Rep. King endorses Romney, er Fred

Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 10:18 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
And the endorsements keep coming... Congressman Steve King (R), one of Iowa's most strident critics of illegal immigration and a champion of the state's rural conservatives, has endorsed Romney.

With a mere 17 days until the Iowa caucuses, King's endorsement may resonate with conservatives in the western part of the state. King had fostered a close relationship with longshot candidate Tom Tancredo, who shares his strong anti-illegal immigration views. But speculation yesterday was that the much-revered (in some circles) congressman wanted to make a splash by endorsing one of the race's front-runners.

King's endorsement of Romney could serve to further the Massachusetts governor's case against Huckabee, whom Team Romney hopes to paint as weak on immigration.

*** UPDATE *** King just announced that he's supporting Thompson. Team Romney is in the back of the room looking bewildered. They were all here, leading all the press to conclude that it was an endorsement for Romney.

Stand by for more.

*** UPDATE II *** Thompson just issued this statement on King's endorsement: "Congressman King's leadership in support of the sanctity of life and his efforts in the fight against illegal immigration have made him one of Iowa's great Republican leaders. He's a tireless fighter for the 5th district of Iowa and I'm honored by his support. I look forward to working with Congressman King over the next three weeks and into 2008 in support of the traditional conservative values he and I share."

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Comments

When you get past the rhetoric and spurious drivel, Romney is rock solid. He will emerge not only as the best choice to lead this country, but as one of the greatest Presidents in history. Any other choice would be a disaster, humiliation and scourge.

Brad Tew, Springville, Utah (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 1:53 PM)

Wow, Larry King endorses David Thompson for president! I remember what a great basketball player Thompson was back at North Carolina so I think he probably would make a great president! I certainly will vote for him if he get the nomination. <Grin>

John Walter, Beaumont, Calif (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 1:53 PM)

I have heard all the rhetoric, and can see the same
old tune from both the Democrats and Republicans.
The only sensible thing I haven't heard from the
forked tongues of either sides of the isle, is the
words," in extreme times, we need to use extreme
measures".
When the Democrats were campaigning during the last
Congressional elections, that's all they kept saying
was," when I am elected I will bring all the troops
home". I am still holding my breath. The Republicans
are woefully not any better!!
When either party takes control, when things go
awry, they blame the other party.
Just picture a wagon, with a Donkey on one end of
the wagon, and an Elephant on the other end of the
wagon pulling in opposite directions. The Donky is
stubborn, the Elephant is powerful. Get them both in
front of the wagon pulling together, now they will
get a hecck of a lot more done. Simple as it sounds,
it would work.
Remember, United We Stand, Divided We fall!!!!

The Old Soul

Al Barsamian Dudley, Massachusetts (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 1:54 PM)

Huckabee jumped a shark named Jimmy Carter's world view this weekend. CYA

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:33 PM)

It's a good pairing, when you think about it ...
Lazy (Thompson) and Crazy (King).
Maybe King can get on the ticket?

mike, des moines, iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:33 PM)

Standing quietly in the front of the pack is John McCain, a real American , that can take office on day 1 and get America back on track. John is the only one of that disjointed GOP group that can beat the Dems, whom ever they finally decide to run. He isn't trying to buy the Oval office, he is trying to protect it for us. Iowa people are smarter than the rest of the country gives us credit for. The lead car in the race is not always winner, it's the racer with experience, and a clear view of the track ahead. John sees what has to be done, and he will do it.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:43 PM)

I just read all these posts. It's amazing to me is that so many of you are woefully uninformed and are babbling away like you know anything. What's scares me is that you (possibly) vote. Yay for ignorant masses...that's what got us in this mess in the first place. "God's people?" Are you serious? Go back to the Taliban where your type of religious nutjobbery is appreciated.

As for MSNBC...goodness...what kind of reporter writes AND submits a post based on who's in the room. You're a flippin' reporter. How hard would it have been to simply ask the endorser...or even ask the Romney people in the room. And people wonder why I think these media outlets are a joke.

fabooj (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:55 PM)

Hey Marty CR Iowa,
It takes more than experience for a racer to win the race, it takes a full tank of gas. McCain doesn't have any gas. He will pull out after losing the first four primaries, even with Lieberman's endorsement.

BubbaDownSouth (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:01 PM)

TO ALL ARKIES YOU READING THE ARK DEMOCRAT HUCKABEE IS AHEAD IN AR. LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE. YOU MUST BE THE HICKS THAT HILLARY CALLED EVERYONE WHEN SHE CAME TO AR, cAMEL BREATH THOMPSON LOL

David Anders tx. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:06 PM)

True conservative leadership? Thompson supports the war, he's not a conservative. That's a liberal, anti-conservative stance. The only true, Jeffersonian Republican running now is Ron Paul. Read up on him a bit, and check out his voting record over his 10 terms in Congress.

Also, that is a lie about the first money bomb...none of those donations were given back. They aren't pledges, they're credit card payments, much like how you'd purchase something on the web. The number is entered, and then the receipt is printed on their end. From there, the web database updates in real-time (after credit validation) the figures. Ron Paul truly did raise $4.3 million in one day, and did raise over $6 million yesterday. You will see this come the FEC filings January 31.

Don't let the media feed you your candidates, listen to what the man is saying. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Dan Mason, Rochester, NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:10 PM)

Well Bubba John McCain starts out with a full tank of gas, the other racers have fouled plugs. He knows the track and can avoid the pot holes that the others have already dug there. When the others crash into the wall, he will still be going. Last man standing. In a race for the Championship, there is only one winner, and that will be John McCain.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:18 PM)

Michelle I just don't understand why the people don't see Fred as the only conservative that is running and telling the truth. I am not for bashing anyone but some of these republicans running are out and out lying to us. I know this because I am a legal alien that truly cares. I investigate all candidates and make it a real hobby I guess until such time I am a total citizen that can legally vote. It is a crucial time for your vote and more important to know each candidate and their views. All BUT Fred have some non conservative issues and lean I guess to impress the other side. However I urge people to get involved and really take a close look at the issues and how the candidates have performed in the past. You would not want a socialist govt. belief me I know! Don't give in from your conservatives beliefs any of you please! Now is the time you don't have to settle for anything less. I wish to take time and space within your column Michelle to say Merry Christmas and thank all the US Military all over the world for keeping us safe and Merry Christmas and a great New Year to all of the USA people and lets be thankful of where we live. It is a wonderful place to be not as your democrats would have us believe. Suzy NC.

Suzy Ganyon, Powells Point NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:19 PM)

Major props for updating this post rather than erasing the original error. Wouldn't it be nice if such transparency spread throughout the MSM?

Jack in Tulsa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:20 PM)

Remember when people were afraid that if Kennedy won the presidency he would take his cues from the pope, well if Obama wins he'll be taking his from Oprah and Jesse Jackson. That will truly be scary, Vote Mitt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt Chicopee MA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:21 PM)

Ha ha, I though the same thing. Either Larry King or Coretta Scott King endorsing David Thompson for President. All I rememeber was that was a bad trade for the Sonics.

Ha ha, good stuff.

Rob, Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:22 PM)

Dan Mason,

Here is what the Club For Growth has to say about RP:

"Unfortunately, his stubborn idealism often takes Ron Paul further away from achieving the limited-government, pro-growth philosophy he advocates. This is certainly the case with school choice, free trade, tort reform, and entitlement reform, in which he votes against vital free trade agreements, competitive school choice initiatives, and tort reform proposals.

"While we give Ron Paul credit for his philosophical ideals, politicians have the responsibility of making progress, and often, Ron Paul votes against making progress because, in his mind, the progress is not perfect," Mr. Toomey continued. "In these cases, although for very different reasons, Ron Paul is practically often aligned with the most left-wing Democrats, voting against important, albeit imperfect, pro-growth legislation. Ron Paul is, undoubtedly, ideologically committed to pro-growth limited-government policies, but his insistence on opposing all but the perfect means that under a Ron Paul presidency we might never get a chance to pursue the good too.""

Rob, Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:29 PM)

If the Iowa(and I am ashamed to admit that) Rep. Steven King endorsed anyone they can kiss it goodbye! The guy is a foaming at the mouth hateful person. HE would probaly throw his own mother to the wolves if it got him headlines! What a poor excuse for a human being and all in the name of God!?!? Not my GOd that is for sure!

Nany from Colfax, Ia (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:46 PM)

All Republicans are (wide stance people )...

Gary Queen Creek, Az (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:46 PM)

If it was 80% of the assembly, which it is not, then you are talking about what 6 republicans? kind of fuzzy math you are talking about in Van Buren. I'm a Arkansas Republican and I fully support Huck.

DH, Arkansas. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:48 PM)

Thomspon is too ugly to be president. Now that Hillary, what a pretty lady!

Billie Bob (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:55 PM)

joe- Fred STARTED the negative ads. he's hardly been "above" the bickering.

Rob- thank you for your quote. I'm getting tired of the Ron Paul fans on every blog. They've done an amazing job of fundraising for Dr. Extreme, but he isn't going to win. In nearly every poll he doesn't even reach the double digits. When are they going to open their eyes and start selected "the next best choice"? I appreciate that his differences have brought some people out of their apathy- that is good since nearly half of eligible voters don't vote, but are they going to go back to their apathy after he loses? BY the way, Paul fans- what is he going to do with all your money once he loses the primaries? I realize you somehow believe he's going to pull ahead, but for a moment, assume he doesn't... then what?

Regarding this article, sounds like more corrections might be forthcoming...

Kira, Utah (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:20 PM)

You conservatives are a riot. Please respond to this post with invective. I wait breathlessly.

Pat Farnsworth (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:40 PM)

You conservatives are a riot. Please respond to this post with invective. I wait breathlessly.

Pat Farnsworth, Fresno, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:47 PM)

That's funny.
King did not mention Romney cause whatever he said Romney's problem is Romeny will say "nope, I just changed my mind again!"
Thompson did not raise hand in the last debate even he wanted to. It's too much work for him!
As a Huckabee supporter I am SO glad that he did not pick up THIS endorsement

Hung S, Morris country, NJ (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:50 PM)

It's time for America to look at a candidate who has integrity, moral values, intelligence, and is willing to look at both sides of an issue and then reason effectively for the most productive conclusion for all involved. Mitt Romney has applied these principles numerous times in his business dealings. Because of his skills as an astute businessman he has been extremely profitable with his own business earnings. Why should we fault someone who has the skills to be successful in the business world? Take a look as his financial pursuits and reconize that his money has been used wisely, and honestly. He has a strong marriage and five boys who each have strong solid marriages as well as good careers. They have been taught the skills to be productive citizens from a strong, wise father and mother. Voting for Mitt would only allow the nation to take advantage of his skills and hopefully be able to turn our unstable financial concerns around.

Rhonda Bales, Mesquite, Nevada (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:53 PM)

Rhonda Bales, Mesquite, Nevada (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:55 PM)

I am backing Ron Paul because he is speaking like a candidate that I have not heard in over thirty years. Power to the states. Remember that was one thing our forefathers insisted on. The national government was set up mainly for security. Go Ron! It has been a long time.

Lorraine Taube Brockway Township, Michigan (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:15 PM)

I think that it is wonderfully liberal of the people of Iowa to allow dead entertainers into their caucuses.

Half of the Americans ever born are now dead. It is important to this under-represented demographic that some one represent their point of view.

Between now and the caucuses, the Fred Thompson Campaign Hearse will visit all 50 of the least lively of Iowa's 97 counties, bringing hope to every one of his fellow dead Americans.

Don't bother getting up, Fred. Just rest peacefully.

Goldbarg (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:20 PM)

Pat, Thanks. You just expanded my vocabulary. I felt like I was reading "Notes and Asides" in 'National Review' and getting a lesson into the nuances of the English language. Good stuff. Touche.

Not gonna do it. Too much screaming in this country as is. Those to the left-of-center, and right-of-center need to come together to get problems solved. We recognize the problem, but differ into how to solve them. That is healthy. I've taken up Gingrich's call to reach out to my neighboors who are left of me, politically.

Screaming and name-calling like kids in a sandbox solves nothing. Too often that's what these threads turn into. Like that stubborn little 5-year old at Wal-Mart carrying on a tantrum.

Rob, Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:56 PM)

The IMPORTANT PART of this endorsement wasn't the endorsement at all.

I was the BODY SLAM King gave to Huckabee. If King has pull with the rural evangelical social conservatives (wow, what a mouthfull!) and they are the ones supporting Huck now, that could sting.

Also, Huck has gone up by about as much as Thompson has gone down. If Thompson pulls some of those social conservative votes back he hurts Huck.

Ih Huck loses Iowa, he falls apart everywhere IMHO.

Bill Mitchell, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:57 PM)

You know, I would like Fred Thompson for POTUS is he actually had any EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE at all.

So far, the only thing of size that Thompson has managed has been this campaign and it had been a DISASTER.

Nice guy. Good conservative. No experience. Pass.

Bill Mitchell, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:00 PM)

Lorraine, like I said, I admire the gusto of Paul's supporters, but what are you going to do if/when he loses? I'm not being critical, I'm just wondering. And what about all those donations? Will they actually try to give them back to the donators? I'd love to hear what a Paul supporter thinks.

Kira, Utah (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:12 PM)

Oh, so happy Mitt lost the endosement!! Mitt is as clean as a used toliet bowl brush!! All the abuse people suffered because of his big ole' family, all the lies told, all the deceptions.

Lay down, take a asprin, put your feet up Mitt, you deserve to lose more!!! Hope your head spins, and spins and spin, just like all the lies the Romneys tell.

ellie (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:14 PM)

Kira,
Funny you'd like to hear from Paul supporters... I suspect I'm not the only one whose submissions to this thread have been blocked (I'm sure it's due to 'time and space constraints')... we'd love to share what we think, if only we were allowed.

Many Ron Paul supporters do not have land phone lines. Many more did not vote for G.W. Bush in 2004. By those two criteria alone, the majority of Ron Paul supporters will never be contacted by any pollster. Thus the reason all of his fundraising has not and will not tranlate into higher poll numbers. But we don't care about polls.

As for donations... where will donations made to Mitt Romney or Rudy Guiliani go once they are forced to withdraw from the campaign? Are they given back to supporters?

I don't know the answer to that question. But truly, I believe most Ron Paul supporters genuinely believe there are enough of us to win him the party's nomination so I suspect it is not a factor in anybody's decision to provide their financial support.

Respectfully...

Jennifer, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:48 PM)

Endorsed by Steve King? Watch out Fred...

OK maybe a George Bush endorsement would be worse...but wait, Romney got one of those, didn't he. He was introduced for his faith speech by 41.
I also read where the whole Bush family's pulling
Mitt.

Might just be Hucklebee after all.

Dave
DSM, IA

Dave Peterson (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:48 PM)

Fred is going to stun the pundits and media also-rans. I'm going to laugh my arse off once they have to acknowledge Fred is in it and they have to give him equal coverage, unlike what they are doing now, despite his domination of the last few debates. ***Fred08.com***

Kma,Sarasota FL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 8:53 PM)

I like both Thompson and Romney and will certainly support the candidate who gets the nomination. Both are good choices.
GO REPUBLICANS!

Rhj (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:59 PM)

Has anyone else noticed that the only candidate that the Democrats are trying to defeat on the Republican side is Mitt Romney? They are not attacking Thompson, Huckabee, or even Rudy. There is only one candidate on the Republican side that seems to give the opposition nightmares and that is Mitt Romney. Ron Paul is so far on the right that he's on the left, Rudy will be more liberal than many of the Democrat candidates, Thompson is falling further behind, and the Democratic National Commitee says that they look forward to running against Huckabee. We need to nominate Romney because he is the one candidate that hes the best chance of winning

David Fryer, Long Beach, California (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:02 PM)

"Fire in his belly", come on, some one needs to relight the furnace, it's getting cold in the Thompson house. Less than a month to go and Fred is just starting a fifty county swing through Iowa, whoppee, Fred started his 'Little Engine, and is going towards the hill. He has less energy than Kerry and his bloodhound on the porch attitude puts everyone to sleep. I'd rather vote for a beagle.

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:15 PM)

David Fryer,

Your dreaming it is NOT because the Democrates are afraid of Mitt-- It is because Mitt has his wallet open, is having his buddies cast their vote for him 20 or more times at straw votes. It is because people are seeing Mitt is a liar, fraud, and has been arrested by the police, not once but several times,he once was handcuffed in his swim suit and taken to the police station because Mitt cannot control his temper.

And Mitt also kicks doors when news people don't go along with his flips and flops--- Mitt must have knocked and entire room down yesterday!!

People don't want Mitt because Mitt is a liar, and as unclean as a used toliet bowl brush.

All the women and kids who have suffered because of the Romneys deception and their need to slience abuses; there is no way the Mitter should hold any office.

Ellie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:30 PM)

So much for Honesty and Mitt-- the sharp businessman Mitt is and all.. Mitts interview with Tim Russert-- Mitt said the NRA endorced him (mitt) in 2002-- was it a LIE or another miss statement by the mitter-- in 2002 in Massachusetts the NRA supported the mitters opponent.

Ellie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:41 PM)

Jennifer- Thank you, sincerely, for your answer. I don't know why the Ron Paul supporters comments would be blocked. There are far worse things posting on these sites than support for an underdog. Perhaps a conspiracy theory? Regardless, I appreciate you taking the time. It doesn't change my mind about Paul, but it does increase my respect for people like you.

Ellie, what the heck are you talking about? What women and children exactly are suffering from Romney's deception? You've made that comment 2 or 3 times now with no justification. I get some of your comments (although I think they are exagerated to the point of ridiculous), but that particular one makes no sense. Will you please explain?

thanks,

Kira, Utah (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:49 PM)

I grew up in Mitt Romneys home stake in Michigan, and and also served as an adult there and in surrounding stakes. My child was raped by a church member, I put him in prison, and was badly abused because of it. I had a second child raped several years later, but they were slienced. Court record is being destoyed ( I have it in a letter from the court where they state they destroyed all record ), witness lists with the Romney family name on it are missing also, my home broken into and an attempt for some documents removed. My kids were chased from area schools, when they were in high school, their education disrupted, , it has been a nightmare.

There were other cases of assults covered up also, I was documenting them back before my charges. This is only the tip of the iceburg, there is much more, dirty business deals, so much more.

maybe it is time I give my name:

Deborah A. Skousen, Brighton, Michigan
the mother who was put on trial in 1997 under a false police report, found innocent.

Put on trial because she she knew too much.

It has been a nightmare for many years now.

Want to say something Romney family?-- I dare you.

Ellie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 5:55 PM)

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