committee; Former Counsel, Senate Judiciary, Governmental Affairs and Select Intelligence Committees; Former United States Attorney, District of Columbia; Lawyers for Fred Maryland Chair.

• Professor Michael R. Dimino – Associate Professor of Law, Widener Law School; Former Chief Clerk, Judge Albert M. Rosenblatt, New York State Court of Appeals; Former Law Clerk, Judge Laurence H. Silberman, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; Former Law Clerk, Judge Paul L. Friedman, United States District Court for the District of Columbia; Lawyers for Fred Pennsylvania Co-Chair and Legal Professors Committee.

• Viet D. Dinh – Principal, Bancroft Associates; Professor of Law and Co-Director of Asian Law & Policy Studies, Georgetown University Law Center; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Noel J. Francisco – Partner, Jones Day; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred Steering Committee. 

• Professor Jimmy Gurule – Professor, Notre Dame Law School; Former Undersecretary for Enforcement, United States Department of Treasury, for President George W. Bush; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, for President George H.W. Bush.

• Richard D. Klingler – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Senior Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former General Counsel and Legal Adviser, National Security Council; Former Law Clerk to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States, and to Judge Kenneth W. Starr, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

• Professor Grant S. Nelson – William H. Rehnquist Professor of Law, Pepperdine University; Former Commissioner, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

• Eileen J. O'Connor – Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Former Assistant Attorney General, Tax Division, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Thomas R. Phillips – Partner, Baker Botts; Former Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court; Former President, Conference of Chief Justices. 

• Eugene Scalia – Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Former Solicitor of Labor, United States Department of Labor; Former Special Assistant, United States Attorney General William P. Barr; Former Aide, United States Education Secretary William J. Bennett.

• Victoria Toensing – Partner, diGenova & Toensing; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Chief Counsel, United States Senator Barry Goldwater; National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

Previously Announced Members Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts:

• Committee Chair Douglas W. Kmiec – Caruso Family Chair & Professor of Constitutional Law, Pepperdine University; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice.

• Bradford A. Berenson – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States and Judge Laurence H. Silberman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Chairman, The Federalist Society, Executive Committee of the Criminal Law and Procedure Practice Group.

• Elliot S. Berke – General Counsel, Barbour Griffith & Rogers and Of Counsel, McGahn & Associates; Former Counsel to the Speaker of the House; Former General Counsel to the House Majority Leader.

• Michelle Boardman – Assistant Professor, George Mason School of Law; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• James Bopp, Jr. – Partner, Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom; General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech; Special Adviser on Life Issues to Governor Mitt Romney.

• Jamie Brown – Principal, Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti; Former Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• Allen Ferrell – Greenfield Professor of Securities Law, Harvard Law School; Former Law Clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States and Judge Laurence Silberman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

• D. Cameron Findlay – Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Aon Corporation; Former Deputy Secretary of Labor for President George W. Bush; Deputy Assistant to President George H. W. Bush; Former Law Clerk to Justice Antonin G. Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Timothy Flanigan – Former General Counsel, Corporate and International Law, Tyco International; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George H.W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Tom Gede – Principal, Bingham Consulting Group; Former Executive Director, Conference of Western Attorneys General; Former Deputy Attorney General, California Attorney General's Office.

• Allyson Ho – Associate, Baker Botts; Former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Counselor to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft; Former Law Clerk, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States.

• James Huffman – Erskine Wood Sr. Professor of Law (and former Dean), Lewis & Clark Law School; Former Chairman, The Federalist Society, Executive Committee of the Environment and Property Rights Practice Group.

• Jay Jorgensen – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States, and then-Judge Samuel Alito, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

• Christopher Landau – Partner and Head of the Appellate Litigation Practice Group, Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Former Law Clerk, Justices Antonin G. Scalia and Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court of the United States.

• David G. Leitch – General Counsel, Ford Motor Company; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Wendy Long – Chief Counsel, Judicial Confirmation Network; Former Law Clerk, Justice Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Gary L. McDowell – Tyler Haynes Professor of Leadership Studies, Political Science, and Law in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond; Former Chief Speech Writer to Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III.

• Mark D. Nielsen – Vice President, Legal, Raytheon Corporation; Former Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel to Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

• Howard C. Nielson, Jr. – Of Counsel, Cooper & Kirk; Former Counsel to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft; Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States, and former Judge J. Michael Luttig, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

• Stephen Presser – Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History, Northwestern University School of Law.

• Kristi Remington – Principal, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• Gene Schaerr – Partner and Chair of the Nationwide Appellate Litigation Group, Winston & Strawn LLP; Former Associate White House Counsel to President George H. W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Antonin G. Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States, and to former Judge Kenneth W. Starr, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Chairman, Constitutional Sources Project.

• Jay Sekulow – Constitutional Law and Supreme Court Advocate.

• Bradley A. Smith – Professor of Law, Capital University Law; Of Counsel, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease; Former Chairman, Federal Election Commission.

• Matthew Spalding – Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, The Heritage Foundation.

• Jay B. Stephens – Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Raytheon Company; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President Ronald Reagan; Former Associate Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former United States Attorney for the District Of Columbia for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

• Richard K. Willard – Partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP; Former Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Law Clerk, Justice Harry Blackmun, Supreme Court of the United States, and then-Judge Anthony M. Kennedy, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

*Organization names are listed for identification purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements by such organizations.

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Conservatives,Campaign

Mitt Romney Ad TV Ad in FL: "Winning Combination"

 

In this campaign, Governor Romney is the only "full-spectrum conservative" that has the experience, vision and values we need when confronting the challenges our nation faces today.  On the economy, his message is "stronger."  Governor Romney is "at his best in crisis mode."  In this election, he has "the credentials to run the country."  In this campaign, newspapers and magazines agree that Governor Romney has the "winning combination."

The ad will begin airing today in Florida.  Script and ad facts follow:

Script For "Winning Combination" (TV :30):

ANNOUNCER 1:  "The economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race and Mitt Romney's message is stronger."

ANNOUNCER 2:  "He's the 'full-spectrum conservative.'"

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life.'"

ANNOUNCER 2:  "'The credentials to run the country.'  'Romney was at his best in crisis mode.'" 

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A winning combination, we vote for Mitt Romney.'"

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

AD FACTS: Script For "Winning Combination" (TV :30):

ANNOUNCER 1:  "The economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race and Mitt Romney's message is stronger."

· CHYRON:  "The economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race, and Romney's message on the subject is stronger…"

· Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes: "The Economy Is Emerging As The Overriding Issue In The 2008 Presidential Race, And Romney's Message On The Subject Is Stronger…" "Mitt Romney had a light home field advantage in the Michigan primary since he grew up in Detroit and his dad was a three-term governor. But that's not why he won. Romney defeated John McCain because the economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race, and Romney's message on the subject is stronger than McCain's. And Romney is far more comfortable and persuasive in talking about the economy." (Fred Barnes, "Romney Gets The Gold," Weekly Standard, 1/16/08)

ANNOUNCER 2:  "He's the 'full-spectrum conservative.'"  ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life.'"

· CHYRON:  "Romney is a full-spectrum conservative."

· CHYRON:  "A supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life."

· National Review: "Romney Is A Full-Spectrum Conservative." "Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest." (Editorial, "Romney for President," National Review, 12/11/07)

ANNOUNCER 2:  "'The credentials to run the country.'  'Romney was at his best in crisis mode.'" 

· CHYRON:  "Romney … has the credentials to run the country."

· CHYRON:  "Romney was at his best in crisis mode." 

· The Oakland Press: Romney "Has The Credentials To Run The Country." "Meanwhile, Mitt Romney certainly has the credentials to run the country. He is a former Massachusetts governor who turned that state's economy around and proved to be a more than able leader." (Editorial, "'Favorite Son' Romney Is Best GOP Choice In Primary," The Oakland Press, 1/11/08)

· "Romney Was At His Best In Crisis Mode." "Many other observers say Romney was at his best in crisis mode, taking charge of an issue and seeing it through to resolution." (Brian C. Mooney, et al., "Ambitious Goals," The Boston Globe, 6/30/07)

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A winning combination, we vote for Mitt Romney.'"  GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

· CHYRON:  "A winning combination … we vote for Mitt Romney." 

· National Review: "We Vote For Mitt Romney." "More than the other primary candidates, Romney has President Bush's virtues and avoids his flaws. His moral positions, and his instincts on taxes and foreign policy, are the same. But he is less inclined to federal activism, less tolerant of overspending, better able to defend conservative positions in debate, and more likely to demand performance from his subordinates. A winning combination, by our lights. In this most fluid and unpredictable Republican field, we vote for Mitt Romney." (Editorial, "Romney for President," National Review, 12/11/07)\

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,Mitt Romney,Economy,Conservatives

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced new additions to the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  Note that among the additions are nine former members of Lawyers for Fred Thompson.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Constitution_Courts_Additions

GOVERNOR ROMNEY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COURTS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced new additions to the Romney for President Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts.  This group, chaired by Professor Douglas W. Kmiec, former constitutional legal counsel to President Ronald Reagan, has been advising Governor Romney on the important legal issues confronting the country today.

Joining Romney for President after having served as National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Fred Thompson, Victoria Toensing said, "Appointing strong judges is one of our President's most important responsibilities.  The next President will make a number of appointments, and I am confident Governor Romney will nominate judges in the mold of President Bush's nominees, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito.  I am proud to work with Governor Romney and this outstanding group of legal minds." 

Also joining the Advisory committee from Lawyers for Fred Thompson are Lizette D. Benedi, Rachel L. Brand, Reginald Brown, Charles J. Cooper, Joseph E. diGenova, Michael R. Dimino, Viet D. Dinh, Noel J. Francisco and Eileen J. O'Connor.

Eugene Scalia, who served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, has also joined the committee.  "Governor Romney has the ability, experience, and values to serve as an exceptional President," he said.   "He appreciates the role of the courts and rule of law in our society."

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "It is an honor to have the counsel of so many distinguished men and women.  Together, they represent years of experience in the legal field and their help to this campaign will be invaluable." 

Governor Romney also announced that Victoria Toensing and Joseph diGenova will serve on the Steering Committee of Lawyers for Romney in addition to their roles on the Advisory Committee.

New Members Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts:

• Lizette D. Benedi – Counsel, Bancroft Associates; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• James F. Blackstock – Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Shoney's Restaurant Company;  Former Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, CBRL Group, Inc.

• Rachel L. Brand – Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Reginald J. Brown – Partner, WilmerHale; Former Special Assistant to the President and Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Deputy General Counsel to Florida Governor Jeb Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Daniel Collins – Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP; Former Associate Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States; Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Central District of California; Former Attorney Advisor, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice; Lawyers for Fred California Co-Chair.

• Charles J. Cooper – Partner, Cooper & Kirk, PLLC; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Law Clerk, then-Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Professor George Dent – Schott-van den Eynden Professor, Case Western Law School; Director, National Association of Scholars; President, Ohio Association of Scholars; Former Law Clerk, Judge Paul R. Hays, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

• Joseph E. diGenova – Partner, diGenova & Toensing; Former Chief Counsel and Staff Director, Senate Rules Committee; Former Counsel, Senate Judiciary, Governmental Affairs and Select Intelligence Committees; Former United States Attorney, District of Columbia; Lawyers for Fred Maryland Chair.

• Professor Michael R. Dimino – Associate Professor of Law, Widener Law School; Former Chief Clerk, Judge Albert M. Rosenblatt, New York State Court of Appeals; Former Law Clerk, Judge Laurence H. Silberman, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; Former Law Clerk, Judge Paul L. Friedman, United States District Court for the District of Columbia; Lawyers for Fred Pennsylvania Co-Chair and Legal Professors Committee.

• Viet D. Dinh – Principal, Bancroft Associates; Professor of Law and Co-Director of Asian Law & Policy Studies, Georgetown University Law Center; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Noel J. Francisco – Partner, Jones Day; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States; Lawyers for Fred Steering Committee. 

• Professor Jimmy Gurule – Professor, Notre Dame Law School; Former Undersecretary for Enforcement, United States Department of Treasury, for President George W. Bush; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, for President George H.W. Bush.

• Richard D. Klingler – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Senior Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former General Counsel and Legal Adviser, National Security Council; Former Law Clerk to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States, and to Judge Kenneth W. Starr, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

• Professor Grant S. Nelson – William H. Rehnquist Professor of Law, Pepperdine University; Former Commissioner, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.

• Eileen J. O'Connor – Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; Former Assistant Attorney General, Tax Division, United States Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

• Thomas R. Phillips – Partner, Baker Botts; Former Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court; Former President, Conference of Chief Justices. 

• Eugene Scalia – Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Former Solicitor of Labor, United States Department of Labor; Former Special Assistant, United States Attorney General William P. Barr; Former Aide, United States Education Secretary William J. Bennett.

• Victoria Toensing – Partner, diGenova & Toensing; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Chief Counsel, United States Senator Barry Goldwater; National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Fred National Steering Committee.

Previously Announced Members Of The Advisory Committee On The Constitution And The Courts:

• Committee Chair Douglas W. Kmiec – Caruso Family Chair & Professor of Constitutional Law, Pepperdine University; Former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice.

• Bradford A. Berenson – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Associate White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States and Judge Laurence H. Silberman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Chairman, The Federalist Society, Executive Committee of the Criminal Law and Procedure Practice Group.

• Elliot S. Berke – General Counsel, Barbour Griffith & Rogers and Of Counsel, McGahn & Associates; Former Counsel to the Speaker of the House; Former General Counsel to the House Majority Leader.

• Michelle Boardman – Assistant Professor, George Mason School of Law; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• James Bopp, Jr. – Partner, Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom; General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech; Special Adviser on Life Issues to Governor Mitt Romney.

• Jamie Brown – Principal, Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti; Former Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• Allen Ferrell – Greenfield Professor of Securities Law, Harvard Law School; Former Law Clerk to Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States and Judge Laurence Silberman, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

• D. Cameron Findlay – Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Aon Corporation; Former Deputy Secretary of Labor for President George W. Bush; Deputy Assistant to President George H. W. Bush; Former Law Clerk to Justice Antonin G. Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Timothy Flanigan – Former General Counsel, Corporate and International Law, Tyco International; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George H.W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Tom Gede – Principal, Bingham Consulting Group; Former Executive Director, Conference of Western Attorneys General; Former Deputy Attorney General, California Attorney General's Office.

• Allyson Ho – Associate, Baker Botts; Former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Counselor to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft; Former Law Clerk, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Supreme Court of the United States.

• James Huffman – Erskine Wood Sr. Professor of Law (and former Dean), Lewis & Clark Law School; Former Chairman, The Federalist Society, Executive Committee of the Environment and Property Rights Practice Group.

• Jay Jorgensen – Partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States, and then-Judge Samuel Alito, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

• Christopher Landau – Partner and Head of the Appellate Litigation Practice Group, Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Former Law Clerk, Justices Antonin G. Scalia and Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court of the United States.

• David G. Leitch – General Counsel, Ford Motor Company; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Wendy Long – Chief Counsel, Judicial Confirmation Network; Former Law Clerk, Justice Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court of the United States.

• Gary L. McDowell – Tyler Haynes Professor of Leadership Studies, Political Science, and Law in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond; Former Chief Speech Writer to Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III.

• Mark D. Nielsen – Vice President, Legal, Raytheon Corporation; Former Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel to Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

• Howard C. Nielson, Jr. – Of Counsel, Cooper & Kirk; Former Counsel to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft; Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Supreme Court of the United States, and former Judge J. Michael Luttig, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

• Stephen Presser – Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History, Northwestern University School of Law.

• Kristi Remington – Principal, Blank Rome Government Relations LLC; Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush.

• Gene Schaerr – Partner and Chair of the Nationwide Appellate Litigation Group, Winston & Strawn LLP; Former Associate White House Counsel to President George H. W. Bush; Former Law Clerk, Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Antonin G. Scalia, Supreme Court of the United States, and to former Judge Kenneth W. Starr, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; Chairman, Constitutional Sources Project.

• Jay Sekulow – Constitutional Law and Supreme Court Advocate.

• Bradley A. Smith – Professor of Law, Capital University Law; Of Counsel, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease; Former Chairman, Federal Election Commission.

• Matthew Spalding – Director of the B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, The Heritage Foundation.

• Jay B. Stephens – Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Raytheon Company; Former Deputy White House Counsel to President Ronald Reagan; Former Associate Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, for President George W. Bush; Former United States Attorney for the District Of Columbia for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

• Richard K. Willard – Partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP; Former Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, for President Ronald Reagan; Former Law Clerk, Justice Harry Blackmun, Supreme Court of the United States, and then-Judge Anthony M. Kennedy, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

*Organization names are listed for identification purposes only and should not be construed as endorsements by such organizations.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Conservatives

Ann Romney on Mitt Romney the Economic Mr. Fix-It, A Turn Around Artist

Technorati Tags: Ann Rommey,Mitt Romney,Economy,GOP 2008

Governor Romney Addresses Stock Market Fluctuations: "We Need Stimulus Package"

Tuesday, Governor Romney addressed members of the media about the volatility in stock markets today, and the need for an immediate stimulus in the economy.  Below are excerpts of Governor Romney's remarks:

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/FL_Press_Conference_1.22

"I think people recognize now more than ever, that it makes a difference having a President who has actually had a job in the private sector.  And not just had a job there, but has worked for 25 years in the private sector, and then in the Olympics and the voluntary sector, and then in government.  I believe that experience is critical right now.

"We're all watching with great interest the developments of the stock market.  The stock market means a great deal to people living on fixed incomes that may have savings that are being affected by what's happening there.  They want to see greater stability.  But of course, more significant even than the stock market turbulence is the concern in the overall market, and the fear that we may head toward a recession.  It's important that we take very aggressive action to turn the market away from a recession, to turn our nation away from a recession.  That's why I've proposed a very bold economic stimulus plan.  I know that's why the Federal Reserve has taken very unusual action with regards to their rate cut today.

"There's a very decent concern about the implications of a recession and for that reason, my plan, as you know, calls for a three-part strategy to address a potential slowdown, or the slowdown itself, and that is it relates to help in housing to keep people in homes, help with individual incomes so people are able buy more and keep our economy going, and help with businesses so they purchase more capital equipment and therefore are putting in place the orders that will create more jobs."

Technorati Tags: Governor Mitt Romney,Mitt Romney,Economy,US Economy,Stock Market,Stimulus Package

U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) Endorses Mitt Romney

Today, U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) announced that he is endorsing Governor Mitt Romney and his campaign for President of the United States.  Congressman Rohrabacher joins a strong Romney for President California team that includes Congressmen Howard "Buck" McKeon, John Campbell and Wally Herger.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Rohrabacher

Making today's announcement, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher issued the following statement:  "Our country is facing great challenges.  Among the most ominous is illegal immigration, which has been permitted to spin out of control for the last decade and a half.  The safety of our country and the prosperity of our people are at great risk because of the magnitude of this problem.  Mitt Romney is the candidate I trust most to take the steps necessary to secure our borders and protect the American people.

"Governor Romney can also be expected to provide strong economic leadership because he is the only candidate with private sector experience and a successful track record of creating jobs and managing a major corporation.

"I'm confident in Governor Romney's character and commitment to the principals at the heart of the Republican party.  I cannot say that about the other candidates vying for the Republican nomination.  Mitt Romney is the best candidate available for our party's nomination, and I'm going to vote for and support him.  I encourage my fellow conservatives to do the same."

Welcoming Congressman Rohrabacher's support, Governor Romney said, "Throughout his time in Washington, Congressman Rohrabacher has stood strong for our Republican, conservative values.  He has been a steadfast voice for fiscal responsibility, border security and limited government.  These are values that our leaders in Washington cannot abdicate.  I am grateful that Congressman Rohrabacher will be joining our campaign, and I look forward to seeing him in California."

Background On Congressman Dana Rohrabacher:

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher Is Serving His Ninth Term Representing California's 46th Congressional District.  Representative Rohrabacher is the Ranking Member of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on International Relations and is a senior member of the House Committee on Science.  He's noted for his principled decision-making, commitment to issues on illegal immigration, national security and responsible economic policy.  Throughout his years in Congress, Representative Rohrabacher has been a strong voice for fiscal restraint and has earned the praise of the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Prior to his first election to Congress in 1988, Representative Rohrabacher served as Special Assistant to President Reagan and was one of the President's senior speechwriters.  In Congress, he has been a strong advocate for the principles of President Reagan.   Prior to joining Ronald Reagan's White House staff, he was an editorial writer for the Orange County Register.  He and his wife are the proud parents of triplets.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Endoresements,California GOP2008. GOP 2008

Mitt Romney's Remarks Regarding Fred Thompson's Decision to Drop Out of the GOP 2008 Race

Yesterday, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on former Senator Fred Thompson withdrawing his candidacy for President of the United States:

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Thompson_Statement

"Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them.  He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together.  Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign."

Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson,Mitt Romney,Conservatives,Republican

Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) Endorses Mitt Romney

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).   

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Endorsement_Cochran

"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." 

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Endoresements,GOP 2008,Republican,Conservatives,Family,Values

Huckabee, "I'm Broke", Unpaid Staff Walk Away

Washington Prowler
Huckabee Broke
By The Prowler
Published 1/22/2008 12:08:32 AM

Less than a month after a huge upset victory, and promises that fundraising would be ramped up, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is asking his senior staff to keep working for him without pay, while lower level campaign staff are seeing their salaries cut dramatically or eliminated altogether.

"The goal is to get a leaner, meaner campaign structure moving into Super Tuesday," says a senior campaign adviser.
But many of those being asked to take the cut are refusing, and walking away, leaving the campaign with holes to fill.

"The money simply hasn't come in at the rate that we expected," says the aide. "Florida is a $7 million commitment that we can't meet, and if we did, that leaves us exposed for Super Tuesday, where we have a lot of states and a lot media buys. We had to make tough decisions."

Technorati Tags: Huckabee,GOP 2008

Mitt Romney: "Conservative Change"

 

The ad features Governor Romney addressing the need for conservative change in Washington, especially when our economy is slowing.  With the experience of having worked in business and the vision for strengthening our economy, Governor Romney is ready to take action today.  He has proposed a conservative strategy to cut individual taxes, reduce the tax burden on businesses, make America more globally competitive and help guide homeowners through this housing crisis.  With our economy facing challenge, we need a leader with Governor Romney's experience and plan to strengthen America.

The ad will begin airing today in Florida.  The script and ad facts follow: 

Script For "Conservative Change" (TV :30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Today our economy is slowing.  Many feel anxious about the future.

"I know how America works because I've spent my life in the real economy.

"I ran a business, turned around the Olympics, and I led a state.

"My plan will make our economy strong.

"We need to invest in people and businesses with tax cuts that will get us moving again.

"Washington is broken, but we can fix it with real conservative change.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

AD FACTS: Script For "Conservative Change" (TV :30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Today our economy is slowing.  Many feel anxious about the future."

· Florida Times-Union: "Jacksonville's unemployment rate jumped to its highest level in 2 1/2 years last month, a sign that the local economy could be faltering along with the national economy. The jobless rate in the Jacksonville metropolitan area – consisting of Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties – jumped from 4 percent in November to 4.3 percent in December, the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation reported Friday. That's the highest local unemployment rate since it reached 4.4 percent in June 2005." (Mark Basch, "First Coast Jobless Rate Shoots Up," Florida Times-Union [Jacksonville}, 1/19/08)

· Orlando Sentinel: "Figures released Friday show an unfamiliar spike in the area's joblessness, and economic observers say the cause is a huge slump in the housing market that has dampened spending across other sectors of the economy. Unemployment reached 4.7 percent in December, a jump of 1.6 percentage points from a year earlier, according to preliminary numbers released Friday by Workforce Central Florida." (Adrian Uribarri, "Lake County Unemployment Rate Shoots Up," Orlando Sentinel, 1/19/08)

· St. Petersburg Times: "Are we in a recession or just teetering on the edge? Economists are debating the point as conditions deteriorate: Foreclosures, bankruptcy filings and unemployment are rising. Florida reported Friday that the state's jobless rate rose to 4.7 percent last month from 3.3 percent a year ago. Real estate sales and stock prices are tanking. That's the big picture and it's still murky. The little picture is a whole lot clearer. If you've lost your job or your income has fallen, the recession has arrived." (Helen Huntley, "A Recession Touches Many Hands," St. Petersburg Times, 1/21/08)

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I know how America works because I've spent my life in the real economy.  I ran a business, turned around the Olympics, and I led a state."

· Bloomberg's Heidi Pryzbyla:  "Romney's business record is unmatched by the current crop of leading candidates." (Heidi Pryzbyla, "Romney Finds Classmate Bush's Management Lapses Unlikely Hurdle," Bloomberg, 7/1/07)

· The Boston Globe's Robert Gavin And Sacha Pfeiffer:  "In time, Romney would lead the shaky start-up from a staff of seven people managing $37 million to 115 people managing $4 billion in assets. During Romney's 15-year tenure, Bain Capital would post an astonishing record, on average doubling its return on realized investments every year." (Robert Gavin and Sacha Pfeiffer, "Reaping Profit In Study, Sweat," The Boston Globe, 6/26/07)

· Fortune's Marcia Vickers: "He is, after all, the most serious major-party presidential candidate to come out of the business world since ... well, since his father, George Romney, onetime CEO of American Motors, who ran in 1968." (Marcia Vickers, "The Republicans' Mr. Fix-It," Fortune Magazine, 6/27/07)

· The Associated Press' Debbie Hummel:  "Romney took over as head of Salt Lake's Olympic organizing committee in February 1999 after it was revealed Salt Lake organizers doled out more than $1 million in cash and gifts to members of the International Olympic Committee to win the 2002 bid. Under Romney's leadership, the Games were lauded as a critical success, a model of post-Sept. 11 security and turned a $100 million profit. Romney, a successful venture capitalist before the Games, wrote a book after titled 'Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership and the Olympic Games.'"  (Debbie Hummel, "Utah's 'Adopted Son' Returns To State For Presidential Fundraiser," The Associated Press,  2/21/07)

· U.S. News & World Report's Dan Gilgoff:  "Hired in 1999 to turn around the scandal – and debt –plagued Salt Lake City Olympic committee, Romney put it in the black and oversaw a successful Olympics in 2002. He was elected governor of Massachusetts that same year. With a Democratic-controlled state legislature, he managed to balance the budget without raising taxes." (Dan Gilgoff, "A Massachusetts Conservative," U.S. News & World Report, 2/12/07)

· The Weekly Standard's Terry Eastland:  "As governor, Romney has scored another turnaround, conservative in both ends and means. Told during the campaign that he would inherit a deficit of between $500 million and $1.5 billion, Romney discovered upon taking office a $650 million deficit in fiscal 2003 and an anticipated one of $3 billion in fiscal 2004. Romney balanced the 2003 budget, and he finished 2004 with a $700 million surplus. A reviving economy helped, but Romney didn't tax or borrow, and he reduced spending through government consolidation and reform."  (Terry Eastland, "In 2008, Will It Be Mormon In America?" The Weekly Standard, 6/6/05)

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "My plan will make our economy strong.  We need to invest in people and businesses with tax cuts that will get us moving again.  Washington is broken, but we can fix it with real conservative change.  I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

· Governor Romney Will Permanently Reduce The Lowest Income Tax Bracket to 7.5%.  "Permanently cutting taxes for all taxpayers will put more money in workers' pockets and stimulate consumer confidence and spending."  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· By Cutting The Lowest Tax Rate From 10% To 7.5%, We Will Provide Up To A $400 Tax Cut To Each American Taxpayer.  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Permanently Eliminate Payroll Taxes On Employees Over The Age Of 65.  "It is not fair that seniors that have worked their whole life and earned their full Social Security benefit continue to owe payroll taxes to the federal government."  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Make Middle-Class Savings Tax Free.  "Governor Romney's plan will allow middle class Americans to save tax free by changing the tax rate on interest, capital gains and dividends to absolutely 0%.  By helping more Americans save and invest, we can meet the challenges of an aging population and ensure the financial security of America."  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Institute Immediate 100% Expensing Of New Equipment Purchased By A Business For A Two-Year Period Retroactive To January 1, 2008. "This plan would allow both large and small businesses to immediately invest in new equipment and capital improvements, which would immediately stimulate the economy and create new jobs."  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Reduce The Corporate Tax Rate To 20% Over Two Years.  "Governor Romney believes we should immediately act to reduce the corporate rate to 25% for 2008 and 20% in 2009.  A permanent U.S. corporate tax rate of 20% will attract capital, stimulate investment, and increase American competitiveness with the rapidly growing economies of the world."  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Reform And Expand Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan Portfolio Limits.  Governor Romney will lower the amount of upfront down payment a borrower must make, allowing FHA to help nonprime borrowers who may not be able to meet the current requirement.  Governor Romney will also raise the maximum loan amount eligible for FHA insurance, allowing FHA to serve more borrowers in higher-priced areas.  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

· Governor Romney Will Expand NeighborWorks America's Foreclosure Avoidance Initiative.   Governor Romney proposes expanding NeighborWorks America's Foreclosure Avoidance Initiative to help American homeowners stay in their homes.  NeighborWorks America assists homeowners by offering foreclosure counseling and identifying refinancing opportunities for U.S. homeowners.  (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: The Romney Economic Stimulus Plan," Press Release, 1/19/08)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Ads,Economy,Change In Washington,GOP 2008,Conservatives,Republican

National Review Online (NRO) Endorses Mitt Romney

Romney for President
By the Editors

December 11, 2007

Many conservatives are finding it difficult to pick a presidential candidate. Each of the men running for the Republican nomination has strengths, and none has everything — all the traits, all the positions — we are looking for. Equally conservative analysts can reach, and have reached, different judgments in this matter. There are fine conservatives supporting each of these Republicans.

Our guiding principle has always been to select the most conservative viable candidate. In our judgment, that candidate is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest. While he has not talked much about the importance of resisting ethnic balkanization — none of the major candidates has — he supports enforcing the immigration laws and opposes amnesty. Those are important steps in the right direction.

Uniting the conservative coalition is not enough to win a presidential election, but it is a prerequisite for building on that coalition. Rudolph Giuliani did extraordinary work as mayor of New York and was inspirational on 9/11. But he and Mike Huckabee would pull apart the coalition from opposite ends: Giuliani alienating the social conservatives, and Huckabee the economic (and foreign-policy) conservatives. A Republican party that abandoned either limited government or moral standards would be much diminished in the service it could give the country.

Two other major candidates would be able to keep the coalition together, but have drawbacks of their own. John McCain is not as conservative as Romney. He sponsored and still champions a campaign-finance law that impinged on fundamental rights of political speech; he voted against the Bush tax cuts; he supported this year’s amnesty bill, although he now says he understands the need to control the border before doing anything else.

Despite all that and more, he is a hero with a record that is far more good than bad. He has been a strong and farsighted supporter of the Iraq War, and, in a trying political season for him, he has preserved and even enhanced his reputation for dignity and seriousness. There would be worse nominees for the GOP (see above). But McCain ran an ineffectual campaign for most of the year and is still paying for it.

Read more here.

NRO is a very reliable place to understand true Conservatism and the essential dynamics of the Republican Party. This endorsement is a nice check that supporting Mitt Romney is the right thing to do.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Endoresements,GOP 2008

The "Truth" About Mitt Romney's "Flip-Flops"

This is very important from over at MyManMitt

Post SC/NV Evangelical vs non-Evangelical Scorecard (with NV Mormon vote analysis)

Posted: 21 Jan 2008 02:17 AM CST

Based on Exit polling from SC, NV, MI, NH, and IA (as well as real vote tallies from the five states--apologies to WY!):

Total voters thusfar: 1,731,000

Total "Evangelical/""Born Again" voters: 734,200

Total non-Evangelical voters: 996,800

Evangelical Numbers

Percent of total votes cast that were from Evangelicals: 42%

Evangelical Voters by candidate:

Huckabee -- 36%

Romney -- 25%
McCain -- 24%

Thompson -- 10%

Paul -- 4%

Giuliani -- 1%

Before SC, Romney was tied with Huckabee at 31% each with the Evangelical voters. Huckabee has an undisputed "base" among Evangelicals, but both Romney and McCain have proven that they can get a significant portion of the "Evangelical vote."

Non-Evangelical Numbers
Percent of total votes cast that were from non-Evangelicals: 58%

Non-Evangelical Voters by candidate:
Romney -- 36%
McCain -- 35%
Paul -- 9%
Huckabee -- 9%

Thompson -- 6%
Giuliani -- 5%

Yes folks . . . the appeal for Huckabee to non-Evangelical voters is on par with Ron Paul's (before this Sat he actually trailed Ron Paul among non-Evangelical votes by quite a large margin). Huckabee definitely HAS NOT proven in any contest thus far that he can get non-Evangelicals to support him in large numbers.
Huck's best showing for the non-Evangelical votes was 14% (both in IA and SC--4th place in both instances). In MI he got 8% of non-Evangelical votes. In NH he got just 6%, and in Nevada he got a Hunter-esque 3% of the non-Evangelical votes. This does not bode well for Huckabee from Feb 5th onward (let alone how in the world he could compete in a general election). He's yet to prove that he can move beyond his base (and his gaffe-prone campaigning the last few weeks isn't helping with any "outreach"). Additionally MI, NV, and even SC have shown that he's even having a hard time "locking up" his Evangelical base effectively.
I maintain my position from last week's similar post: Mike Huckabee's sole purpose in this race right now is to dilute Romney's access to social conservative voters so that McCain can win and then Huck can hope to be chosen as VP.
***************
Now onto the Mormon vote in Nevada. Most media outlets seemed to delight in repeating that Romney got 94% of the LDS vote in Nevada. It was repeated time and again as I watched the coverage live and many pundits said/inferred that this factor accounted for Romney's win. Actually, if you subtracted out every single Mormon vote for Romney he still would have won by a double digit margin and had nearly double the votes of either of his next two competitors.

But others seemed to express dismay that one religious group would be so absolutely monolithic in it's support. However, they fail to recognize that Dems NV Exit polling shows that 3% of those participating in the Democratic caucus were Mormons. I'm guessing NONE of them voted for Romney (sarcasm intended).

With voting totals around 115,000 in the Dem race (I saw that number on Fox News) that would come out to approximately 3500 LDS voters NOT voting for Romney in the Dem caucus.

By contrast, 25% of the GOP caucus in NV that were Mormon with nearly 45,000 total GOP voters --- therefore around 11250 LDS voters and 94% of them were for Romney . . . but that means nearly 500 were not.

So, 4000 LDS in Nevada voted "Not for Romney" and 10,750 voted for Romney. That breaks down to 73% LDS for Romney and 27% LDS that were not for Romney. Not quite the absolutely robotic block-voting group that many media outlets are trying to play up, but, still, a solid base for Romney in the western/mountain states.
An interesting counter-argument about such huge LDS support for Mitt is that LDS have absolutely NO reservations about or aversion to Romney based on his religion, and can therefore view him outside of that context (while most non-LDS cannot) and therefore judge him solely on his record, experience, and issue stances. Romney surely hasn't "pandered" to the LDS base like Huckabee has to his Evangelical base. Historically speaking, there was no huge LDS groundswell of support for Orrin Hatch in 2000, or Mo Udall back in the 70s. Similarly, Harry Reid is a guy that only a tiny fraction of LDS would ever consider voting for based on co-religiosity. In Romney most LDS are able to see, outside of the context of him having a "weird religion," that he is an incredibly competent, faithful, successful, and articulate leader with a record of conservative governance and broad-based executive experience.
I've never thought there was any "upside" for Romney or his supporters to decry the hard or soft bigotry that he's faced because of his religion. Most of us have know it exists, but it is something difficult to quantify. It is what it is and it's hard to change, so why focus on it, right? No one likes a "whiner" and Romney certainly can't be criticized for being one.
However, a recent study out of Vanderbilt University provides pretty convincing evidence that religious aversion to Romney is very real, but has hidden under the cover of his branding as a "flip-flopper." The researchers conclude that such negative perceptions and labels have "stuck" to Romney because of underlying or overt theological misgivings about his religion.

Bias against Mitt Romney’s religion is one of the reasons that the tag “flip-flopper” sticks with the former Massachusetts governor but not his Republican opponents, according to Vanderbilt political scientist[s] . . .
“We find that of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping, many admit it is Romney’s Mormonism and not his flip-flopping that is the real issue,” Benson said. “Our survey shows that 26 percent of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping also indicate that Mormonism, not flip-flopping, is their problem with Romney.” Benson noted that the pattern is especially strong for conservative Evangelicals. According to the poll, 57 percent of them have a bias against Mormons.
The study’s findings suggest that criticizing Romney for flip-flopping is an effective campaign strategy because it sticks with two different groups: those who are genuinely concerned about Romney’s shifts on certain issues and those who use the label as cover for the fact that they do not want to vote for a Mormon for president.
“As the campaign continues to unfold, these data become increasingly relevant as the Republicans choose a presidential nominee,” Geer said.

Again, I present this not as a complaint or "whining" about it, but in an informational sense. Like Romney, I love data and believe in it's power. Having this new data out there might help people see deeper into the dynamics of this race and self-analyze why there may be an aversion to Romney for which he can hardly be blamed. That he has succeeded and progressed despite this "handicap" is quite impressive IMO.

-Jeff Fuller

Give your thoughts over at MyManMitt

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,MyManMitt,GOP 2008,Evangelical,Bigotry

Mitt and Fred UNITE???

Check out the possibilities here...

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Fred Thompson,GOP 2008

Rush Limbaugh: "I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."

In speaking at how McCain and Huckabee are trying to redefine Republican and Conservatism, Rush Limbaugh had this to say:

"I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."

Rush continues to plea with Republicans and Conservatives to wake up and pay attention to what is happening to the Republican party by specifically those candidates. Rush has expressed that as far as Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson goes, each has or had their liberal "moments" but none are trying to "redefine" the GOP or have said that the principles of Reagan Conservatism is dead.

Former President Reagan did all he could to unite fiscal, social, and political conservatives in positive ways. Today on Sean Hannity, Tom Delay exposed how dangerous and what a grenade John McCain  would be to the Republican party. Likewise Huckabee is trying to advance that Reaganism is out-dated and dead.

Show Highlight: McCain and Huckabee are running on the idea that Reagan conservatism is outdated, and needs to be redefined to fit their liberal positions. Mitt, Rudy, and Fred want to advance that legacy. (Rush 24/7 Members: Listen Here)

Rush stresses every show that there is no one perfect candidate, but at least Rudy is quite open that he is anti-life (pro-abortion), and supports gay marriage. Mitt Romney can be prone to a little pandering, ie) the incident in Michigan where he is oft-quoted as suggesting that the federal government funnel $20 billion to bring jobs back to the state. Rush defends Fred Thompson and the one candidate that has been consistently conservative and that Mitt Romney speaks conservatism.

I suspect that Fred Thompson's disappointing showing in South Carolina is frustrating for Rush. I do believe however that Mitt Romney will continue to be the strength the Republican party needs. He is a quick and responsive study. His stances have matured over the years, and we all couldn't be more happy about that. I think Glenn Beck said today that Pres. John Kennedy would be a political conservative in this day and age. Times are a changing. Someone who might have been a moderate a decade ago would easily be a conservative today. The disturbing trend is when you see the phenomenal rise in "liberal Republicans" who seek to stamp out conservatism and the base of the Republican party.

Technorati Tags: GOP 2008,Rush,Huckabee,McCain,Mitt Romney,Giuliani,Conservatives,Republican

"Changes" by Hugh Atkin

Technorati Tags: Campaign,Change In Washington,Fun

Chuck and Huck Say McCain is Too Old

It's not that we aren't all thinking this but to actually come out and say it?!?! Especially with his Volcanic Temper - this doesn't mellow with age, especially if there is a chance Alzheimer's sets in. What is absolutely amazing is how these shots keep putting Chuck's wife in the background? Further, what on earth is Chuck doing, running for Vice Pres.? You have to wonder is Huckabee could even run this campaign without Chuck. This is why I call this "circus politics".

Technorati Tags: McCain,Huckabee,GOP 2008,Campaign

Rudy Unloads on John McCain - Definitely NOT a Fiscal Conservative

From Hugh Hewitt:

MCCAIN HAS VOTED FOR HIGHER TAXES MORE THAN 50 TIMES

Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA): “We Would Have Had A Much Bigger Tax Cut If It Was Not For John McCain.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, “A Conservative Case Against McCain,” National Review, article.nationalreview.com, 1/14/08, Accessed 1/18/08)

In His Twenty-Year Senate Career, John McCain Has Voted At Least Fifty-Two Times For Higher Taxes On The American People – That’s More Than Twice A Year.*

McCain Was One Of Only Two Republican Senators To Vote Against President Bush’s 2001 Tax Cuts And One Of Only Three Republican Senators To Vote Against President Bush’s 2003 Tax Cuts.  (H.R. 1836, Senate Vote #170, Conference Report Agreed To: 58-33: R 46-2, D 12-31, 5/26/01, McCain Voted Nay; Lori Nitschke and Wendy Boudreau, “Provisions Of The Tax Law,” CQ Weekly, 6/9/01; H.R. 2, Senate Vote #179, Passed 51-49: R 48-3, D 3-45, I 0-1, 5/15/03, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 2, Senate Vote #196, Conference Report Agreed To 51-50: R 48-3, D 2-46, I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 5/23/03, McCain Voted Nay)

• And McCain Questioned The “Economic Premises” Of The Bush Tax Cuts. “Nor does McCain spare the rod in rejecting Bush’s tax cuts, especially the $1.37 trillion blockbuster Bush pushed through Congress in 2001, criticizing its economic premises and its likely impact. At best, it’s a long-term economic stimulus, not the immediate boost the economy needs, McCain said. ‘All the predicates for the 2001 tax cuts and all the predictions for its results were absolutely, completely wrong,’ he said. And it will worsen the deficit before it ever helps the economy, he added.” (John Farmer, Op-Ed, “Maverick McCain Maintains A National Constituency,” Newhouse News Service, 2/24/03)

McCain Has Voted At Least Seven Times Against Repealing All Or Part Of Death Tax Through 2002. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #195: Rejected 44-54: R 3-51; D 41-3, 7/14/00, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #124: Motion Rejected 43-56: R 2-47; D 41-9, 5/21/01, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #135: Rejected 48-51: R 6-43; D 42-8, 5/22/01, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #132: Motion Rejected 41-58: R 1-48; D 40-10, 5/22/01, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #149: Motion Rejected 44-54: R 4-43; D 39-11; I 1-0, 6/12/02, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 8, Senate Vote #151, Motion Rejected: 54-44, McCain Voted Nay, 6/12/02; S. 1730, Senate Vote 28, Amendment Agreed To: 56-42, McCain Voted Nay, 2/13/02)

And there's even more detail here as well.

Also at NRO there's a post title "A Conservative Case Against McCain" by Kathryn Jean Lopez worth reading.

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008,Fiscal Liberal,Giuliani

Mitt Romney's New Ad: "Mi Padre"

That is Mitt's son, Craig, speaking. Both Mitt and Craig speak Spanish. Nice.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Florida,Ads

Morning Joe Finally Admits Media Bias Against Romney

From Race42008. You just have to see this to believe it!

From Jason Bonham:

What’s really funny is the ladies logic. Of course she thinks it’s not unfair, or else she wouldn’t do it. The point isn’t weather the MSM’s bias to John McCain isn’t done in good faith (which I actually think it is) or bad faith, they’re not being nefarious about this, but the point is whether the media should be in a position to allow them selves to be swayed in either direction by a campaign’s spin. McCain has done a great job in extending a hand out to the media, and they like any human being appreciate that- and it was smart of him to do so. But we also should realize that the media is human, and are just as unable to think rationally as anyone else. When a candidate gives them extra access, they are naturally going to give him better coverage over the ones that don’t. It makes sense, and I understand it, but the non-punditry media should aim for higher standards, not rationalize poor ones.

The lady (I don’t know her name) seems to miss the point that the press basing reporting events based on their perception of candidates really is not reporting, it’s op-ed. What she doesn’t understand is sometimes your perceptions are wrong, and sometimes they are right. But when you report news, you need to avoid embracing your opinions and do your best to report on the facts.

Ana Marie Cox really sheds some light on this and how her friends in the traveling press have approached Mitt:

It had been a long time coming. In Michigan, the frustration over Romney’s complete disingeniousness about “bringing your jobs back” conjured a rare degree of camaraderie, and we caucused together and came up with a list of questions that we agreed to ask no matter who got called on at the next press conference. For instance: “If Bain Capital was going to invest in the auto industry, what segment would it invest in, and how would that help Michigan?” Salon’s Mike Madden actually got that in, but it elicited a non-answer: “I’ve been out of the private sector too long to advise people on that kind of thing.” In other words, his experience in the private sector is relevant, until he’s called upon to use it.

I don’t think Cox could have written a more damning statement about her professionalism. Colluding with reporters to catch Romney in a gotcha question? If you read it she was disappointed he didn’t take the bate, so she now damns him for that. Do you think in her heart of hearts there was an answer he could have given that would have satisfied her? It’s a sad state of her skills and the mindset she brings to the table as a professional reporter.

Technorati Tags: MSM,Bias,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Republican,Conservatives

Anti-Mormon Bias Finds Cover Under "Flip-Flopper" Label

So the stats are in - the Mormon Factor is Big. Fresh from Florida For Romney.

Vanderbilt poll explains why Romney's flip-flopper label sticks; Political scientist says anti-Mormon bias finds cover.

“There is no question that Romney has changed his positions on some issues, but so have some of the other candidates,” Geer said. “Why does the label stick to Romney but not his opponents? At least some of the answer lies in Romney’s Mormon beliefs.”

--John Greer

"We find that of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping, many admit it is Romney’s Mormonism and not his flip-flopping that is the real issue,”............“Our survey shows that 26 percent of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping also indicate that Mormonism, not flip-flopping, is their problem with Romney.”

--Brett Benson

"Benson noted that the pattern is especially strong for conservative Evangelicals. According to the poll, 57 percent of them have a bias against Mormons."

"The study’s findings suggest that criticizing Romney for flip-flopping is an effective campaign strategy because it sticks with two different groups: those who are genuinely concerned about Romney’s shifts on certain issues and those who use the label as cover for the fact that they do not want to vote for a Mormon for president."

--News from Vanderbilt University

Now, we already knew that this was the case, but now there's significant statistics and findings to go along with our assumption.

Technorati Tags: Bigotry,Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Republican

Mitt Gets A Prank Call - From His Kid, Or is it Arnie?

 

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Fun

Mitt Romney On Jay Leno Friday Night

 

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Fun,Economy,Terror War,GOP 2008,Campaign

Pre-Florida GOP Election Scorecard

From MyManMitt:

Pre-Florida GOP Election Scorecard

posted by Jeff Fuller | 1:01 AM | permalink

Election Scorecard:
Delegate Count (via CNN):

Romney

72

McCain

38

Huckabee

29

Thompson

8

Paul

6

Giuliani

2

Hunter

1

Winner: Mitt Romney (he has more delegates than the other three remaining "viable" candidates--Huckabee, McCain, and Rudy--COMBINED)

Total Cumulative Vote Tally (after 95% of SC vote)--1,679,675 votes cast thusfar in GOP contests (excluding Hunter and Keyes):

Romney - 537,070 -- 32%
McCain - 513,131 -- 30%
Huckabee - 339,801 -- 20%
Thompson - 121,628-- 7%
Paul - 107,428 -- 6%
Giuliani - 60,617 -- 4%
Winner: Mitt Romney
Medals Count (can you tell who I support?):
Romney - 3 Gold, 2 Silver
McCain - 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Huckabee - 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
Thompson - 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
Paul -1 Silver
Hunter - 1 Bronze
Giuliani - NADA

Winner: Mitt Romney

Which candidate has both RAISED the most money AND has the biggest purse to continue on to future states? Mitt Romney

Which candidate has won the largest plurality of voters in any contest thusfar? Mitt Romney (39% of the vote, Romney's total in Michigan, is the highest percentage of any candidate on either side in any contested state thusfar)

Which candidate won the most demographically diverse and most populous state thusfar? Mitt Romney (significant Urban, Suburban, and rural populations in MI)

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Mike Huckabee,Rudy Giuliani,Fred Thompson,John McCain,GOP 2008,Republican,Campaign

Who Would You Vote For Now That Fred Is Gone?

RS Overnight Poll: Post SC, who will you vote for?

 

Redstate

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,Fred Thompson,GOP 2008,John McCain,Mike Huckabee,Campaign

Mitt Romney: Economics Genius, "Get America Back on Track" (FoxNews Sunday)

#1: Gov. Romney On His Economic Stimulus Package

#2: Gov. Romney On The Need To Strengthen The Economy

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney,GOP 2008,Economy

McCain - A Big Loser

No doubt the MSM hearts McCain. But how much of a winner is she really? Check our what Michael Graham over at NRO is saying:

...tell me again how McCain is winning?
As I predicted here at NRO, John McCain came out on top in South Carolina by getting the same 1/3rd of the vote in the Palmetto State that he got in New Hampshire and Michigan. But did he "win?"
In 2000, running against George W. Bush and the entire Carroll Campbell machine in South Carolina, John McCain got 42% of the vote, and 240,000 votes out of 573,000 or so cast.
Tonight, he got 33% of the vote in a field where his top challengers—Romney and Giuliani—aren't even running, and 135,000 actual votes. If just the same people who voted for McCain in 2000 had voted for him today, he would have won 50+% of the South Carolina vote. That would have been truly impressive.
Instead, John McCain LOST the support of 100,000 people—and he's the winner?

Technorati Tags: McCain,GOP 2008

Mitt Romney Ad: "Chairs"

The ad features Governor Romney addressing the need for change in a Washington that is fundamentally broken.  For decades, Washington has promised action on issues like health care reform, reducing the middle class burden and securing our borders.  Yet, the American people are still waiting for action.  As President, Governor Romney will take Washington apart and put it back together.  At this critical time in our nation's history, we cannot afford to send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs.

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I keep hearing the same thing, that Washington is broken.

"I hear the people say they think we deserve health care for all our citizens, but not government health care and that hasn't been done.

"They say we ought to be able to get a reduction in the burden on the middle class, and that hasn't been done.

"They say we ought to solve the immigration problem in this country.  It hasn't been done. 

"If you send the same people back to Washington just to sit in different chairs, nothing will happen. 

"I will change Washington.  I will take it apart and put it back together.  I know how to bring change.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."