CA GOP Assembly endorses Romney

Posted: Monday, November 12, 2007 11:29 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Chuck Todd and Mark Murray
The California Republican Assembly today announced it's endorsing Romney's presidential campaign. This is THE conservative endorsement to get in California. And as a result, it's a minor blow for Thompson -- and also Giuliani, since one of Giuliani's chief supporters, Bill Simon, was a California Republican Assembly endorsee in 2002.

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Comments

The Republicans in California are crazy. Romney has no chance of beating Hillary. Romney has the "Mormom issue". There are too many people who would vote against him for that one reason, including me.

Chris, Norwood,Pa (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 11:50 AM)

Just in case everyone has forgotten and first read doesn't care, we are celebrating Veterans Day, how about some comments of appreciation. THANKS to all vets even those I disagree with. USMC 67-71 nam 69-70

mikeeg,abdn,wa (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 11:54 AM)

The Republicans have NO CHANCE in California !
(unless we nominate a crơoked candidate, i.e. Hillary)

Obama, Edwards or Biden will wipe the flơors with any Republican nominee.

That's why Rudy wanted to split our electoral votes.
He KNOWS he can't win in California !

Sierra, SF (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:02 PM)

I'm a member of the California Republican Assembly and I was up in Sacramento this weekend. Romney did the best job of gaming the endorsement, but his past liberal positions don't square with the principles of the CRA. So Gov. Romney will get a little "street cred" from this because he couldn't earn it with his past record.

Allan Bartlett (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:07 PM)

It wasn't difficult for the republican assembly to turn to Romney from among the candidates. Everything Romeny touches turns to GOLD (such as the Olympics, Bain Capital, etc.). During this dark hour for the republican party, Romney's just what the party needs. The fact that Romney is ranked far higher with republican leaders than his numbers in the national polls would reflect demonstrates that the national poll numbers are based on a public ignorance that won't last long. And for those who are still looking to Giuliani as a possibilty, they need only ask the question: "What has Giuliani done for America since 9-11?" Answer: Nothing. But he sure has made a lot of money off of the celebrity status fortuitously bestowed upon him by the deaths of thousands of Americans. Ask Mitt Romney the same question, "What have you done for America since 9-11?" and he can answer: "I pulled the 2002 Olympics out of the dumpster and turned them into an international success in the face of scandal, corruption, and terrorism. I also pulled Massachusetts out of the dumpster and gave the state something to be proud of again in the face of the Big Dig disaster and a crushing budget deficit."

Tony, San Francisco, California (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:21 PM)

I think the realization that this is really a two man race at this point is going to start settling in more and more over the next month (not to say that miracles don't happen). I believe everyone should vote their conscience, but the battle lines are being drawn more distinctly now. Romney is clearly the business genious in the pack. It isn't surprising he was endorsed. He's got three pillars going for him in his pitch--1) Strong economy (clearly the strongest background and accomplishments in the field), 2) Strong families (look at his family--couldn't ask for a better example of true dedication to family values there), 3) Strong military (to be intellectually honest, I have to admit this is his weakest pillar as far as experience goes, but his record of support and respect for the military and his current rhetoric is right on IMO).

When all issues are weighed in the balance, his campaign has the strongest organization, the best financial backing, and the best track record so far to show he can come from behind to beat all odds. Mitt is a fighter, and we'll need one to defeat the Hillary machine. Mitt has the fire that Thompson lacks, and the determination to bring change to Washington this country needs.

Go Mitt 2008!!!

Jason Taylor, Millbrook AL (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:22 PM)

Thanks mikeeg,abdn,wa for your sacrifice. May we all remember that beyond all the politics, we have more to be thankful for: the freedoms that we enjoy as a nation; blue, red, liberal, conservative, black, white, athiest, christian.
Remember our veterans, they're why we have freedom.

VET, MISSOURI (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:35 PM)

Should have been Duncan Hunter ya big dummies :-)

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:35 PM)

hmmm, why do cali repubs love men with boot black in their hair?

Fox,Foxbourough, Ma (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:39 PM)

I am a strong democrat, however when I read comments about Mitt and his faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it bothers me. How can people in this country hold Mitt's religious faith against him? This country was founded on religious freedom, not on close-minded bigotry.

Chris, Syracuse, Ut (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:44 PM)

mit romneeeeey for the presidency of the us?

brnard (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:46 PM)

This has got to be distressing for Rudy. After all, he constantly touts his CA support.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:48 PM)

If it comes down to a Mitt V Hillary contest, on paper Mitt would win easily.......

Mitt is a family man......
Hillary is a family disaster.....

Mitt was governor of a liberal state.....
Hillary is a Senator and picked new York to do it in..

Mitt is a very successful entrepreneur......
Hillary needs chinese help to make a living.....

Mitt did a great job with the Winter Olympics.....
Hillary talks of doing a good job (what job we will never know)...

Mitt is man that knows what a man needs to do.....
Hillary needs to send her man to school to learn how to be a man.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 12:51 PM)

In California, there are two minority Republican Parties: The Republicans who are fiscally responsible and socially aware, but can't be Democrats for a number of reasons, starting with that as fiscally aware and socially responsible people they disagree with the Democrats tactics nationwide; and, second, the "Conservative Republicans" who are so out of touch with the reality of life outside the confines of "exempt" job security and mortgages that they don't have a clue what is occurring on their beloved "Main Street". The endorsement of Romney that you are reporting is an example of the second group. What does it mean? Maybe that auto-reply ("I'll ignore you because I can") Romney appears to have in his "public" interaction works with the minority of the minority ....

david (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:06 PM)

Clinton is kicking Mitt's butt...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national.html

There isn't a democrat I know who wouldn't jump for joy at the prospect of Mitt as the repub nominee.

He's done a complete ideological 180, in 5 years and belongs to a cult that makes Scientology sound reasonable. Go Mitt!

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:06 PM)

Mitt may get the nomination but the problem will be to get the base to come out, that may happen if THE HILL is the dem candidate but that is not written in stone, just media hype. But if it is not THE HILL then it will be a much tighter race. we no in the end it will be MITT, RUDY and MIKE or JOHN, fred is a non issue anymore and the others in the party are just spoilers. I think though that many of the VALUED VOTERS may sit out because of his religion.
Nativism is still alive and doing well, it just hides under a mask of religion.

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:14 PM)

THIS COUNTY AND ALSO THE FREE WORLD (NEEDS} A PERSON WITH NATRUAL LEADERSHIP AND A PERSON OF HONOR AND FAITH, I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT GOVENOR ROMNEY HAS THE CARITER AND STRONG LEADERSHIP TO BRING THIS COUNTRY TOGETHER ALONG WITH OUR TRUE ALIES AND NOT POLERIZE THE PEOPLE OR THE PARTIES IN-ORDER TO GET THE PEOPLES WORK DONE BOTH AT HOME AND OVERSEAS.

RONALD FISH , OKLA. CITY, OK (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:15 PM)

vanreuter--remember this day when I say that Romney will, without a doubt clean Hillary's clock. The only reason she's high in the polls is that Dems equate her to Bill (self-centered), but she is all about the far left. The more people get to know Romney, the more he will rise. Proof is already where he has come from behind in all the early states to be in the lead or competitive at this point. He is more of a fighter than any in the pack. He's what we need to change Washington. Much more so than current polls is the trend you want to hone in on. I see Hillary as with no where to go but down (everyone knows her). Romney has no where to go but up. The stark contrast between the two of them is incredible. He has actual accomplishments to point to, all she has is hollow rhetoric.

We shall see.

Jason Taylor, Millbrook AL (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:19 PM)

California's Looney-liberal-leftist special interest groups rule the state; dictating their agendas to the majority of center-moderates. Democrat candidates are not running against the Republican candidates........they are campaigning against Bush; and in case they are too ignorant to see.....Bush is not a candidate and none of the Republican candidates that are running are modeled after Bush.

Julie, San Diego, CA. (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:33 PM)

California is a state run by illegal aliens & special interest groups. As long as Hillary doesn't slip up and declare anything "anti-illegal" or take a "pro-American" stance on policy, she'll probably win the state.

Mike, San Diego, CA. (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:39 PM)

Van. Two percent of Americans are Mormons. It's not a lot but it's way more than the number that bow down before a golden image of Hillary Clinton every morning, like you. Get over yourself.

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:47 PM)

In other MAJOR news, the National Right to Life endorsed Fred Thompson... in a blow to Romney: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/11/national-right-to-life-endorses.html

Daniel, NY (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:50 PM)

Jason Taylor, Millbrook AL (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:19 PM)

Mitt's greatest accomplishments so far have been contributing more than HALF of his own campaign funds, outspending EVERYONE combined in TV ads, and avoiding answering questions about his idiological 180 and crazy cult religion.
If that's the guy YOU support, good for you!
I like his new slogan; "I was for it, BEFORE I was against it!"

Mitt will be watching the election results at home on his big (love) screen TV.
I'll be at Clinton HQ in NYC DRINKING Champagne!

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:52 PM)

Wilson, Seattle (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:47 PM)

Are you the Wilson from, "castaway"? If so, there's a Bob Denver who posts here who MAY have an island for you.
If you don't get the references, I'm mocking you.

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:57 PM)

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 1:58 PM)

As a Mormon I have to admit that I get some pleasure out of being insulted by political opponents. This is primarily because such insults do more to harm those that voice them than those they are directed toward. No one living in the year 2007 should think it is appropriate to hold bigotry towards Mormons (or anyone else for that matter). And to allow such bigotry to direct the way we vote is beyond ridiculous.

To the few such bigots who have posted here, let this election be a wake up call. Mormons teach your children in school, do your taxes, sit on PTA's, run major public companies, live in every part of the country (even your neighborhood), defend your freedom, are Senators, Representative, Governors, Mayors, and yes, even Presidential candidates.

The point is the LDS faith is not an easily marginalized group. There are millions of them in this country. To treat them as if they are some silly, insignificant group practicing their religion in obscurity merely makes those throwing the insults look ignorant and hateful. Surveys in a major Christian publication report those that hold such hostile views typically lack a college education. Not a group I would be proud to join.

Dave, Bakersfield, CA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:00 PM)

You would think after all those fires in southern California, thanks to liberal policies about not taking care of the land, that republicans would be in a better position.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:03 PM)

Jerry used the word "liberal" and didn't mean to insult anyone? maybe there is hope for us after all!

Lisa, Fort Worth TX (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:12 PM)

Out of the entire Republican field Mitt Romney has by far run the most effective campaign to emerge from nowhere to co-frontrunner status. As far as I'm concerned that is a pretty good indication of how effective he'll run in the general election.

At the end of the day the US is at a crossroads and I think voters will support the candidate that will be the most effective president in terms of guiding the economy, creating a sleaker and more responsive federal government, running a realistic and intelligent foreign policy. Once people get to know Mitt Romney, they'll want him as President, whether he's Mormon or not. If Mitt were President I guarantee that the Katrina response would not have been bungled and Iraq policy would not have been on auto pilot from 2004 to early 2007.

Seth, San Francisco, California (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:14 PM)

I t really does not matter which website or blog a person goes to, it would be nice if the people of our country could debate the issues that are at hand and move away from name calling. I honestly thought this country had possibly turned the corner regarding freedom of religion with the election of President Kennedy, but from what I see and read, we have not. Romney, Clinton, Giuliani, Thompson, Obama, or any other candidate should be measured by their record and their platform. We, as a country, need to better ourselves by getting away from mudslinging and name calling and focus on the major issues we have in this country. Who will be the best leader to fix our issues of Social Security, education, immigration, health insurance, and the economy, just to mention a few issues that should dominate the debates we are having. Which candidate's resume fulfills all the requirements needed to be elected lead us through the very tough years that are ahead of us. I am still waiting for that person to come forward. The Swift Boat group and MoveOn.org should be ignored and focus should be placed positive qualities; their ads simply fuel the mudslinging that is counter productive.

John Griffith, McCall, Idaho (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:21 PM)

If you look at Romney's religion and political party and immediately assume he's not a viable presidential candidate, then you are grossly over-simplifying the race and not giving nearly enough credit to real voters. The fact is, Romney is essentially unknown nationally. Despite that his message and credentials are gaining support in all the early primary states. If you roll up your sleeves and research the candidates you will find that he has a unique skill set that no other candidate brings to the table. His experiences and achievements to date make him more experienced and prepared to lead than anyone in the Republican field and Hillary Clinton. As the nation becomes more familiar with Romney, his popularity will rise, and people will forget about this rediculous mormon prejudice. (Look at Harry Reid, he does a good job as his party's leader, and you never hear anyone talk about the fact that he's a Mormon.) Keep your eye on Romney, as everything the guy has touched in his life has turned to gold.

Note:
Jason Taylor = Obviously knows his stuff.
Vanreuter = voted most likely to put his foot in his mouth by MSNBC readers.

Steve P, Pittsburgh PA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:21 PM)

With the Pope coming to the US in 2008 it would be interesting to have Romney meet the leader of what the Mormon church calls "the great and abominable church." Romney may lose the Catholic vote in California if the media reports this bit of Mormon anti-Catholic sentiment. I'm a recovering Mormon and have listened to Mormon leaders denigrate all other religions all my life. Be afraid America.

John/Pocatello/Idaho (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:25 PM)

Mitt Romney is great if you support illegal immigration, higher taxation, empire building, globalist economic determinism, gun bans, big government, curtailed liberty, and disingenuous shills.

On the other hand, Ron Paul is backed by traditional conservatives (e.g., Pat Buchanan) and libertarians (e.g., Lew Rockwell) alike.

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:35 PM)

Let's vote Romney, Clinton, and Giuliani out of the mix and make this a more meaningful process.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:37 PM)

Well Lisa.....

After all; the homes in California should be rebuilt by the Sierra Club and the other liberal left wing nutjobs that got laws passed to help fan the flames due to letting the brush grow wild and turn into a fire breathing dragon.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:39 PM)

Fox. It's to make up for the Viet Nam Combat Boots they never had to shine.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:50 PM)

Tony. McCain's kids are serving, why aren't Mitt's? (The Mormon Church got a 'Minister' deferrment for Mitt, until he lucked out and got a high draft number.)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 2:53 PM)

I know of at least 10 of my Republican friends and family members myself included, who will not vote for a Morman - try working for one. You will unkowingly join their mission and then work for free. I speak of a large industry leader not a speck in oblivioun. Sadly I would trust Hillary before Mitt. Similar to Marie O's retention with Dancing w Stars -it will be interesting to see if the large family can put him in office.
For a fact, I will sit this one out if it's Mitt.

Cforchange, Pennsylvania (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 3:07 PM)

So, who will the California Democrat Assembly endorse? Maybe Hugh Romney?

Bob, Orlando (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 3:15 PM)

Jerry is such an authority on everything, isn't he, folks? Now he's an authority on California and it's environment. He should be on Fox Noise with Hannity and Coulter, or Glen Beck or co-host with that pillar of honesty and integrity, Rush Limbaugh. Take it on the road, Jerry. The airways need another nut-job right-wing authority on everything and nothing. Like we need another Bush and Cheney.

R.Merrell (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 3:24 PM)

We are voting for a President, not the leader of our church. For once I would like our President to be the smartest person in the room! Mitt is that person.

John, Royal Palm Beach, Fl. (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 4:14 PM)

Reading many of the religious attacks here today against Mitt Romney has made me feel pity for those individuals. Mitt Romney doesn’t have to give a sermon on his religion. You can find out a lot about a man's religion when you simply analyze his character. A quote from President Abraham Lincoln comes to mind when reading such criticism about Mitt Romney not wanting to give a formal discourse about Mormonism. President Lincoln said, “I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot." Critics—-Silence! Mitt Romney can teach you a lot from simply being silent. Actions speak greater than words. Stop attacking his religious preferences and start examining his moral character!

Jacob, Bloomfield, NM (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 4:21 PM)

well R. Merrell:

Why don't you try that liberal love with some of the folks over in California that will be carving their Thanksgiving turkey in their brand new outstanding FEMA trailer because some stupid fool came up with a whole bunch of laws that said you couldn't do anything to fireproof your home because it might upset the home of the three toe horned frog or some goofy critter like that. They ended up getting roasted anyway thanks to the inability of people to clear out the brush and build a fire zone around their homes. With a bunch of goofy liberals going around saying don't clear this and don't touch that, California got exactly what it deserved.

President Bush clears out the dead limbs and trees and brush around his ranch for a reason; so his own damn house doesn't get burned down. Nice to know we here in Texas do take a different stand when cleaning out all the old stuff.......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 4:29 PM)

Forest fires are a natural occurrence, same as the rain that falls. It has been dry this year in many areas and yes the forest is full of dry dead branches, but the dems did not cut money out of the forest service or national parks.
Guess who did that jerry!
Jerry is a good example of change the subject crowd, this thread was about a political endorsment for as republican and jerry brings up the forest fires and blames the other party, oh how we weep when we are to blame for everything. Boo Hoo jerry, I was going to totally ignore you but you are such a car wreak that we just have to look and see the dead meat inside.
You are not even a nativist, you are a suicide belt.

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 4:35 PM)

John/Edinboro:

Another liberal who depends more on government to save himself then he can do himself. It just goes to show that some people just cannot man up and fix problems themselves. They have to have Uncle Sam and wave the white flag at them screaming "HELP ME HELP ME HELP ME".

If I was unfortunate to live in California and somebody told me to stop clearing the dead brush behind my house and stop setting up that fire line, I would have laughed in their face. My house would also be standing today instead of living in A FEMA trailer at Christmas time.

And finally John, yes President Bush proposed cutting 14% out of the forest budget. Funny I didn't hear any of the liberals out there fight it. The money went to the Katrina people instead....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 5:14 PM)

Oh and Jerry, guess who had the planes grounded while they were there for their photo op, can't put out the fire, terrorists could get in the plane and kill the boy king, what a scam. California deserves fema trailers that do not poison, blame it on the dems, economy tanking blame it on the dems, weak dollar everbody BLAME IT ON THE DEMS. If you have a reason to continue acting up then at least again have a real point. I am not a HILL fan but she is at least making issues in her campaign, the top repubs are still acting like it is a personality contest.
Mitt- suggesting family and faith are all we need
McCain-I supported the surge vote for me
Fred -tried to at least talk SSI but come on, he is not in to win
Mike Hukabee-at least he is trying to take the high road, don't know enough about him though
I will not even bother to talk about Rudy, he is an entity unto himself
Duncan Hunter-Hunter S. Thompson in an elephant suit
Ron Paul may end up surprising many, he seems to have gotten the youth to listen, the party will destroy him though.
In the end this will come down to a party vote, always happens, is your group energized? I know mine is. George Bush has done that, thank him for us when you see him in Crawford.

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 5:38 PM)

"jerry/corpus christi texas" hasn't the foggiest clue on the meaning of conservatism, as evinced by his pathological disdain for the environment.

I value the inherent worth of all manner of "goofy" critters because I'm conservative, not in spite of it. Nature is the wellspring or, perhaps, last refuge of traditional society and culture. I guess you do not enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, canoeing, camping, and all manner of activity in the wilderness.

He is the quintessential mindless Republican; thoroughly ignorant and proudly defiant. You do yourself, not just your fellow citizen, a tremendous disservice with this attitude. Research the history of the aggressive fire suppression policies which contributed to these devastating fires so you might be able to make a reasoned and thoughtful comment in the future.

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 6:49 PM)

Mitt Romney's perfect storm on the horizon and leading in the first five states is great. Many national voters are just now tuning into the race and like Romney's leadership on the issues...GO MITT...GO MITT...GO MITT

chuck the truck,Rockingham,N.C. (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 6:52 PM)

John/Edinboro says........

I am not a HILL fan but she is at least making issues in her campaign.

Yes in deed she is......
The more issues she makes up
The better her chances of getting to the White House are nil and zero.......

The ways are going, the GOP will still hold the White House. Nobody wants a President who has to depend on her husband to fight her battles for her.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 7:11 PM)

John/Pocatello/Idaho: I am certain, being from Pocatello you have many relationships that are from the LDS faith. Please borrow the book, Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce R. McConkie and turn to "Great and Abominable Church" on page 340, which refers the reader to "Church of the Devil" on page 137. There you will read nothing referring the the Catholic Religon. That is a misconception that fuels hate amoung many people. As you read it, you will see it states "The Church of the Devil . . . whether political, philosophical, fraternal, civic or religious - which takes men on a course that leads from God and his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God." Never does it state the Catholic Church. In todays terms you could say that it is an "Urban Legend" to continue to pass on that statement. I am not a republican, and will vote for a the person who can solve major issues here in the U.S., that being said, I am not certain who that person is, but we need to stop hateful discourse that will continue to split this county even more than has been done in the last decade.

John, McCall, Idaho (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 7:25 PM)

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