McCain targets Romney

Posted: Saturday, October 13, 2007 12:49 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
John McCain targeted Mitt Romney's Republican credentials, and told New Hampshire Republican Party activists on Saturday, "I'm not gonna con you."

McCain began his keynote speech to a meeting of the New Hampshire Republican Party by noting Romney's statement yesterday that he represents "the Republican wing of the Republican Party." McCain said that when he ran for governor of Massachusetts, "being a Republican wasn't much of a priority for him." He also noted Romney's statement in the 1994 Senate race, that he didn't want to return to Reagan-Bush. "So you'll understand why I'm a little perplexed when Mitt Romney now suggests that he's a better Republican than me."

McCain also took a veiled swipe at Rudy Giuliani, saying he would veto a water resources bill "in a New York minute."

*** Update: Romney spokesperson Kevin Madden responded to McCain's barbs: "The status-quo mindset that has gripped Washington and molded those that have been there for so long is in need of fresh ideas and conservative change that can only come from outside of Washington. Angry attacks from flailing campaigns won’t stop Governor Romney from moving forward with his optimistic agenda designed to bring sorely needed change to Washington."

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Comments

The Romney family has been in politics since the days when Michigan and Illinois were centers of political power, where they originated from. Romney is a born-again conservative, and that is the most dangerous kind, his newfound ideals are adopted as a path to power only.

Better to have a Reaganite than a danerous man like Romney. I pray that he does not get the nomination.

Pericles, Tempe AZ (Sent Saturday, October 13, 2007 9:45 PM)

McCain is just in "bashing" mode now. It's really sad that this is what his campaign has come to. Can't we put it down like a rabid dog? Romney's campaign has a much better strategy - focus on what your skills will do for the country - and back it up. Running a state is much different than "representing" a state. I like Romney's ability to digest tons of data, listen to arguments from all sides, and make a reasonable decision. Besides, I think we could use a good "turnaround" artist right about now. As far as the wedge issues go, I don't frickin' care. Abortion - I don't care. Gay Marriage - I don't care. Just fix our economy.

A Burns, San Jose CA (Sent Monday, October 15, 2007 3:38 AM)

McCain's only chance is to say that we gave it our best shot with the surge to give the Iraqi's time to work out a political solution and that hasn't happened so it is time for us to leave them to their civil war.

nuanced (Sent Monday, October 15, 2007 12:18 PM)

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