comMITTed to Romney!

https://www.donationrepor…?key=Q0J3V0M9A7

ABCPAC, home of 2006’s RightRoots movement, has created a new program where you can support your 2008 candidate early. You can log on and donate up to the legal limit to Romney’s camnpaign, and as soon as he announces, he will get your donation.

This is a great early way to show a groundswell of support for the Governor. Give what you can.

(For new visitors, we are completely unaffiliated with Mitt Romney or the Commonwealth PAC. We are 100% grassroots and have no guidance from Romney’s people.)

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=658399

From KSL.com:

2008 presidential race hasn’t even officially begun, but a new poll shows Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the favored candidate among Utah voters.

About 44 percent of Utahns surveyed said they would vote for Romney if a presidential race were held now, the Deseret Morning News said in a copyright story Sunday.

Sen. John McCain R-Arizona was second at 15 percent, according to the poll of 416 registered voters conducted for the newspaper Nov. 14-16 by Dan Jones & Associates. The poll has an error margin of 5 percentage points.

Romney was also first among Utah Republican voters at 60 percent and drew 33 percent of support from independent voters, the poll found.

McCain drew support from only 14 percent of Utah Republicans, but 21 percent of independents.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.humanevents.co…_s_mos&tb=1&c=1

From HEO:

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney swung through Washington, D.C., today for luncheon speech to nearly 400 fans and admirers who packed a Capitol Hill restaurant to hear his message. The private fundraiser, organized by Romney’s Commonwealth PAC, was so popular that attendees barely fit in the room.

The turnout confirmed the sentiments of Republican National Chairman Ken Mehlman, who told the crowd that there was “no more sought-after speaker than Mitt Romney” among Republicans these days. Not long ago that honor likely belonged to Sen. John McCain (R.-Ariz.) or former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Dave

Addendum

The article went on to say the five principles of Romney’s speech were well received with applause throughout, and that he littered his speech throughout with humor, the five principles mentioned…

1) fighting Islamic jihadists
2) making sure the U.S. keeps pace with the emerging superpowers in Asia
3) battling spending increases in Washington, D.C.
4) reducing America’s reliance on foreign oil
5) advancing cultural issues, such as the sanctity of life and the foundation of family.

According to the piece he then went on to discuss his travels to South Carolina, Michigan, and the important first caucus and primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

(This drew an upbeat response from attendees, who quickly discerned the importance of all four states in ‘08.)

The article went on to say…

During his introduction, [Ken] Mehlman said Romney has used his role as chairman of the Republican Governors Association to raise more money than ever before in the organization’s history.

With 2008 still two years away, Romney has a long way to go before even securing the Republican nomination. But as his upbeat performance today demonstrated, he’s able to talk family values and national security as effectively as anyone. Romney’s previous success as a businessman — not to mention his work on the 2002 Olympics — makes him a candidate who has real-life experiences.

Conservatives are certain to gripe about his recent pro-life conversion and the health-care solution he devised for Massachusetts, but even the latter can be a political winner. I overheard some attendees saying they were there solely because of Romney’s innovative health-care plan, not his conservative political leanings.

The last part about some attendees saying they were there solely because of Romney’s innovative health-care plan is most impressive, it means that Romney is making inroads on this important national issue.

Ann Marie

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.boston.com/new…ey_gaining.html

From the Boston Globe:

A new poll found that John McCain and Hillary Clinton are leading the Republican and Democratic fields for president in New Hampshire. But it also found that 15 percent of Republicans favored Mitt Romney, up from single digits earlier this year.

The Granite State Poll, taken in mid September by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for WMUR-TV, found that McCain was favored by 32-percent of likely Republican voters; Rudy Giuliani by 19 percent, Romney by 15-percent and Condi Rice by 10 percent. The poll was released Thursday night.

“Mitt Romney has improved in recent months from high single digits to 15%,” said UNH pollster Andrew E. Smith said in a statement outlining the findings.

After reviewing the poll, located here, one statistic jumps out. Among REGISTERED REPUBLICANS, McCain falls to 31%, Giuliani falls to 18%, and Romney jumps to 17%.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

October 4, 2006 – Governor Mitt Romney’s New Hampshire Commonwealth PAC unveiled a Steering Committee today consisting of prominent Republicans and business leaders in all ten New Hampshire counties, from Coos to the sea. The Steering Committee will provide guidance to the Commonwealth PAC as it continues to provide financial and political support to New Hampshire Republican candidates in 2006.

“I am honored that so many prominent Granite Staters have joined the Commonwealth PAC’s Steering Committee,” Governor Romney said. “These people are statewide and community leaders who are committed to New Hampshire’s future and I’m proud to have them on the team.”

“This is a critically important election year for New Hampshire,” said Bruce Keough, Chairman of the New Hampshire Commonwealth PAC Steering Committee. “The Commonwealth PAC will continue to be a source of support for our candidates, local organizations and the grassroots leaders who are committed to ensuring the New Hampshire Advantage and our unparalleled quality of life remain intact.”

The New Hampshire Commonwealth PAC Steering Committee

Mr. Tom Boucher, Bedford. Former Chairman, N.H. Lodging & Restaurant Association

Sheriff Dan Collis, Laconia. Sheriff, Belknap County; Chairman, Law Enforcement for Bush 2004

Mr. Bryson Cook, Bedford. Branch Manager, Smith Barney

Atty. Wayne Coull, Laconia. Acting County Attorney, Belknap County

Atty. Craig Donais, Bedford. Former N.H. Assistant Attorney General

Mrs. Nancy Dwight, Lyme. Former Executive Director, Republican National Congressional Committee

Hon. Don Dwight, Lyme. Former Lt. Governor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Mr. Scott Earnshaw, Bedford. President, New Hampshire Traditional Marriage and Family Institute

Mrs. Liz Feren, Hooksett. Former Hooksett GOP Chair

Hon. Kevin Gage, Nashua. Former Alderman, City of Nashua

Hon. Mary Griffin, Windham. State Representative, Deputy Majority Whip

Hon. Tony Giunta, Franklin. Former Mayor, City of Franklin

Hon. Peter Heed, Westmoreland. Former N.H. Attorney General

Hon. Will Infantine, Manchester. State Representative

Hon. Bing Judd, Pittsburg. County Commissioner, Coos County

Mr. George Kassa, Derry. Founder & Exec. V.P., Cedar Point Communications

Hon. Bruce Keough, Dublin. Steering Committee Chairman, Former State Senator & 2002 GOP gubernatorial candidate

Mr. Doug Kruse, Manchester. School Board, City of Manchester

Mr. Beno Lamontagne, Colebrook. Chairman, Coos County Economic Development Corp.

Atty. Tom Laporte, Chester. Chair, Attorneys for Bush-Cheney 2004 & Member, Chester Budget Committee

Mr. Eric Letendre, Tuftonboro. Principal, Shannon Investments

Mr. Gary Levy, Portsmouth. COMMPAC-NH Finance Chairman; President, State Street Discount

Sheriff Dan Linehan, Danville. Sheriff, Rockingham County

Hon. George Lovejoy, Barrington. Former State Senator & Co-Founder, Granite State Taxpayers

Atty. Gordon MacDonald, Concord. Former Campaign Director, Gordon Humphrey for Governor

Ms. Patricia Mahoney, Rye. NH GOP Chair, Town of Rye

Mrs. Betty Maiola, Newport. Select Board member, Town of Newport

Mr. Shane McKinney, Conway. Carroll County co-chairman, Bush 2004

Hon. Ken Merrifield, Franklin. City Councilor, City of Franklin

Atty. Jim Merrill, Manchester. Chairman, COMMPAC-NH; Grassroots Co-chair, NH Bush-Cheney 2004

Lt. Col. Mike Moffett, Concord. Lt. Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves; Professor, N.H. Technical Institute

Hon. Claira Monier, Goffstown. Executive Director, N.H, Housing Finance Authority

Hon. Paul Needham, Derry. Former Chairman, Derry Town Council

Mr. Kent Nolan, Goffstown. School Board member, Town of Goffstown

Mr. Karl Norwood, Bedford. Principal, Norwood Realty Group

Mr. German Ortiz, Bedford. Member, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs

Hon. Steve Panagoulis, Plymouth. Former County Commissioner, Grafton County

Hon. Betsey Patten, Moultonborough. State Representative; Former Carroll County GOP Chair

Mr. Ray Pinard, Deerfield. Principal, Monticello Group; Former Chairman, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce; 2004 Bush-Cheney Small Business Chairman

Hon. Pam Price, Nashua. State Representative; House Majority Whip

Hon. Jim Reams, Hampton. County Attorney, Rockingham County

Mr. Jim Rivers, Concord. Senior Aide to NH House Speaker; Former Press Secretary, Governor Stephen Merrill

Mrs. Barbara Russell, Dover. NH Bush-Cheney Campaign Co-Chair 2000; Former Vice Chair, NH Republican Party

Mr. John Sangenario, Hampton. Town Chair, Bush-Cheney 2004

Mrs. Jeanne Sangenario, Hampton. Town Chair, Bush-Cheney 2004

Mr. Gene Savage, Barrington. Former Vice Chancellor, Univ. System of New Hampshire (USNH)

Hon. Paul Smith, Farmington. Former State Representative

Mr. Mark Sykas, Stratham. Town Chair, Bush-Cheney 2004

Mrs. Sharon Sykas, Stratham. Past President, Seacoast Federation of Republican Women

Mrs. Siobhan Tautkus, Manchester. Former Staff Member, Office of Governor Steve Merrill & Alderman Candidate, Manchester

Hon. Jim Tollner, Nashua. Alderman At-Large, City of Nashua

Hon. George Twigg, III, Gilmanton. Former state representative

Atty. David Vicinanzo, Concord. Former 1st Assistant U.S. Attorney, New Hampshire

Hon. Marge Webster, Wolfeboro. County Commissioner, Carroll County

Mr. Dick Wennerberg, Hopkinton. Merrimack County co-chair, Bush-Cheney 2004

Mrs. Judy Wennerberg, Hopkinton. Merrimack County co-chair, Bush-Cheney 2004

Mr. Chris Wolfe, Derry. Former NH GOP Chairman, Town of Derry

Atty. Sherilyn Young, Concord. Former legislative counsel, Governor Judd Gregg & former board member, USNH

-Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://hotlineblog.nation…y_on_the_s.html

From the Hotline:

Who: Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA)

Location: Family Research Council’s Washington Briefing, Omni Shoreham, DC

Topic: same-sex marriage

Standing ovations: three

Theme: Romney learned, in his state, why the “extraordinary” battle for American culture matters in real terms.

Applause lines: “The culture of America is under attack.” “Marriage is primary about developing and nurturing our children.” “We desparately need a federal marriage amendment that defines marriage as one man and one woman.”

Playing to the crowd: Romney classified the clash over cultural values as a major crisis on par with the jihadist threat, the emergence of Asia as a super-power, the country’s over-dependence on oil and an overweening federal government. He regailed them with tails about how gays demanded that birth certificates in Massachusetts feature lines for “parent A” and “parent B” instead of “mother and father.” (The crowd ooooaahed at that … to which Romney shook his head and said “Yeah.”)

Discordant note: preroration featured a vignette about a male speed skater.

9/11 reference: one.

Self-deprecation: referred to himself as the governor of a “liberal, blue state”

Obligatory humorous poke at organizer: Said that FRC’s Tony Perkins asked him whether he liked free speech… and then said Perkins asked whether he’d give a “free speech’ at this conference

Blooper: Romney referred to “heterocentrism” when he meant “heterosexism”

Staffed by: Julie Teer, Sally Canfield

See him next in: Iowa next week, where he’ll stump for House candidates. [MARC AMBINDER]

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://hotlineblog.nation…n_wasnt_th.html

From the Hotline:

As Sen. John McCain struck a deal with the administration on torture policy today, MA Gov. Mitt Romney was also busy on the Beltway circuit. Romney first gave a speech this morning, discussing his much-ballyhooed initiative on health insurance to a downtown crowd at the Mayflower.

He then headed up to the Hill and joined the House GOP’s “Theme Team” for their regular lunch meeting. Chaired by House Conf Vice- Chair Jack Kingston (R-GA), the Team consists of about 85 mostly conservative House GOPers who gather to hatch strategy and gin up ideas on how to get their message across. About 25 members attended today and heard Romney speak about his record in the Bay State, including the health care plan, his efforts on education and the difficulty of being Red in the heart of Blue America. One House source in attendance said that while he did not explicitly discuss ‘08, he made it “clear he’s going to run.” After making his pitch, Romney took questions about where he came down on issues ranging from Iraq to stem cell research. The word from those on the Hill is that he answered the questions effectively and made a positive impression on the members.

This is not the first time Romney has sat down with congressional GOPers, nor has he been the only ‘08′er to begin the courtship process, but, as we said the other day, is it still only ‘06?

Btw, Romney is overnighting in DC as he speaks to another group of conservatives, the Family Resarch Council, tomorrow morning. Also addressing FRC’s Values Voter Summit are AR Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and Sen’s Sam Brownback (R-KS) and George Allen (R-VA).

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.boston.com/new…esidential_pac/

From Boston.com:

Beth Myers, chief of staff to Gov. Mitt Romney, is leaving state employment to serve as director of the Commonwealth PAC, the committee Romney is using to support his travel and to fund state candidates as he weighs a run for president in 2008.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://washingtontimes.co…22910-1527r.htm

From the Washington Times:

California Republicans believe a handsome, blue-state Republican such as Mitt Romney would turn the presidential map upside down in 2008, appealing to the voters on both coasts who normally back Democrats in national elections.
Mr. Romney is eyeing a White House bid as he finishes his last few months in the Massachusetts governor’s mansion, and made his case to state party activists this weekend at the California Republican Convention. They loved him — cheering wildly for a stump speech that closely resembled a stand-up routine and later praising him as someone with the right kind of fiscal and conservative values.
“He’s got the charisma Kennedy had and the morals we wish Kennedy would have had,” said Republican Donee Chabot of Los Angeles, who works in real estate.
Mr. Romney, 59, is an attractive candidate for the Republican nomination because of his political savvy, state party officials said.
“He’s a national-level player with national-level experience, and he showed that once again tonight,” said Duf Sundheim, chairman of the California Republican Party.

After the speech, the audience of nearly 700 erupted in chants of “Run, Mitt, Run” and the governor was surrounded by adoring fans hoping to snap a picture of the grinning, salt-and-pepper-haired politician. He worked the room for nearly an hour as chattering Republicans said things like “What a realist.”
Others said Mr. Romney understands the direction the nation is headed, and specifically liked his call for a line-item veto and for reining in federal entitlement programs. They also agreed with his theory on keeping the U.S. competitive with India and other Asian nations.
“He is a visionary. He sees the problems, and he knows how to work them out,” said Rosemary Licata of Ventura.

I’ve been trying for 8 months to sum it all up in such a short sentence. Thanks, Rosemary.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.californiansforromney.com

Just returned from a remarkable speech by Gov. Romney to the California Republican Party. The crowd of hundreds gave him an extended standing ovation following his 30 minute address. Party chair Duf Sundheim delivered the introduction, citing Gov. Romney’s many accomplishments in business, running the Olympics and overcoming challenges as a Republican governor in one of the most Democratic states in the nation. (An interesting tidbit–GOP Vice Chairman Ron Nehring later pointed out that Massachusetts has enjoyed the longest continuous current stretch of Republican governors in the nation.)

Gov. Romney hit on many of the same themes and issues he mentioned in the speech aired on C-SPAN last weekend. He carefully articulated some major challenges facing the nation, including threats from terrorism, government overspending, our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, the growing economic development of Asia. But he countered these challenges with an infectious optimism. He spoke about the strength of American values and our nation’s commitment to freedom, opportunity, service to others, and belief in family. It was an inspiring address.

After the speech, Gov. Romney was mobbed by admirers. He stayed to shake every hand, take every picture, and sign every autograph he could. Ann Romney was delightful as well. Turns out she has a California connection and raises horses in Southern California. She has been here several days working with her horses, one of whom she hopes will be ready to compete in equestrian events in the next Olympic Games.

Prior to the speech, Gov. Romney dropped by the board meeting of the California Republican Assembly. This grassroots group was dubbed “The conscience of the Republican Party” by President Ronald Reagan. CRA president Mike Spence introduced Gov. Romney to the group of nearly 100 activists. Gov. Romney gave a brief speech and again talked about his conservative values and the priority he places on education and the sanctity of human life.

On a personal note, Mitt could not have been nicer. During the reception prior to the dinner, he spotted my Romney in 2008 button and broke into big grin. He asked if he could have one for Ann. Fortunately, I had bought three. One I gave to Mrs. Romney and one for Josh, his chief advance man. (I’m pleased to report that Josh is a Bay Stater who got his undergraduate degree from USC, where I work. Fight on, Josh!) I’m down to one button and had to decline a request from KNBC TV political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe for it. I promised her I’d get her another. She’s on the faculty at USC, so I’ll be able to keep that promise.

Hope you enjoyed this long post. If I can figure out how, I will put up some photos in the next few days and include links to media coverage of the Governor’s visit.

From Geoffrey Baum at Californians for Romney

Posted by Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://seattlepi.nwsource…fornia_GOP.html

Governor Romney gave the keynote address last night to an enthusiastic California GOP convention.

His remarks were greeted with enthusiastic applause from this conservative crowd, for whom illegal immigration is a hot issue. Romney, a Republican governor in a Democratic state, is exploring a presidential run in 2008. California, with its reservoir of campaign cash, is a key stop along campaign trails.

One focus of his speech was the other side of the immigration problem.

“It is wrong for us to build an absolute concrete wall against those with skills and enterprise,” he said, referring to foreign students who come here for advanced study, “and have a wide open door for people with no education and no skills.”

All in all, an incredibly successful trip to California for Governor Romney and the Commonwealth PAC, which raised a cool million the previous evening.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.realclearpolit…n_the_rise.html

From John McIntyre at the Real Clear Politics blog:

With Virginia Senator George Allen’s recent Macaca gaffe downgrading his status a few clicks, Romney is fast emerging as the alternative to the two moderate heavyweights McCain and Giuliani. Allen’s bigger problem (who in many ways was poised to become the conservative choice in the race) is the reality that the country is not exactly pining for another southern, folksy-talking politician wearing Cowboy boots. So, Macaca or no Macaca, 2008 was probably not going to be George Allen’s year, simply because he reminds people too much of George W. Bush and he appears to be not seasoned enough, especially when compared to Giuliani, Romney and McCain.

But back to Romney: If the Mormon issue wasn’t floating around in the background, he would almost certainly be the clear frontrunner for the nomination. Expect to see Romney’s stock continue to rise as many conservatives unhappy with the prospect of McCain or Giuliani start to line up behind the Massachusetts Governor.

It’s great to see people begin to recognize what we already know, that Governor Romney has joined Giuliani and McCain in the top tier for ‘08.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://breakingnews.redst…d_more_bloggers

From Saul Anuzis, the outstanding Michigan GOP Chair, on RedState:

Governor Mitt Romney will be hosting a Pizza and Politics evening for all the grassroots activists who show up at the State Convention Friday evening. The Romney crew will be set up in the “East Entrance” of the Rock Financial Showplace from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Governor Romney will personally be there to meet and talk with delegates.

As head of the Republican Governors Association, Governor Romney is very committed to helping Michigan Republicans do all they can to elect Dick DeVos as Michigan’s next Governor. Once again, we are thankful for his continued help!

Have fun, Michiganders for Romney, at the Convention!

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://www.boston.com/new…m_north/?page=2

To say Governor Romney was a hit in Mississippi would be an understatement, according to the Boston Globe.

They had seen the handsome governor from up North on Fox News and had read about his leadership of the Big Dig in local newspapers.

So when the ladies dressed in red welcomed Governor Mitt Romney to this Gulf Coast town yesterday, they had no interest in the handshakes Romney was offering. They went in for hugs.

Senator Trent Lott was equally positive about the Governor’s visit.

Lott promptly returned the favor, telling reporters at a press conference that Romney is “definitely in the top tier” of Republican presidential candidates, alongside Senator John McCain of Arizona and former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. Joshing about his looks, Lott called the governor a “real pretty one,” but was serious about his prospects.

“He’s got an excellent chance. Everything I have seen about him has always been impressive,” Lott said. “We may actually get to vote for somebody from Massachusetts before it’s over.”

There was a brief recap of his trip to Iowa.

A day earlier, Romney looked mildly out of place at the Masonic Temple near downtown Dubuque, where the Nussle fund-raiser was held. Romney posed for pictures near two giant moose heads, chatting with donors who gave Nussle $1,000 each for the privilege of a personal photo with the Massachusetts governor.

Then Romney camped out in front of the buffet line so he could meet all 200 guests as they prepared to pile chicken, pork, and green-bean casserole onto their plastic plates.

“That’s a fabulous tie,” Romney gushed to one guest. “Mitt Romney, great to meet you,” he greeted several others. When one local activist told him that other 2008 presidential contenders had already called her, Romney wheeled and issued directions to an aide.

“I need to find out how to reach this young lady,” he said.

Next, it’s off to California.

Tonight, Romney is hosting a high-dollar fund-raiser for his political action committee at the exclusive St. Regis Resort in Dana Point, Calif., where donors must pony up $25,000 for a pair of seats at the head table. He’s capping off the trip tomorrow in Los Angeles, with the keynote address at the California Republican Party’s annual convention.

All of this, and he’s getting the job done back home.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This

http://blog.washingtonpos…_money_man.html

Another piece on Mitt’s fundraising prowess, this time from Chris Cilizza at The Fix:

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has emerged as the leading alternative to Arizona Sen. John McCain in the 2008 Republican presidential sweepstakes for a number of reasons — the most important of which is his fundraising ability and successful courtship of big-dollar donors.

Romney has several built-in national networks — the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Republican Governors Association, Bain & Company — that any candidate other than McCain would kill for. And, Romney has not been shy about tapping these various groups to raise cash in support of his presidential ambitions. From April 1 to June 30, Romney collected nearly $3.5 million through six Commonwealth committees — a federal PAC and state-based PACs in the early primary and caucus states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Michigan and Arizona.

Another in a long line of reasons why Governor Romney is truly the man to beat in 2008.

Dave

Share on Facebook

Share This