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Ann Marie Curling

Changing the Primary System???

The following comment came from the “Live Chat 24/7″ section, and I felt it was worthy of a blog post. Please read it, and comment in the comments section. Have a blessed Sunday all. Mine’s not starting out too well, I’m not feeling well and my oldest child has a high fever and is feeling bad too. Keep some happy thoughts, won’t you? :) Thanks. Now onto the comment:

Ann, you need to start a blog about how to change this horrific primary system. I’ll throw out some thoughts, but there are plenty of smart people on these blogs that can improve my thoughts significantly.

1) The order of the primary states in re-chosen every 4 years by random lottery one year in advance of the actual election. This will keep anomalous states from an inordinate influence of nominees. It will also prevent primary leapfrogging and compression.

2) The primaries go two weeks apart in waves of 5 states every two weeks. This might mitigate the “momentum” factor.

3) No “open” primaries. Your party gets to decide your parties’ candidate. Republicans can only vote in the republican primary, independents in the independent primary only, and democrats the same, green the same, etc. That will prohibit the other parties from gaming the system with crossover voting. If your party does not have a legitimate candidate, then maybe you need to think very hard about why that is.

4) Party voter registration is finalized 3 months in advance. No voting day registration nonsense to also game the system.

5) Delegates are divided up by the same formula in each state. Something like the Founding Fathers’ legislative concepts of a Senate and a House or Representatives. So maybe 50% (or so) of each states delegates are “winner take all,” and the remainder are strictly proportional to the actual vote.

6) Caucusing is out. This is voting by the people. Working people voting at polls, without the caucus day shenanigans (think WV).

Thoughts? Something has to be done, because what we currently have is….”broken.”

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Ann Marie Curling

Open Blog

January 30th, 2008 | 31 Comments | Posted in Open Blog

Post your post-debate analysis here…

Ann Marie

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Ann Marie Curling

Open Blog

January 15th, 2008 | 18 Comments | Posted in Open Blog, Romniac

Speak your mind Romniacs!!!

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Thomas Alan

Congratulations to Sen. McCain

January 8th, 2008 | 20 Comments | Posted in Open Blog

Sen. Clinton appears to have exceeded expectations and might even win.

Open thread.

Addendum:

AP and MSNBC have called the race for Sen. Clinton (EVERYONE was wrong). That’s a nice consolation prize. I’d much rather face Sen. Clinton in the general election than Sen. Obama.

~~~Thomas

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David Kim

Open Thread: How are you feeling?!

January 3rd, 2008 | 36 Comments | Posted in 2008, Mitt Romney, Open Blog

Anyone else feel like they’ve been holding their breath for the last 36 hours? Sound off in the comments!

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Ann Marie Curling

Your Thread

December 14th, 2007 | 7 Comments | Posted in Mitt Romney, New To Romney, Open Blog, This Site


Welcome To All


Hello from all of us here at Elect Romney in 2008…

We welcome you here. The reason that this thread has been created is because so many of you are new to us. So, what better way for you to get to know us, than by starting a dialog. This is for open communication. If you have any questions about Governor Romney, his positions, his ideas, his family, etc. Whatever you have a question about, we’ll answer it, and if by some reason we can’t we’ll get it for you. We thank you for coming, and we welcome you to return time and time again. We know that you might not get all the information you want to know in one visit, so know that we’re here and not going anywhere.

Once again, Welcome! Feel free to use the comments section to ask your questions!

The Elect Romney in 2008 Team!

Below is the reason that I’m for Mitt Romney
P.S. Please regular visitors to this site leave the comments section for real “New to Romney” comments. Thank You!
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David Kim

Food for thought on Mitt’s “flip-flopping”

If Mitt is such an unprincipled flip-flopper, why didn’t he take a completely different approach to his candidacy?

For example he could have disavowed his Mormon faith (or at least play it down). It would have been the easiest thing in the world for him to take a Rudy Giuliani-esque approach saying that he has learned a lot from it, he is “informed” by it, but that he is “not directed” by it. He could have done this with a wink and nod with the LDS community which I think many would have understood given that they often spend much of their lives playing down their religion in the public square (speculation on my part based on conversations I have had with LDS friends as I am not LDS myself).

Or, how about take another page from the Rudy Giuliani playbook on the Life issue? He could have skipped all of the explanations about how he had been wrong and changed his perspective. This would have implied a completely different campaign strategy, of course. It would have been more of a competence/CEO/social moderate approach, but a reasonable person could have decided to take such an approach.

The ramifications of not taking this kind of approach had to be plain to anybody thinking about it. He must have known that he would have been clubbed with the “flip flopper” theme at every opportunity.

What could possibly explain why Mitt wouldn’t have taken an approach that downplayed these issues and the potential for such an onslaught of attacks on his integrity?

Could it possibly be that he actually holds his faith strongly?

Could it possibly be that he actually believes that life begins at conception, that 1.4 million abortions in the U.S. per year is an outrage, and that cloning embryos for the express purpose of harvesting them is an ethical quagmire?

How could anyone stand the scrutiny, skepticism, and scorn that has been heaped on Governor Romney over these issues without the courage of their convictions? (Giuliani couldn’t handle it…he completely dropped any pretense of being Pro-Life within a week after the first debate).

So, maybe Mitt Romney is a diabolical, power-hungry, reincarnation of Machiavelli who is willing to do anything and say anything to advance his personal agenda. (Keep in mind that nothing in his past professional nor personal life suggests any such thing…take a look at this insider’s view of how he managed Bain Capital to see what he was like)

Or, maybe he just really believes what he says. Thoughts?

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Vic Lundquist

President Romney + Whom for Vice President?

November 21st, 2007 | 3 Comments | Posted in Mitt Romney, Netroots, Open Blog, VP Prospects

Over at DRY FLY POLITICS, they have an open blog to list out your “Ideal Ticket for 2008″. Many people are simply listing their choice for President and VP. My suggestion is that in addition to giving them two names, that we give them some good reasons why President Romney is the best choice, etc. As I post this note, there are 18 comments listed.

Click here to leave your choice ——> OPEN THREAD: What is your ideal ticket for 2008?

Remember, place your comments at the Dry Fly Politics site, not on this post.

~ Vic

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Vic Lundquist

YOUR IDEAS? YOUR OPINION?

Ann Marie and I discussed this at length. You may recall that back on July 22nd, she invited guest blogging. We did not forget. We will soon implement a new feature to the site for those of you that would like to post an editorial or opinion. Submissions from you will be published on the site as a primary post; open to comments from others. What do you think? We are thinking of calling it something like, “Reader Op/Ed” or “Op/Ed of the Times” or “Your Op/Ed.” Tell us what you think. This is a virtual brainstorming session. We will take every comment you leave very seriously. So fire away.

We are looking to you; to your opinions. The whole netroots and new media thing is completely new to me this year. Seriously, I had never visited any blog of any kind before 2007. What stands out to me above everything I see and experience in this space are the incredibly thoughtful and intelligent responses we receive in our comments to specific posts. For many reasons I suppose, some blogs do not allow the public posting of comments. I am glad that we do.

Sure, we have our share of nasty replies, but they are rare. Just about every day I read a comment or two from our readers that just amaze me. I have seen comments written by people who I know have been involved in the American political process far longer than most of us, who have incredible insight. Some that have likely served former presidents or who have been key advisors to American leaders. Their comments in reply have been most inspiring to me; they have been quite motivating for me at times.

Those of us (you and I) political junkies who follow the news to support Romney can easily get myopic, or worse, we place blinders or rose colored glasses over our eyes as we think about and promote Governor Romney for President. My limited experience doing this work (~7 months) has convinced me that there are many readers out there supporting Gov. Romney who have extensive political experience, writing talent, and intelligence far greater than I.

This post is a simple request. We would like to know what you think about publishing in this blog, guest submissions — from you. Many of you have strong opinions on key issues but don’t have the time to blog regularly. I know this from having recruited bloggers. We are just looking for your ideas and opinions on this possibility. To invite guest blogging on a regular basis. We would have to come up with some system that would be inviting and open but that keeps with the editorial mission of this site and of its owner, Ann Marie Curling. Please take some time out and give us your ideas in the comments section. We will seriously consider any and all ideas you put forward to us. Some thoughts to start off this “virtual brainstorming” session:

  • Any topic would be considered as long as it is at least indirectly supportive of Mitt Romney for President.
  • We will probably insert a button for a general mailbox to submit your editorial drafts.
  • A full range of submissions is most appealing. I would like to see pieces from elementary school children, high school students, average voters from across America, to the most seasoned political professionals. No editorial, no matter how simple, will be declined if the message is a good one. This could be a lot of fun.
  • Strong, intelligent opinions and editorials would be encouraged, even if Ann Marie, the blogger team, and team leaders might disagree with the opinion.
  • Short or long entries would be fine; either way. Though to save space we may need to link to the balance of the piece.
  • Anonymous submissions would be considered if anonymity is important to you for important reasons (my suggestion in this regard is that our editorial panel or Ann Marie would need to know your name and email address, but these would be hidden in the published version if requested). Where possible, the person’s name and state is preferred.
  • Your ideas? Your thoughts?
  • What do you like about this idea?
  • Would you like to see the writings of guest bloggers?
  • What about this concept is not appealing to you?
  • What additional ideas do you have?
  • IDEAS? IDEAS? IDEAS????

THANK YOU to all of you who visit this site often and who take the time to provide your insight in the form of well developed comments. I expect the traffic to the site to pick up significantly over the next few months and your opinions can and will influence many. Let us know what you think. Start writing that editorial you always wanted to write!

I will be away from any computer until at least October 15th, but I will be back. Please tell us what you think!

~ Vic

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Vic Lundquist

RALLY TALES — Open Blog — Tell Us All!

TODAY, many of you are actively involved in the big rallies across the nation. If you attended one of these rallies, please take a minute and leave a comment here for all of us “to see” what you experienced. You might even want to leave an audio or video comment (now available). Please be “the eyes” of your rally. And even if someone leaves a comment on the rally you attended, please leave a comment with your perspective. The more comments the better. Things of interest would include:

Featured speakers

VIPs present

Notable fund-raisers (large amounts raised in one night)

Number of people attending the rally

Level of excitement; fun things that happened

Information gleaned

Anything motivational

Tell us about your experience from today!

I’m attending the Orange County (CA) rally tonight and I will leave a post late tonight after it is over and hopefully have some photographs for the post. Ann Romney will be attending our rally and I look forward to getting her perspective.

~ Vic

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Ann Marie Curling

Open Blog Wednesday

August 29th, 2007 | 6 Comments | Posted in Mitt Romney, Open Blog

I’m very busy right now…
So, I figured why not open the blog up midweek for a change…
Comment away…

Hope you’re having a great day!

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Ann Marie Curling

Comments on today’s Ames Straw Poll

August 11th, 2007 | 1 Comment | Posted in 2008, Iowa, Open Blog, Polls

Post them here…

Images Courtesy of Cyclone Conservatives

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Vic Lundquist

Fred Thompson Supporters: How is Fred Superior?

July 22nd, 2007 | 10 Comments | Posted in Debates, F. Thompson, Forums, Mitt Romney, Open Blog

NOTE: Today (7/23, 10pm PST), I completed removing 30+ comments from this blog post that were pro-Romney in one way, shape, or form. I have one simple request of the many who visit this site and who want to respond to comments left on this one post: Please, please, please respect any and every Fred Thompson visitor who leaves a candid comment in support of Fred Thompson. My purpose for posting this invitation is to provide a forum for those in a friend’s (FT’s) camp to come over for a visit and give us comparative answers to the questions below to show how they believe their candidate is superior to Mitt Romney. I apologize if you think I am stifling debate by not allowing immediate replies in refutation to the FT comments. That is not the purpose of this specific post.

FT Supporters: All I ask is that your comments be specific, backed by facts (evidence), and that they be comparative. By simply stating that Fred Thompson is more conservative states an opinion; please finish any statement like that with facts by comparison to show how and why he is more conservative. I will do my best to be quick to moderate comments that may stifle your desire to leave your comments here.

[this is the beginning of the original blog post]:

In the last six months or so, when my Democrat friends have engaged me in discussions about Hillary Clinton, at some point I usually ask them a simple question to gage their support, knowledge, and level of commitment to their candidate. The question is, “What has Senator Clinton accomplished in her life, in her career to qualify her to be President of the United States?”. And of course they know who I support and they generally know his amazing credentials and experience, so when I press them for answers to, “What has she actually done that sets her apart?”, I almost always get a totally blank stare, with no reply.

So I got to thinking about Fred Thompson. Many people are discussing Fred Thompson’s imminent entry into the Republican race for the nomination. More importantly, there are those who back him in that race. It is they to whom this blog post is directed; it is not directed to those visitors who are committed to Mitt Romney. I am only looking to the true Fred Thompson supporters for comments to be left on this post.

There are a number of questions that come to mind for any FT supporter to answer, such as:

– Why is Senator Thompson the superior candidate to be the Republican nominee in 2008? Specifics.
– What specific leadership qualities make him superior to Mitt Romney?
– What specific leadership experience qualifies Senator Thompson as superior to Mitt Romney?
– We know the dozens of huge successes in Mitt’s career. What specific successes in Senator Thompson’s life or career are superior to those of Mitt Romney?

Please feel free to leave any comments you wish as long as they are specific. Your comments can be both objective (measurable) or subjective (qualitative).

To assist you in crafting your answers, here are some examples. An example of an objective answer to the above questions regarding Mitt Romney for instance is that “he has been an executive; a leader of large entities most of his career.” Another example of an objective answer is, “Thompson is an actor; Romney is not.” An example of a subjective answer, again referring to Mitt Romney, would be that “he is a better communicator than Senator Thompson”.

Poor or non-answers are things like, “Well, I just like him better!”. Though obviously subjective, that answer has no meaning except that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

This is a perfect opportunity and forum for all FT supporters to show the rest of us why their candidate is the best. Here is a forum in which many who visit this site either support Mitt Romney for President, or the visitors here are considering Mitt Romney’s strengths and attributes in relation to the possibility he might be the be the best candidate. So here is a perfect place for all supporters of Senator Thompson to come on over and give us all the specific reasons FT is more qualified than Governor Romney to be the chief executive of the largest entity in the world and in world history.

All I ask is that in your comments, you be very specific and provide facts where possible. You have obviously chosen to back, support, and promote Senator Thompson for President. You obviously believe Fred Thompson is superior to Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Mitt Romney and should be our (Republicans’) choice to run against the Democrat challenger. As you present your arguments, answers, and comments, please qualify them by answering the “why” question.

Your comments should be completely positive. What do I mean here? Your answers are about Senator Thompson and his superiority; this is not a forum to tear down and to be negative. If you would rather tear down or criticize any other candidates, including Mitt Romney, please go to another site. If you choose to leave comments of a negative nature, we may delete them. Please leave all the positive comments you wish in favor of Fred Thompson, but again, please be very specific and be clear as to how they are in fact superior by comparison and contrast. This is very simple.

Fred Thompson supporters: This is your opportunity to show us all why Fred Thompson the man, the leader, is superior to Mitt Romney.

~ Vic

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Ann Marie Curling

Open Blog Friday!

May 25th, 2007 | 13 Comments | Posted in Open Blog

It’s that time again…feel free to talk about anything. Want to discuss Romney’s rising poll numbers, this is the place…his new campaign commercials…go for it…it’s up to YOU!

I’ll be watching the blog more regularly due to comment moderation to keep the flow of conversation going smoothly. It’s amazing how much spam I’m blocking now, hundreds of spam comments. I am so happy to not have to delete them all any more.

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