ABOUT FIRST READ

First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



More on the Romney ad

Posted: Monday, December 31, 2007 11:20 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ’s Erin McPike
Romney launched his final pre-caucus ad in Iowa this morning that reminds voters of his “turn around” message -- and his family.
 
“Everywhere my family and I go we hear that America’s challenges are simply too big for Washington politicians,” he begins.
 
He goes on to tick off the laundry list of accomplishments on his resume, including his success in turning things around in business, the Olympics and as governor of Massachusetts. And he ends, “It’s time to turn around Washington.”
 
Noting the positive message the ad carries, spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said that the contrast in the dynamic will be interesting to watch today given Huckabee’s proposed counterattacks for today.
 
Still, the Romney campaign blasted out another “THOSE WHO KNOW HIM BEST” release on Huckabee, hitting him for having a reputation of granting clemencies as governor and charging that the more he granted, “the more applications poured in.”

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Mitt Romney,

Or should I say Flip Flopper Romney!
 
Mitt Romney's  Flip Flop Record

ABORTION

From the Left:

Romney ran against Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1994. During a debate, Romney declared: "I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it."
- Boston Globe, March 2, 2006

"I respect and will protect a woman's right to choose."
-2002 Questionnaire for the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL)
Boston Globe, July 3, 2005

From the Right:

"I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by judicial mandate."
- Boston Globe, Op-Ed, July 26, 2005

More from the Right:

"Every decision I have made as Governor in a very liberal state has been on the side of favoring life." – Governor Romney

- Robert Behre, "Romney Gets S.C. Support," Charleston Post-Courier, January 30, 2007

STEM CELL RESEARCH

From the Left:

"Romney has decided to support experimentation on surplus frozen embryos from in-vitro fertilization procedures."
- National Review Online, February 11, 2005

"At a campaign appearance at Brandeis University in June 2002, Romney strongly endorsed stem cell research."
- Boston Globe, December 17, 2006  Read the article

From the Center:

"Governor Mitt Romney set off a storm of criticism yesterday after he declared in a published interview that he favored banning a specific type of stem cell research. Scientists and the leader of the state Senate accused him of trying to block a promising avenue of research, even as antiabortion groups assailed him for declaring that he did not object to stem cell research involving embryos from fertility clinics."
- Boston Globe, February 11, 2005  Read the article

From the Right:

"I studied the issue for many months, and entered into conversation with experts from across the nation who were looking for consensus solutions, like Stanford's Dr. William Hurlbut.  In the end, I became persuaded that the stem-cell debate was grounded in a false premise, and that the way through it was around it: by the use of scientific techniques that could produce the equivalent of embryonic stem cells but without cloning, creating, harming, or destroying developing human lives."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "A Stem-Cell Solution," National Review Online, June 15, 2007

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

From the Left:

"When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney said he supported expanding access to the emergency contraception pill, a high dose of hormones that women can take to prevent pregnancy up to five days after sex . . . On a questionnaire Planned Parenthood gave to the gubernatorial candidates in 2002, Romney answered 'yes' to the question, 'Do you support efforts to increase access to emergency contraception?' "
- Boston Globe, July 7, 2005

From the Right:

"Yesterday I vetoed a bill that the Legislature forwarded to my desk. Though described by its sponsors as a measure relating to contraception, there is more to it than that. The bill does not involve only the prevention of conception: The drug it authorizes would also terminate life after conception."
- Governor Mitt Romney, Op-Ed, "Why I Vetoed The Contraception Bill," Boston Globe, July 26, 2005  Read the article

GAY RIGHTS

From the Left:

"All citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation. While he does not support gay marriage, Mitt Romney believes domestic partnership status should be recognized in a way that includes the potential for health benefits and rights of survivorship."
- Romney's 2002 campaign website

"Mitt and Kerry Wish You a Great Pride Weekend! All citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of their sexual preference"
- A flier handed out at "Gay Pride" by the Romney/Healey Campaign  See the flier here

"We have discussed a number of important issues such as the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which I have agreed to co-sponsor, and if possible broaden to include housing and credit, and a bill to create a federal panel to find ways to reduce gay and lesbian youth suicide, which I also support. One issue I want to clarify concerns [grammar in context] President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" military policy. I believe that the Clinton compromise was a step in the right direction. I am also convinced that it is the first of a number of steps that will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military. That goal will only be reached when preventing discrimination against gays and lesbians is a mainstream concern, which is a goal we share…"
- Governor Romney letter to Log Cabin Republicans, October 6, 1994  Read the letter here

From the Right:

Lopez: "And what about the 1994 letter to the Log Cabin Republicans where you indicated you would support the Federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and seemed open to changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military? Are those your positions today?

Gov. Romney: "No. I don't see the need for new or special legislation. My experience over the past several years as governor has convinced me that ENDA would be an overly broad law that would open a litigation floodgate and unfairly penalize employers at the hands of activist judges...As for military policy and the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, I trust the counsel of those in uniform who have set these policies over a dozen years ago. I agree with President Bush's decision to maintain this policy and I would do the same."
- Interview with National Review, December 14, 2006  Read the interview

MARRIAGE AMENDMENT

From the Left:

In 2002, before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declared same-sex marriage protected by the Constitution, Romney denounced as "too extreme" the effort by pro-family groups to enact a preemptive state Marriage Protection Amendment prohibiting homosexual marriage, civil unions and same-sex public employee benefits.
- Boston Phoenix, May 14-20, 2004

From the Right:

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "Do you support a national constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage?"

Governor Romney: "Boy, I sure do. You know, that's a topic that's really, I think, very important to the country because marriage is not just about adults. Marriage is about the development and nurturing of kids, and in my view, the development of a child is enhanced by having a mom and dad. And so, I think it's very important that we have a national standard because marriage is a status. You get married in one place and then you move to another, you're still married at least in the eyes of the community and the children and the benefits may not follow you, but ultimately we're going to have one standard of marriage in this country and that standard ought to be one man and one woman."
- MSNBC's "Morning Joe" September 17, 2007

GUN RIGHTS

From the Left:

"He [Romney] is a supporter of the federal assault weapons ban."
- Romney 2002 campaign website

More from the Left:

In his 1994 US Senate run, Romney backed two gun-control measures strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups: the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period on gun sales, and a ban on certain assault weapons.

"That's not going to make me the hero of the NRA," Romney told the Boston Herald in 1994.

At another campaign stop that year, he told reporters: "I don't line up with the NRA."
- Boston Globe, January 14, 2007  Read the article

From the Right:

"Americans should have the right to own and possess firearms as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution," said Governor Romney. "I'm proud to be among the many decent, law-abiding men and women who safely use firearms."
- Governor Romney, News Release, January 12, 2007

WAITING PERIODS FOR GUNS

From the Left:

Regarding the Brady Bill which required waiting periods to buy a handgun, Romney stated, "I don't think [the waiting period] will have a massive effect on crime but I think it will have a positive effect."
- Boston Herald, August 1, 1994

From the Right:

"Romney says he still backs the ban on assault weapons, but he won't say whether he stands by the Brady Bill.  And after the gun show tour, his campaign declined to say whether he would still describe himself as a supporter of tough gun laws."
- Boston Globe, January 14, 2007  Read the article

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

From the Left:

"The minimum wage is important to our economy and Mitt Romney supports minimum wage increase, at least in line with inflation."
- Romney 2002 campaign website

From the Right:

Governor Mitt Romney yesterday rejected the Legislature's plan to raise the state minimum wage to $8 an hour over two years, angering Democratic lawmakers and advocates who accused him of abandoning a 2002 campaign pledge to significantly boost the pay of low-wage workers.
- Boston Globe, July 22, 2006  Read the article

EDUCATION

During his 1994 campaign for Senate he continually called for the abolishment of the Department of Education.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

Governor Romney now supports the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

IMMIGRATION

From the Left:

In a November 2005 interview with the Boston Globe, Romney described immigration proposals by McCain and others as "quite different" from amnesty, because they required illegal immigrants to register with the government, work for years, pay taxes, not take public benefits, and pay a fine before applying for citizenship.

"That's very different than amnesty, where you literally say, 'OK, everybody here gets to stay,' " Romney said in the interview. "It's saying you could work your way into becoming a legal resident of the country by working here without taking benefits and then applying and then paying a fine."

Romney did not specifically endorse McCain's bill, saying he had not yet formulated a full position on immigration. But he did speak approvingly of efforts by McCain and Bush to solve the nation's immigration crisis, calling them "reasonable proposals."

Romney also said in the interview that it was not "practical or economic for the country" to deport the estimated 12 million immigrants living in the US illegally. "These people contribute in many cases to our economy and to our society," he said. "In some cases, they do not. But that's a whole group we're going to have to determine how to deal with."
- Boston Globe, March 16, 2007  Read the article

From the Right:

In his appeals to conservative voters, Romney has made the Arizona senator's work on immigration one of his favorite targets. When McCain and other senators unveiled the latest reform bill two weeks ago, Romney called it the "wrong approach" and immediately launched a television ad slamming "amnesty" for illegal immigrants.
- Boston Globe, June 1, 2007  Read the article

TAXES

From the Left:

"Governor Romney…imposed a slew of fee hikes and tax 'loophole' closures….The largest of these was $259 million worth of fee hikes in FY 2004, the bulk of which came from higher Registry of Deeds fees.  Smaller fee hikes, including higher charges for boaters and golfers, we imposed in FY 2003 and FY 2005.  Romney also sought $128 million worth of so-called tax loophole closures for FY 2004; $70 million for FY 2005; and $170 million for FY 2006, which were later reduced to $85 million due to backlash from business leaders."
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

"Romney continues to oppose the flat tax with harsh language, calling the tax 'unfair.'"
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

Romney didn't support President Bush's tax cuts in 2003.  That earned him praise from liberal Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA)  
- Boston Globe, April 11, 2003.

From the Right:

"I said no to a tax hike; raising taxes hurts working people and scares away jobs. I also said no to more borrowing; borrowing just shifts our problems to the backs of our kids...Instead, I went after waste, inefficiency, duplication, and patronage."
- Governor Romney, Boston Globe, October 24, 2005

NO NEW TAXES PLEDGE

From the Left:

In 2002, Romney broke with his predecessor, Jane Swift, and Republican governors before her by declining to sign a written vow not to raise taxes once in office.

- Boston Globe, January 5, 2007  Read the article

From the Right:

Almost five years after he refused to sign a "no new taxes" pledge during his campaign for governor, Mitt Romney announced yesterday that he had done just that, as his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination began in earnest.
- Boston Globe, January 5, 2007  Read the article

CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS

From the Left:

Governor Romney has changed his position on key campaign finance reform issues several times during public life. During his 1994 Senate campaign, he held far left positions that advocated for abolishing PACs and creating strict campaign spending limits.

- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

From the Right:

As he runs for President, Romney abandoned his previous stance and has come out as a harsh critic of McCain-Feingold, and those presidential candidates who support it. His transformation has even propelled him to call for the legislation's repeal.
- Club for Growth's White Paper on Mitt Romney

ON HIS FAVORITE BOOK

From the Left:

He told Fox News his favorite book is L. Ron Hubbard's "Battlefield Earth"

From the Right:

He also told Fox news his favorite book is the The Bible

Or

Who Knows:

His MySpace page said his favorite book is "Huckleberry Finn"

Read more news articles on Mitt Romney's Record
Watch a video from Mitt Romney's 1994 debate with Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
Is That a floating flag in the background of the video? lol

Great ad!!

Mitt 08!!!
Romney for President 2008!!  ALL candidates have made some changes -- check out their records.  The question is: Who is best qualified to lead this nation, and who is the most conservative?  Conservative does not mean bigoted (i.e.: Huckabee).  When you take the pro-life out of Huckabee, all that remains is a Democrat.  Romney for 2008!
Mitt Romney Flip Flopping on Abortion watch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFMdK0TWtks&feature=related

Do you really want a scum bag like this.
A photograph of GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney at a 1994 Planned Parenthood fund-raiser has surfaced, once again raising questions about the former Bay State’s governor’s abortion flip-flopping.

The picture, a copy of which was obtained by the Herald, shows Romney and his wife Ann at a house party fund-raiser in Scituate with Nicki Nichols Gamble, who was the president of the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts at the time. Romney has already downplayed ties to Planned Parenthood after revelations that Ann Romney donated $150 to the group.

Gamble said the pic was snapped at an event at GOP activist Eleanor Bleakie’s house and that she “clearly” remembered speaking with Romney at the event. At the time, Romney was running as a pro-choice Republican against U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.).

“My recollection is that we talked about his senate candidacy and the fact that he was supporting Roe v. Wade and a choice agenda at the time,” Gamble told the Herald. “It was a Planned Parenthood event. We were there to discuss our programs and our advocacy.”

The event was held the same day Ann Romney wrote a check to the pro-choice group. Romney has previously said he had “no recollection” of his wife writing the check to Planned Parenthood.

Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom called the flap “a dog bites man story.”

“Governor Romney used to have a different position on abortion,” Fehrnstrom said. “He is now firmly pro-life and has made it clear that as President he will advocate for a culture that welcomes life and protects the sanctity of life. This is the same path that Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush followed.”

Because of his abortion shift, Romney has been branded a flip-flopper by his GOP primary opponents, as well Democrats. Romney has stated he became pro-life in 2004 during the stem cell debate in Massachusetts.

Beyond attending the event, Romney filled out a 2002 questionnaire for the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund in which he said he supported Roe v. Wade, sex education in schools and increased access to emergency contraception.

“With Mitt Romney, this has been more than a flip-flop. This has been an extreme makeover,” said Planned Parenthood spokesman Angus McQuilken. “What voters need to know about Mitt Romney is this: where he stands on any issue is always a moving target.”

Romney reacts to photo:
+ Romney dismisses photo suggesting he attended Planned Parenthood event
dwedge@bostonherald.com
For which Romney opponent is R.J. Utah working? His comment is too well researched (but misleading) to come from an average voter. All of the candidates (except perhaps Ron Paul) can be accused of flip-flopping. I'm one conservative who is willing to take Romney at his current word, given his stellar record of managing businesses and a state government.
From Ray:

. . . willing to take Romney at his "current" word - LOL!
Romney will win Iowa after the 'Willie Horton' clemency issue, Huck will lose momentum.
I have to say that I would rather see Mitt over all the others in the repub party, but as I am voting Dem this year and the party is fired up I don't think the repubs will win. Watch where the money goes, the dems are reaping while the repubs flounder, thanks Georgie you are the best thing we dems have had in a very long time. Have a Happy New Year everyone!
Mitt has the right message for this time in the world. Mitt has the best record. Democrats fear Romney the most, because they know he is most in line with what America feels.
Go Mitt.  Loved the floating flag.  Huck-a-bust.  Huck, a candidate can not live on God alone!  Romney has the depth and capacity to beat Hilary.  Romney = Reagan II!
RJ is a fraud.  He posts something negative about Romney everywhere I look.  I bet he is a Billary volunteer that still lives in his mothers basement and plays video games.  Grow up RJ and just admit that NO other candidate besides Mitt can do the job.  Go Mitt!  Get a job RJ!
Romney would destroy us by continuing this needless and pointless culture war.  He's a bigotted, homophobe religious zealot and we don't need that anymore.
Did anyone read R.J.'s way to long cut and paste job? Or does everyone skip it like me to read actual responses to the story? He and Ann do the same thing on every story I am sure they are well paid for. As for the story it really is kind of a nonstory. Why is it note worthy that a canidate runs an add or points out the difference between themslves and a rival.
pat in ny - "He's a bigoted, homophobe (sic) religious zealot"?

Did you mean to say Huckabee (whose stance on homosexuality is actually discriminatory)?  Romney supports anti-discrimination, just not gay marriage.  49 states agree with that stance.  And with wording like he "would destroy us," aren't you being a bit of a zealot yourself?

Personally, my standards for prez have gotten pretty low.  I'd be satisfied if whoever wins just does no real harm - s/he doesn't even have to accomplish anything.  Not sure it's Romney, but maybe.
Romney has no chance in H*** to beat any of the Democratic nominees. He has the lowest poll numbers against matches with any of the Dem nominees. All the Dems and a whole lot of strong social conservatives know he's a phony, an opportunist and another Clinton with his "well it depends on how you define the word..."  

A vote for Romney means a DEM in the white house for sure !!

Ugh.. I don't understand how any social conservative could vote for this plastic guy.
Romney is about to get nipped.  He claims he turned around the Olympics in SLC...when in fact it was the coordinators and volunteers that did all the work and ignored the politics that was going on.  Success was due to the people in the field without direction of Romney.  What an opportunist!
You abortion freaks! You'd live under Stalin if he outlawed abortion. Is there nothing else on your little pea brains?

(Hey Debrar - most Democrats can spell their own name.)
Romney's *very real* record in business and in govt, as well as his personal life, are stellar and stand on their own.  Use your heads and give us the smartest, most qualified candidate for our future, MITT '08!!  
I just got back from showering and now can add to this discussion.  Whew, I am glad I CHANGED my underwear after showering improves my live.  I am also glad I CHANGED my socks from yesterday, they sure smelled, now they are an improvement.  I just got off the phone with my mother in law, boy she needs to get a haircut and CHANGE that 80's look, she would sure look better and improve herself.  After readying these posts that people should not CHANGE and become a better person in so rediculous.  I know of many people who have a tatoo they wish they could CHANGE but can't because it is permanent.  I am glad that ideas can change for the better when a person comes to more knowledge and understanding of issues.  After reading some of these posts that Mitt Romney is not worthy of President because he has increased his knowledge and is open to CHANGE makes me desire to CHANGE my hermoroid ointment to a more stronger version.  Sure gives me a pain in the butt!!
Romney's Grand List of "Accomplishments:"

*Thousands of Americans out of work due to Romney's grand Forced Buy-Outs of American grown companies. Thousands More Americans Forced to take cuts in pay to keep their jobs after Romney's Forced Buy-Out's new owners take over.

*Massachusetts left as ONLY STATE to post ZERO GAIN IN EMPLOYED RESIDENTS during Romney's 4 years as governor, 3RD from the Bottom in Creating New Jobs during the same time span, would have been 2nd from the bottom except Katrina blew Louisiana away.

*Romney allowed his office as governor to fund Gay/Lesbian SEX-ED to GRADE-SCHOOL CHILDREN as young as KINDERGARTENERS--with NO PARENTAL NOTIFICATION OR CONSENT! NO U.S. POLITICIAN SHOULD ASSUME SUCH CONTROL OVER CHILDREN/THEIR PARENTS!!

*While claiming to be PRO-LIFE "Romney's Healthcare Plan" has $50.00 co-pay for elective abortions.

*Just months before announcing his campaign, Romney 'donated' $100s of $1000s of dollars to Major Conservative Groups, Groups Romney NEVER donated to prior, nor ANY GROUP like them, according to record. Kevin Madden, Romney's spokesman, claimed it "demonstrated his convictions." Right, Romney's convictions that his money could buy endorsements. Some of the organizations include: Federalist Society, Heritage Foundation, Massachusetts Citizens for Life, National Review Institute, Family Institute-associated with Family Research Center and Focus on the Family (New York Times, 03/11/07).

*While claiming to be against Embryonic Stem-cell Research, Romney is investing in it. He could have sold his stock or placed limitations on his trust (Boston Herald, 08/15/07).

*Just recently, before a crowd of strangers and reporters, Romney claimed his loyal wife, possible "First Lady" of the United States, is "HOT" licking his finger and making the "sss" sound ("First Read," MSNBC.msn.com). Unbearable SEXIST!

* "Human Events" named Romney as the most pro-abortion, pro gay-rights in the nation for the last decade.

* Romney made the TOP 10 (#8) RINO LIST (Republican in name only). (Human Events)

*Romney continually loses it when asked questions by voters that he doesn't like. He has gotten hot under the collar and stood to leave the room, walked away--just leaving voters standing there, stammered--shaking--waving his arms around, spewing forth vile name-calling and accusations of voters. We can expect NO better from Romney if he gets the chance to deal with foreign dignitaries who ask him questions he doesn't like, or that he doesn't want to answer...and he blames Huckabee of being irritable and testy???

* While thousands of Americans are forced out of their jobs, or forced to take cuts in pay, due to the actions of Romney's Forced Buy-Outs of American grown companies, analysts who track Buy-Out Firms' compensation claim Romney's likely exceeded 500 Million $$$. (New York Times, 03/11/07--that should buy Romney a few more attack ads).

* While Romney NOW touts his plan to "strengthen American families/homes, just recently, as governor of Massachusetts, Romney's office funded 'dances' where CHILDREN as young as 12 YEARS OF AGE, could 'meet-up' with ADULT Gays/Lesbians/Transgenders/Bi-sexuals...NO, I am NOT homophobic. I just don't agree that THIS was in the best interest of "family values." If Romney chose to do no better than this as governor, we can expect no better from him as president.

* Check out YouTube's flick from the Log Cabin Republicans, a Gay-Rights group, for how Romney has treated them in his bid for the presidency.

* Romney chose, for advisors, J.Cofer Black--vice chairman of BLACKWATER, chairman of THE BLACK GROUP LLC. Black--who failed America miserably in his appointment to get rid of Taliban/Bin Laden BEFORE/DURING 911. Black--who has already been criticized for wanting to give TOO MUCH POWER TO 'PRIVATE SECURITY FIRMS.' And, Hoekstra--On the Inteligence Committee while FBI/CIA were playing 'keep-away' with vital information BEFORE/DURING 911. And Romney wants us to trust him with our the lives of our military??

* Romney has continually frustrated both Christians and LDS with his remarks about his religion. While claiming he believes in God,Jesus and the Bible, Romney makes NO clarification that LDS-God is "MAN" of flesh and bones (eg Moses 6:57, 7:35; LDS Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). LDS-Christ is "spirit-brother of Lucifer" (eg Moses 5:13, [LDS]Gospel Principles,revised 1979,ch3 and throughout LDS teachings).

Yeah, Romney's really accomplished a lot. Too bad this isn't all of it.  
Romney is one canidate that I probably would never vote for.  He is an opportunist.  He campaigns based on convenience instead of conviction. His negative advertising has really turned me off.  

Right now, my choice is either Thompson or McCain.  Probably leaning toward McCain.  He is the best true leader of the bunch.  I may not always agree with him, but I trust him to do what is best for America and not what is best for his own political gain.  

What is more intesting is if Romney wins the primary, does he do another flip flop and modifies his position AGAIN when it comes to the general election.  My guess is yes.  Reason:  If Romney or Huckabee wins, Bloomberg will probably enter the race as an independent.  We (republicans) will get slaugtered in the general election.
Romney became Gov of MA when he saw no viable Democrats running for a vacated office. He didn't manage the state because he was only here for 2 years; the remaining 2 years of his governorship was spent travelling and running for president. He basically vetoed everything put before him and his vetos were over-ridden. Politically speaking, he has no experience and my guess is that Congress and Washing politics will eat him up. I think the guy is an opportunitst, albiet a very smart one, who will say anything to anybody to be elected.
I am social conservative and I am voting for Romney because he is a full spectrum Republican fiscal, international, and now social.  He admits that he was wrong on several social issues in the past but I will embrace any person who comes to our side from the social liberal camp and supports the views that have made this Nation great.  If we take the approach of "once a liberal always a liberal" and we will not forgive others if they once had liberal views, we will discourage people coming around to our side, we will reject powerful leaders who can help our cause (such as Romney) and we will lose the nation to social liberalism.  

Go Romney!!    
ROMMNEY IS JUST LIKE HILLARY, UNELECTABLE NATIONALLY. HUCKABEE IS THE MOST ELECTABLE, BECAUSE HE APPEALS TO MOST INDEPENDENTS, AND CHURCH PEOPLE GO TO THE POLLS, HUCKABEE WON 4 TIMES IN ARKANSAS WHICH IS A STRONG DEMOCRAT STATE, AND DEMOCRATS JUST DONT LET REPUBLICANS WIN IN ARKANSAS.
Sane, nice post. I did read the RJ (Robert Jorgenson) and Ann slander. Both have cut and pasted several times over the last 1-2 weeks. Same stuff. Mick should also be included in his slander posts. I think the early responses of a Kira from UT and another guy (can't remember his name right now) from North Carolina sums up the best response to the slander. Wayne

Did anyone read R.J.'s way to long cut and paste job?
Or does everyone skip it like me to read actual responses to the story? He and Ann do the same thing on every story I am sure they are well paid for. As for the story it really is kind of a nonstory. Why is it note worthy that a canidate runs an add or points out the difference between themslves and a rival.
pat huntington ny - funny you should say that, because that's EXACTLY what Huckabee proves time and time again.  Look in the mirror sometime?

Jeff Lensman, South Ogden, Utah - you're either completely uninformed about what happened during the Olympic scandal, lying, or an anti-Mormon like Robert Jorgensen (R.J. Utah). I was there during that fiasco and saw what he did why my own eyes. If Mitt hadn't fixed it - it wouldn't have gotten done. Guess who organized all those volunteers? That's leadership - that's Mitt Romney. Period!
Romney Can Speak French!
youtube search "Romney french"


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