comMITTed to Romney!

Interesting article focusing on the voters being able to cut through the media fog.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.webcommentary.com/asp/ShowArticle.asp?id=gaynorm&date=080126

WEBCOMMENTARY.COM

BY: MICHAEL GAYNOR

The Republicans’ Florida debate demonstrated that the strong winner, Mitt Romney, has developed Mittmentum and is on course to election in November, despite the Clintons and some religious bigotry.

The United States of America’s next president won’t be its first president of Italian ancestry (as Rudy Giuliani hopes), because the Republicans won’t nominate a person who does not share the Republicans’ traditional pro-life, pro-personal morality values; or the first former prisoner-of-war (as John McCain still yearns), because now he’s too old for the grueling job and previously he was too inclined to break with most Republicans and join with Democrats (McCain-Feingold, Kennedy-McCain, Gang of Fourteen); or the first Baptist minister (as Mike Huckabee prays), because he’s not up to the job, he’s not the best choice and one president born in Hope, Arkansas was one too many.

But there WILL be big change.

The next president will be the first female president, or the first half-black president (Barack’s mother was white and ignoring that is…not right), or the first Mormon president.

Much of the media really would prefer Obama versus McCain, and have been broadcasting, reporting and editorializing accordingly, but the politically adept Clintons will do whatever it takes to win the Democrat nomination.

Nevertheless, in the end, enough Republicans will refuse to succumb to religious bigotry and reject a monagamous Mormon who shares their basic values for a man who divorced his first wife and married a rich, much younger divorcee whose family could support his political ambitions.

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Click here to read Josh Romney’s post at the Five Brothers Blog for a “Priceless” laugh.

~Nate Gunderson

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Just to keep things in perspective:

Romney…………30

Hunter…………. 1

I can’t help but wonder how John “Open Borders” McCain will do in the Southwest where his policies are bankrupting hospitals all along the border.

~~John Cronin~~

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As I watched the NH primary coverage tonite and saw the video of Hillary tearing up as she talked about the stress of the campaign trail, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the wild ride that the Clinton’s have taken us all on during their time on the political stage.

I remember watching Bill Clinton address the Democratic Convention in 1988. I had heard the name several times, but at that time I had never heard him speak. I remember thinking, “So this is that Southern governor I have been hearing about.” He had a very average speaking style, and it seemed to me that he mostly just strung platitudes together and gave long, “meaningful” looks at his audience. One of the things that struck me about that speech was how Bill Clinton loved the sound of his own voice. He droned on and on and toward the end, the Democratic delegates were booing and heckling him! Did that cause him to bring the speech to a swift solution? No way. If the audience had eggs and tomatoes available, I am sure they would have flung them at the Governor.

Imagine my surprise, when four years later the Left, aided and abetted by the MSM, foisted this same Bill Clinton upon an unsuspecting public!

Draft dodging, “loathing the military”, smoking but “not inhaling”, trying to define “what ‘is’ is”, Gennifer Flowers, “don’t ask, don’t tell”, Janet Reno, firing cruise missiles at aspirin factories, Monica Lewinski, “I feel your pain”, impeachment, last minute pardons of a rogues’ gallery of campaign contributors and police characters, these are and will remain Bill Clinton’s legacy.

As we begun the campaign a year ago Hillary Clinton looked formidable. The heir apparent of the White House by virtue of the backing of the vaunted “Clinton Machine”, what then appeared to be virtually limitless cash,the darling of the Hollywood glitterati and the recipient of mostly glowing articles by the liberal press, it didn’t seem possible that anyone could snatch the brass ring from her hand. But that was then and this is now.

One year later the speculation has started to percolate up into the headlines that HRC may be contemplating withdrawing from the race if she gets blown out by O’bama in the NH primary. If these stories turn out to be true and she is forced to withdraw from the race, I will breath a sigh of relief, not because I take any personal pleasure in her situation, but only because I see a threat to the well being of this country thankfully receding.

On a more upbeat note, it was good to see Governor Romney dominate the debate at the FOX forum last night and to see the way the “dial group” was so dramatically converted after viewing the forum. Huckabee looked weak and evasive to me, McCain comes across as arrogant and mean spirited, Rudy and Fred weren’t much of a factor. So that leaves the only “full spectrum conservative” in the race, Gov. Romney, as the candidate best suited to bring change to Washington and to start the process of restoring conservative principles into the way we govern.

~~John Cronin~~

I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.”

Thomas Jefferson: Letter to William Charles Jarvis, Sept. 28, 1820

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Great article from Ronald Kessler over at Newsmax on why Mitt is the best candidate. The whole thing is worth a read.

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As we approach the primary voting season, there are more and more new folks finding their way to our humble blog. The information I found on this blog was extremely helpful to me as I assessed the various candidates in search of “the One.” As such, I thought it would be fitting for me to share why I am a staunch supporter of Governor Mitt Romney in his run for the White House.

In a nutshell, Mitt Romney is the only “full-spectrum” Conservative who can rally the support of all three wings of the Reagan coalition, namely, Social, Economic, and Foreign Policy Conservatives.

For a full treatment of Mitt Romney’s positions, I would refer you to his comprehensive policy book “Vision for a Strong America.” Let me summarize here, however, the highlights across the major issues:

• Foreign Policy
o War against Islamic Fascism: We are engaged in a multi-front war which will require using all of our military, economic, and diplomatic might to win; we must defeat the terrorists and those who aid and abet them as well as help the Muslim people enter the 21st century (click here and here)
o Iraq and Afghanistan: The surge is working and we must do what it takes to help Iraq and Afghanistan become stable democratic allies in the war on Islamic Fascism and support our troops (click here and here)
o Iran: Iran must not be allowed to become a nuclear state; diplomacy and economic sanctions are critical, but may not be enough; the military option must remain on the table (click here)
o Military: Need to increase defense spending to a minimum of 4% of GDP to make sure our armed forces have the equipment they need in the field and the support the need back home; the best ally of peace is a strong America (click here and here)

• Economic Policy
o Taxes: We need to keep the Bush tax cuts permanent, eliminate the Death Tax, and cut taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest to zero for the Middle Class (click here, and here)
o Spending: We need to restrain Federal spending and close the deficit; will veto any budget where non-defense discretionary spending growth exceeds inflation minus 1%; Need to give the President a line-item veto; Strong track record of financial management from Massachusetts where he closed a $3B deficit and turned it into a $1B surplus without raising taxes; carry out a comprehensive review of government spending to increase efficiency and effectiveness (click here and here)
o Entitlements reform: Maintain benefits for current Seniors, but institute fundamental reforms combining slowing the rate of increase for benefits based on income, extending the retirement age, individual retirement accounts, and no tax increases (click here)
o Healthcare: Mitt Romney is the only candidate on either side of the aisle who implemented a universal health care plan; He covered all of the citizens of Massachusetts using market-based insurance without raising taxes; Governor Romney advocates a Federalist state-by-state approach to make health insurance more affordable for everyone (click here)
o Globalization: Continue to trade around the world but make sure we negotiate level playing fields in foreign markets and upgrade American competitiveness through investments in education and innovation (click here and here)

• Culture and Values
o Illegal immigration: Control the border first and turn of the “magnets” that attract illegal immigrants by implementing an employment verification system, no special path for illegal immigrants to become citizens (i.e. no amnesty), no sanctuary cities, increased enforcement by local police agencies (click here, here, and here)
o Traditional marriage: In favor of amending the constitution to keep marriage defined as between a man and a woman; fought the Massachusetts Supreme Court to prevent the state from becoming a destination for same-sex couples looking for marriage licenses (click here and here and here)
o Life: Much has been made of Governor Romney’s switch from being Pro-Abortion to Pro-Life; This is a critical issue for me; I have heard many times why he made this change, and I believe him; I believe that Mitt Romney will fight for the rights of the unborn and be a great leader in supporting Life (click here, here, and here)

The choice of a nominee and President, however, is not strictly a “right-brained” decision based on policy statements and positions. There needs to be something inspirational about a candidate whether it’s the way that they speak to a crowd, interact one on one, or something about their personal story that sets them apart.

Experiencing Mitt through articles and videos really helped seal the deal for me. Below, I have listed some of what I would consider the best of the best articles and videos that helped me come to the decision to support Mitt actively. I’m sure I’m missing some great material, but there is a lot down below. I would encourage you to click through as much of this as you can, and if you have a favorite that wasn’t listed, please leave a link in the comments!

Key videos, speeches, appearances, and articles:
• Articles
o Romney to the Rescue (Newsmax) – Great overview of Mitt Romney
o National Review’s endorsement of Mitt Romney
o The House that Mitt Built (Private Equity International) – Behind the scenes view of how Mitt ran Bain Capital and his leadership style
o The Making of Mitt Romney (Boston Globe) – Reasonably balanced biography of each of the major phases of Mitt’s life starting from his youth through today
o Consultant in Chief (Wall Street Journal) – Interview of Mitt where he talks about how he would fix the Federal Government
o For Romney & Company, Campaign is all Business (NY Times) – How Mitt runs his campaign and what it would mean for his Presidency
o Evangelicals for Mitt statement of support
o Mark DeMoss on why Evangelicals should support Mitt
o Ann Romney Opens Up (People Magazine) – Great interview with Ann; she would be a fantastic First Lady!

• Speeches
o “Faith in America” – Seminal address on the role of religious faith and liberty in our nation
o Address to the Value Voters Summit – Seminal address on culture and value issues
o Iowa Straw Poll victory speech
o Highlights from the Republican debates (click 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
o Speech at CPAC 2007 – One of Mitt’s first major addresses to the leading grassroots gathering of Conservatives; one of his best speeches in my opinion
o Presidential Campaign Announcement – Mitt announcing that he’s running and why he’s running

• Campaign videos
o Biographical overview video of Mitt Romney (click part I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII)
o “Path to Victory” webcast – Mitt and Meg Whitman (CEO of eBay) discussing the 2007 campaign and discussing the plan for 2008
o Retrospective of Governor Romney’s campaign in 2007
o Online “Ask Mitt Anything” – For those of us who don’t live in an early primary state, Mitt held an online town hall meeting which provides a really good overview of his key positions
o Christmas 2006 – Behind the scenes look at the Romney family and how they made the decision together that Mitt should run for President; cynics have criticized this video as contrived, but I love the fact that he has held his family together while achieving such exceptional success; you can’t fake this stuff

• Media appearances
o Mitt on Jim Cramer of CNBC’s Mad Money – Great interview by Jim Cramer where he calls Mitt the “Best businessman in America”
o Mitt on ABC News talking about Ann – Great interview of Mitt where he discusses what he loves so much about Ann
o Mitt on Meet the Press – Tim Russert throws everything he’s got plus the kitchen sink at Mitt who proceeds to address each point in a clear, classy, and compelling way

• My favorite TV spots
o “Searched” – Compelling true story of how Mitt Romney shut down Bain Capital and moved all the employees to NYC to search for and find the daughter of one of his partners
o “Choice: Judgment” – Striking contrast ad highlighting Mike Huckabee’s 1,033 pardons and clemencies (more than 2x his three predecessors) vs. zero from Mitt Romney
o “Choice: The Record” – Ad contrasting Mitt’s record on illegal immigration vs. Mike Huckabee’s record of supporting tax payer funded scholarships and in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
o “Not Politically Correct” – Mitt’s record supporting life, English immersion education, and traditional marriage
o “Experience Matters” – Ad highlighting the lack of real world, executive experience on the part of Hillary Clinton (and equally applicable to the other Democrats)
o “Ready for Action” – Summary of Governor Romney’s stump speech in 60 seconds; user-generated ad based on a contest that was run back in September
o “Our Home” – Some precious footage of Mitt playing with his children and grandchildren; focuses on the importance of strengthening our families
o “Leadership” and “Energy” – I just love the images of Mitt jogging through the backwoods and the focus on his track record in business; I think he’s the only politician I’ve seen jogging where it looked like he was actually in shape…not just a photo op
o “Ocean” – Ad lamenting the degradation of our culture and Mitt’s thoughts on how he would like to address it; as a parent this one really resonated with me
o “Tested, Proven” – One of his early ads highlighting his track record in Massachusetts
o “I Like Vetoes” – Ad highlights his track record of vetoing excessive spending; no doubt in my mind that he’ll control spending after seeing this ad and other times when he has addressed this topic

Finally, it is one thing to support Mitt with your vote, but I’d like to ask you to consider supporting Mitt in a more active way. Like many of you, I had always followed politics, but never became active in politics (other than voting) until this year in support of Governor Romney.

This year is different. First, this is arguably the most consequential election in over twenty years. The challenges and issues that will be faced by our next President will have far reaching ramifications for our children and grandchildren.

Additionally, we face a set of candidates on the Republican side who represent vastly different positions and perspectives, some of whom threaten to tear asunder the Reagan coalition that has served us so well. Whether it is the socially liberal and sanctuary city defending Rudy Giuliani, the divisive, theocratic, soft on crime and illegal immigration, and fiscally populist Mike Huckabee, or the McCain Feingold, “Gang of 14”, and pro-Amnesty John McCain, there are clear differences in the way that each of these individuals would take the Republican Party.

If you’ve found this persuasive, please do whatever you can to support Mitt Romney’s candidacy. If you’re from Iowa, please caucus for Mitt (get more information here). Winning Iowa is job one between now and January 3.

If you are not from Iowa, please stay informed by checking in here at Elect Romney in 2008 every day. Make a donation to help Mitt win the media air war. Put on a bumper sticker or put up a yard sign (get them here). And most importantly, talk with your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about why you’re supporting Mitt Romney! Personal testimonials from trusted individuals are by far the most effective ways to gain more supporters for Mitt!

If you still have questions or remain unconvinced, leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer your question. Or better yet, if you are also a Mitt supporter, leave a comment telling us why! Thank you for reading!

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It get’s even worse…

Not only did Rudy hide the expenses incurred for his tom-catting trips out to the Hamptons…

Not only did Judith Nathan (the kept woman) use the NYPD as her personal car service…

…she even made the NYPD transport her friends and family when she wasn’t even with them!!

…Six years later, presidential candidate Giuliani is facing questions about that security. A source involved with the mayor’s operations at the time tells CBS 2 HD that Nathan took flagrant advantage of that police car and driver.

The source says Nathan forced police to chauffeur her friends and family around the city — even when she wasn’t in the car.

That set off alarms with ethics watchdogs.

“The rules are clear, you can’t use city resources for private reasons,” said Gene Russianoff of the New York Public Interest Research Group. “And if you’re using a city car, a police driven car to chauffeur around relatives, unless they’re explicitly protected and their deemed to be the subject of potential security threats, it’s just wrong.”

Nathan’s detail was approved by the NYPD after a stranger made an unspecified threat to her. The commissioner at the time was Bernard Kerik, who was recently indicted on tax fraud charges in an unrelated matter.

“It wasn’t about her being the mayor’s girlfriend,” Kerik said. “The person spoke to her by name and made comments to her.”

On Friday, Giuliani avoided reporters’ questions about the security for Nathan back then. He told reporters off camera “we’ve explained it.”

Giuliani’s press secretary, Maria Comella, angrily denounced the use of an unnamed source in this story.

But she did not deny the assertion that Nathan used her police detail to ferry around friends and family.

And she repeated what Giuliani has said about reports questioning how his security detail was financed, saying, “This is nothing more than partisan politics aimed at the Republican front-runner.”

A vote for Rudy = a vote for Rudy
A vote for Huckabee = a vote for Rudy

Do we really want Rudy to represent our party? Can you imagine what Judy will do if she gets a hold of Air Force One and the White House?

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Right about the time I was expecting to hear repeated the “teflon” label given Reagan, this news hits. I was driving home today and heard Hewitt break this news and callers saying RG will get over this little speed bump. I hurried home to post the story, parked the car, kissed my wife, ran to the computer, and SCOOPED! Ann Marie got it done! So at the ABC story, I decided to read the comments (150 now) and had to skip a bunch — there sure are a lot of vulgar people in this world! I copied over some of the more interesting of the comments below. First though, it appears (is alleged), that Giuliani,

1) Misappropriated NYC funds and resources for his personal use.
2) Provided significant city resources for his then publicly unknown mistress while at the same time providing the same services for the wife to whom he was married.
3) Used obscure city financial accounts to bury or divert the NYC Police expenses ostensibly to hide them.
4) Billed the city for hotel stays that had no official government purpose.

So what does all this mean? You decide. Does this revelation really matter to the race? Have we gotten to the point in America that with a nod and wink we can easily dismiss major moral and ethical indiscretions? To get you started, check out these comments from the ABC blog. What are your comments? Please leave one below:

It appears as if Mayor Rudy Giuliani finally found the perfect match for him, for now. He changes women like he changes his mind, constantly. Posted by: sue from texas

Anyone really surprised? He’s a natural for the presidency w/ the current state of affairs. I’m sickened that he calls himself a republican, much less an American. As higher forms of life go, I’d rate him at just under STD’s, and just above the amoeba. Posted by: VeteranD

In this corner weighing in as most adulterous the current champions Bradgelina…in the other corner the challengers Rudyjudy….. and the winner is RUDYJUDY!!!!….Posted by: GM

Unfortunately, after Slick Willie’s time in the White House, there is no behavior that would be bad enough to scandalize a President (or Presidential Candidate) short of murder. Everything that would have been a scandal in the past is simply dismissed as normal behavior from a politician…Posted by: Nathan

Simple Question for Giuliani: “Did Judi Nathan receive city-paid security or transportation in 2000, when you were still married to Donna Hanover?” Posted by: D

Bye bye Rudy!! We hardly knew ya!!!! Posted by: Mrzip

Clinton’s scandals seems positively silly compared to the flagrant abuse of power and contempt for the taxpayer on display here. Posted by: mk

How much did Bill Clinton’s mistress Monica cost the taxpayers? Bill Clinton set the moral standards for us. Who cares about Rudy’s escapades? Posted by: Caryl M

Wow, Romney comes under heat for his religion, yet Giuliani is leading a polygamist life with two “wives” under security, simultaneously. Posted by: bill henry

What happened to “America’s Mayor”? Isn’t he a man who prides himself on being on top of everything and in the know? If he can’t explain the accounting of his personal expenses on the city’s tab, how does he think that he’s equipped to be president? Posted by: Brooklynite

“America was stupid enought to elect Slick Willie - TWICE so what’s the fuss about? At least Rudy wasn’t caught in the White House or Mayors Office.”

No, he was not caught in the mayor’s office. That’s the whole point. He was taking his adultery on the road, at taxpayer expense. Posted by: Alvin

This is one CONSERVATIVE who’s totally disgusted by Rudy. I have been very disappointed in my party for supporting this man. He’s dishonest, obviously, and isn’t a conservative. Unethical behavior is bad no matter which side of the aisle you’re on! Posted by: Oink

When the Democratic New York State Controller was caught improperly having his wife chauffeured around at state expense he was forced from office. Do we have a double standard here? Posted by: evan500

If this was about Clinton, this would be the top story for, oh, about a year. Posted by: Clay

There IS a God. Posted by: LeeO

But…..but……Pat Robertson backed him. Let’s hear what Pat Robertson has to say now. [cue crickets] Posted by: Your Conscience

Rudy is a piece of dirt and he always was. Sure NYC was better but remember a vibrant economy and a crime bill that put 100,000 new cops on the street was as much a factor as his tough gestapo like tactics. Mayor Bloomberg has improved the city without treating minorities like dirt as Giuliani did. His own family doesn’t like them. That should tell you all you need to know. Posted by: Jeff

Remeber Dukakis in the tank? Wait until all the transvestite pics of Rudy appear. He’s toast - time to start looking for a different serial adulterer. Posted by: Larry

Rudy: Against-publicly funded health care For- publicly funded adultery. Posted by: weelzup

LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT….WHEN MOST PEOPLE DIAL 9-1-1 THEY HAVE THE OPTION OF AN AMBULANCE. WHEN “SHE” DIALS 9-1-1 SHE GETS A TAXI !!!!! DOES RUDY KNOW HOW TO IMPRESS HIS MISTRESS OR WHAT? Posted by: tomcat27834

so tell me………….when will Rudy REFUND the taxpayers of New York for his sexual escapades? Mr. 9/11 should donate every dime of the TENS-OF-MILLIONS made on speaking engagments off the backs of grieving New Yorkers………….This guy has no shame. Posted by: tomcat27834

Rudy had a duty not to squander NYC’s scarce public resources. It is shameful; among other destinations his creative bookkeepers found for these expenses were an agency that provides legal services to the indigent. He is very unpopular in NYC and I’ve no doubt that sources within the government will unearth other venal revelations. Posted by: AG

Apparently she was shopping for clothing for the cross-dressing Rudy Julie Annie. Posted by: Bill Hicks

and of course the new voice for the christian right supports him. pat (I never saw a corrupt person I didnt like) Roberston. Posted by: gary

Mud slinging? Anyone that cheats with someone and cheats on someone will more than likely be a cheat in general. Posted by: London

Giuliani is done. Posted by: mikeVA

Giuliani is the typical New York politician. A crook. And he says he will cut the waste in Washington. Well, what’s going to happen when he gets bored with wife #3? Does mistress #4 get a secret service escort and a bullet proof car that comes with a police motorcade? You know, with the security concerns surrounding Giuliani, it might be a necessary expense!! Security concerns! I’m sick of these pols wasting my tax money. Romney, you have my vote!! Posted by: Spencer

Rudy believes we are all stupid and he can shrug this stuff off with an “I didn’t know anything about it”. If he didn’t know he is too careless and clueless to be President. And Kerik is only another part of this iceberg wreck. Follow the money and look at Rudik’s partner’s, lawsuits [Google], and you’ll fine more, more, more. He is patently dishonest and secretive and would continue to damage our country on every level possible. His dishonesty is spectacularly obvious. Posted by: morris1030

He needs to be confined in a room with a view. You know! JAIL Posted by: joe

I have tremendous and abiding faith in our form of government. America truly is the example in all the world of liberty, freedom, and hope. Corruption has always existed in various ways in this nation, hence the reason our founding parents devised checks and balances that work. One of those “checks” is a free press. Why a free press? For no other reason than to simply expose and reveal corruption among the powerful. It is that basic. Mr. Giuliani was granted power by the citizens of his city and he crossed the line many times in his abuse of power. Character does matter. This has nothing to do with mistakes or being too busy to see details or any of that. This is all about character and judgment. As I have said in this blog before, once Giuliani begins to spend his money to catch Governor Romney in the early states, it would be the beginning of the end of his campaign. That spending started this week. What was revealed today will only hasten the end for this man. There is still more to reveal. Name recognition will only carry you so far.

~ Vic

Please Help Mitt Get His Message Out —-> MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

“The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops – no, but the kind of man the country turns out.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, philosopher and poet (1803-1882)

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

— Helen Keller, American social activist, public speaker and author (1880-1968)

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From ABC’s Political Radar blog:

Huckabee Pumps Rudy in Rudy-Romney Fight
November 26, 2007 10:18 AM

ABC News’ Kevin Chupka and Teddy Davis Report: Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee waded into the Rudy-Romney fight on Monday by saying that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is going to have to learn to “take one upside the head” because former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is “an experienced fighter” who “knows how to do it.”

Huckabee also accused “Mitt” of going after “Rudy” more than “Rudy went after Mitt.”

Huckabee’s comments, which he made on a conference call with reporters, may once again fuel speculation that he is angling to be Giuliani’s running mate.

But they also reflect Huckabee’s assessment that it is Romney, who leads in Iowa and has positioned himself as a social conservative, rather than Giuliani, who is the more immediate obstacle to Huckabee’s presidential ambitions.

Over the weekend, Giuliani and Romney traded jabs over taxes, crime, immigration, abortion, and ethical standards. The sparring prompted Huckabee to say that he thanked God on Thanksgiving that he was “slicing the turkey” while his GOP rivals were “slicing each other.”

Exit question: If Huckabee really cared about social conservative issues, why would he risk a Giuliani Presidency? Why not go for the sure thing for values issues and angle to be Mitt’s running mate?

Could it be that Huck thinks that Rudy’s going to be the nominee and is putting the pursuit of power over his principles? Hmmm….

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I know that we usually leave the religion-oriented posts to our colleagues at Evangelicals for Mitt, but here are a couple really great columns by Kathryn Jean Lopez (of National Review Online but via Townhall.com) and Steven Stark (of the Boston Phoenix, of whom I was not previously familiar, but a quick peruse of his blog suggests that he should be on our bookmarks).

First, K-Lo’s column is entitled “A Mormon Can Be President.” Full text after the jump, but here are some key excerpts:

Commentators suggest he give a speech on his religion, comparing it to John F. Kennedy’s 1960 speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. However, Romney’s not likely to pull a Kennedy by defensively distancing himself from his religion. As Romney said to a colleague of mine in November, “I know there are some people hoping that I will simply declare in some way that my church is all well and good, but that I don’t really believe it and I don’t try to follow it. That’s not going to happen. I’m proud of my faith. I love my faith. It is the faith of my fathers and mothers. I do my best to live by its teachings. And it in every way would teach me to follow the Constitution and follow the rule of law and recognize that my duty is to my country.”

That is the American answer to the question about whether one’s religion indicates one’s fitness to lead this nation. We have no established religion, and we have no religious tests in our constitutional system. Romney’s religion is a topic for religious conferences, not for talk shows. And it certainly should not keep a man from the White House.

If you are not going to support Republican Mitt Romney for president because you don’t think he is the guy to win the war on terror, that is your call. If you are pro-life and you do not buy his abortion conversion story, it’s a free country. But if you are not going to support Mitt Romney for president because he is Mormon, or because you think he will not be elected president because he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, say your prayers for America.

Next Steve Stark provides a really perceptive and poignant perspective on what all of the controversy over Mitt’s Mormonism says about the rest of the candidates. Again, full text after the jump, but some key excerpts:

But the real question is why another candidate hasn’t stepped forward to defend Romney against the religious bigotry he’s facing – not with an offhand comment or two – but with a major Mormon speech of his own. True, doing so might seem like a risky political maneuver, since it would aid a fellow contender. But it’s the right thing to do — and could even help the campaign of the candidate who rises to Romney’s defense.

It’s understandable why Romney has hesitated to give the speech up to this point. It’s odious that in 21st-century America a candidate has to defend his religion. And Romney’s faced with the difficult task of writing and delivering such a speech without sounding self-pitying. Then there’s the question of timing: should he give the speech now or wait for later in the campaign, when more voters will be paying attention? (For the record, JFK gave his Houston Ministers speech in September of the election year, after he had been nominated.) Of course, Romney will inevitably be compared with Kennedy, and that’s a comparison that’s hard to measure up to.

But none of the other candidates have these excuses — which makes one wonder exactly what kind of people we have seeking the nation’s highest office this year. As potential leaders of the nation, don’t they think religious prejudice is something they ought to confront, especially since the issues of religion and politics are currently so intertwined?

What’s most discouraging, of course, is that we don’t seem to have anyone in the field who views attacking religious prejudice as the proper — or, for that matter, a politically sensible — thing to do. An unfortunate consequence of this lengthy campaign — and its intensive press coverage — is that it’s turned most of the candidates into risk-averse robots, afraid of doing anything unconventional for fear of making a mistake. But great candidates and leaders — whether we’re talking about FDR or Reagan — always rewrite the rule book.

Needless to say, we’re going to need a leader like that in 2009. Too bad that on this key test — and it’s not a difficult one compared with what lies ahead for the eventual winner — the entire field gets a failing grade.

Read the entire articles after the jump…

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The race is getting serious as evidenced by the head to head going on between Romney and Rudy in New Hampshire this weekend.

Here’s a link to Romney’s response to Giuliani’s attacks. I am always impressed that responses from Romney and his campaign are always measured, factual, and classy. Quite a contrast to the circus we see coming from Giuliani, the stand-up comedy we see coming from Huckabee, and the sarcasm from McCain. (I haven’t seen that much attacking come from Fred, but he hasn’t been campaigning as vigorously (ahem) as the others so far).

Romney supporters…fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to get nastier before it gets nicer. If you think about each of the early state battles coming up, Mitt is the only one in the mix across the board. Each of the others are not competitive in one or more of the states allowing them to focus on their “firewalls.”

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Remembering that a vote for Mike, Fred, John, or Rudy…is a vote for Rudy, here is a glimpse of what we are setting ourselves up for with a Rudy candidacy (and ultimately Presidency).

First, here is a sobering story of Giuliani’s history of cronyism, elevating corrupt and incompetent loyalists to positions of power over his time as NYC mayor.

Second, here is an eye opening account of how Giuliani exploited the court system and activist judges to attack the 2nd amendment, defend sanctuary cities, keep taxes in place, and fight the line item veto.

Finally, here is the link to a couple videos which detail the sordid story of Alan Placa. Alan is a former priest and known child molester who also happens to be one of Giuliani’s best friends. Giuliani has protected Alan along the way and has even employed him at his firm Giuliani Partners.

If you are a Romney supporter, now is the time to act! there are only about two weeks before the first absentee ballots are potentially cast in New Hampshire, and the Iowa Caucuses will be upon us in less than six weeks! Donate, volunteer, talk with your family, friends, and co-workers. If we all get involved and work toward Mitt’s election it will definitely happen! (If you would like to help out but don’t know how to get involved, leave a comment and we’ll try to point you in the right direction).

If you are supporting anyone beside Romney, recognize that is de-facto support for Rudy. This primary is going to be won by either Rudy or Romney. If you have problems with Rudy’s liberal views on abortion, marriage, immigration, 2nd amendment, and taxation, please take another look at Mitt Romney and consider giving him your support. Any questions? Leave a comment and we’ll do our best to address it!

Articles and videos after the jump.

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Recently, Rudy sent out direct mail and ran TV ads, specifically broadcasting his 9/11 credibility.

Others, including the fire chief in this video, vehemently debate Rudy’s version of the story.

By continuing to define himself as Mr. 9/11, Rudy has set himself up to be toppled by those who oppose his history of that day. He may yet be “swift-boated” by these people.

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I want to point out from the onset that I have posted the following statement from the National Right to Life committee, not to tout Fred Thompson in any way, but for informational purposes only and to express my opinion that, however well-intentioned their actions may be, they have endorsed a candidate that has no chance to win the Republican nomination.

We have all heard the expression that “politics is the art of the possible.” In assessing the Republican field, the only candidate that I see who has the passion, drive, determination, resources, organization, strategy and the core values to build the kind of center-right coalition to win the Presidency is Mitt Romney.

I just think it is unfortunate that an organization like the NRLC has endorsed a candidate who, they believe, best represents their position on the right to life issue. Sadly, they have chosen a man who does not posses the drive that it will take to defeat a well-oiled, well-funded and ruthless Democratic machine.

On a brighter note, the reports of Team Romney’s dominance in the political ad wars are pouring in. At over $10,000,000 in ad buys so far, MR is “a one man band” (to quote one advertising executive) when it comes to his total command of the field thus far. While I would much prefer to have seen MR get the NRLC’s endorsement, the list of endorsements already made and the campaign’s mastery of broadcast advertising bodes very well for the future.

BTW, it was interesting to note that the NRLC has bought into the “Blue State strategy” as well. They point out that FT is second in the national polls. Mmmm, and where is he in the early states? Lagging and fading, that’s where.

~~John Cronin~~

Statement by Wanda Franz, Ph.D., President

National Right to Life November 13, 2007

National Press Club

National Right to Life, the nation’s largest pro-life organization, representing pro-lifers in fifty state affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters is proud to endorse former Senator Fred Thompson for President of the United States. Our endorsement is a testament to Senator Thompson’s long-standing pro-life record, his commitment to protecting unborn children, and our belief in his ability to win.

Fred Thompson has had a strong, consistent pro-life record throughout his political career. Thompson opposes abortion and believes the 1973, abortion-on-demand, Supreme Court decision was wrongly decided and must be reversed. During his eight years in the United States Senate, he always opposed the use of tax dollars to promote or pay for abortion and supported the many pro-life measures, such as parental notice and consent.
Thompson has also stated his opposition to the kind of stem cell research that requires killing human embryos, while supporting the kind of stem cell research that harms no one and is the only kind producing treatments and cures.

Since announcing his candidacy in September, Fred Thompson has run second only to pro-abortion candidate Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination in the overwhelming majority of national polls. As pro-lifers throughout the nation begin to unite behind his candidacy, he will be well positioned to win the nomination and the presidency.

Unlike endorsements by individuals, this endorsement was made by the representatives of state pro-life organizations from across America which are themselves comprised of local community chapters and grassroots activists.

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…to undermine Life and Values issues should we be unfortunate enough to elect him President.

Matthew Franck over at National Review Online has a great article making the case against Rudy’s attempts to dismantle the Social Conservative leg of the Reagan Coalition.

Read the whole thing after the jump…

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