SOMETHING'S IN THE AIR. . .

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

Howdy Ho, Fellow Mittiots. DOWN! That's was me - "Mister Optimist - after the Florida Primary. Down. . . and a wee bit grumpy - NOT SO TODAY! Why? Just something in the air. I can't put my finger on it but it comes from just hearing (and reading) the points made by the stalwarts of my party. . . You see, one thing that has yet to cease to amaze me is how "I'm not alone." I mean I think, "How can my party be so blind?" "How could so and so be so stupid?" "Doesn't anyone catch this or that?" and so on and so. Then I opened some email and clicked on some links and began to realize the ground swell. . . I even thought that someone might actually be reading the blog. . . then I came to my senses and realized, "There are a lot of Mittiots out there." And, for that - from that - I feel something in the air. . .

ON THE DEMOCRAT-ESK , DIRTY, CAMPAIGN CRAP:

I'm not speaking of the John McCain lieing stuff, or the dishonest campaign lit we received here in the SPARTAN state from the "Maverick," or even the BS Robo-Calls in FL regarding MA's abortion laws and/or the Castro tripe (all worthy of outrage). I'm speaking of the AP HACK JOB on printing a story that Romney wasn't going to buy television spots in Super Tuesday states. This original story was "printed on the condition of aninimity" and is an OLD, TRANSPARENT, campaign tactic. Printing the false "leak" as fact has the potential to undermine the support for a candidate as it (as printed) signals the campaign is giving up. THE MEDIA KNOWS THIS - ESPECIALLY AP - AND THEY HAVE A RESPONCIBILTY TO EITHER PRINT THE SOURCE, ASK THE CANDIDATE, OR IGNORE THE STORY. Fellow Mittiots, I don't swear on my blog, but THAT WAS/IS BULLSHIT. . . and the AP knows it.

Oh looky there, here's an UPDATE from 40 minutes ago:

Romney will be running ads in Super Tuesday states

After reporting last night that Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney "was not attempting to purchase television advertising time in any of the 21 states on the (Republican) calendar for Feb. 5," the Associated Press this morning is saying that Romney "plans to run a 'significant' level of television ads in California and other states that vote Tuesday in essentially a national primary, aides said."

And we've got an on-the-record confirmation of that from Romney campaign spokesman Matt Rhoades, who responded to a query from us with this statement: "Romney for president will be making a significant ad buy in California and other Feb. 5 states."

So the AP's conclusion last night that Romney is not "ready to finance a costly campaign in the states holding primaries and caucuses next week" may no longer hold.

Hmmmmmm, imagine that, "AN ON-THE-RECORD CONFIRMATION" what a novel Fricken' idea. (I guess, upon reflection, there may be a hint of residual grumpiness. . . but that should tick anyone off.)

ON THE MAINE CAUCUS:

Lastly, just a little something to add to the feeling in the air:

Freeport turnout higher than expected, voters choose Romney

CAN YOU FEEL IT?

~ so asketh the Mittiot.

PS. If you haven't done so in a while (or at all) and fear for the GOP if the Hufficrats, Hufficans, and MEDIA (like the AP Liberals) get their way, it's time to contribute (again). We're going to win and no underhanded, less than "straight" campaign tactic is going to stop us.

ROMNEY CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD

ON THE BIG PICTURE:

THIS IS NOW A TWO MAN RACE. . . Expect Huckabee to attempt to be the spoiler - expect Giuliani to endorse the "Maverick" - and expect the Conservative Republicans to continue to move briskly to the Mitt camp.

Though we shouldn't forget about Maine (According to the web they vote this Friday?) We'll see what happens in a week. As for what happened tonight the Crist endorsement hurt a bit and probably put McCain over. I don't understand it. . . why he endorsed, that is. . . but he did. I guess we'll have to see if Charlie's endorsement carries any weight in the upcoming states - or Florida does for that matter. . .

What'll happen? Hard to say, but of the Super Tuesday states: IT AIN'T GOING TO BE UNANIMOUS. . .

1081 GOP delegates up for grabs. Depending on whether Huckabee's supporters will stay "Stuck on Huck" or not, it could be a pretty good night for Romney.

If the Huckabee conservatives come home, Romney will have a BIG night. If they buy into the idea that it is some how better for the GOP to compromise its principles and put up McCain - the Maverick will end up with the lion's share of delegates.

One thing is for sure, as stated above: "THIS IS A TWO MAN RACE!" Your Mittiot thought it was going to be Romney versus Rudy - and it might have been save for the "start with FL gamble" - turns out that the two man race is Romney versus McCain.

Without a doubt it is far from over. . . look for McCain to get a mini bump, and look for Mitt to raise the dollars necessary to score huge wins in those "non-competitive, Wyoming, Nevada, type" states (you know, the ones McCain and the Media ignore). DO YOU THINK THE NATION IS ENGAGED? We shall see.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

SOME "STRAIGHT TALK..."

ON THE FLORIDA PRIMARY:

Floridians if you're still thinking about who to vote for this Tuesday in the GOP contest - your Mittiot has a little info he'd like to share for your consideration:

In 2003 (Cong. Record - S14221) McCain sought a special exemption for specific South Carolina beach front property to ensure flood insurance coverage. It went as follows:

EXEMPTING CERTAIN COASTAL BARRIER PROPERTY FROM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FLOOD INSURANCE LIMITATIONS

Mr. MCCAIN: Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 352, S. 1643.

The PRESIDING OFFICER: The clerk will report the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1643) to exempt certain coastal barrier property from financial assistance and flood insurance limitations under the Coastal Barriers Resources Act and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, which had been reported from the Committee on Environment and Public Works, with amendments, as follows: [Strike the parts shown in black brackets and insert the parts shown in italic.]

S. 1643 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; FLOOD INSURANCE. The limitations on Federal expenditures or financial assistance in section 6. section 5 of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3504) and the limitations on flood insurance coverage in section 1321(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4028(a)) shall not apply to lots 15, 16, 25, and 29 within the Jeremy Cay Subdivision on Edisto Island, South Carolina, depicted on the map. (reference map entitled ‘‘John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Edisto Complex M09/M09P’’ dated January 24, 2003.)

Now, I'd be less then honest if I let it dangle that I support the idea of the "nation" insuring only certain parts of the U.S. at the expense of us "non beachfront property owning" citizens (I think the Romney approach to "regional pooling" makes much more sense), but this is about "Straight Talk:"

In 2003, McCain supported exempting specific properties (including some in Texas) from the financial assistance and flood insurance LIMITATIONS - there by making the nation pony up to cover the gap in insurance fees - TODAY, it's "screw Florida. . . my friends."

What gives? I'd like to know who owns "lots 15, 16, 25, and 29 within the Jeremy Cay Subdivision on Edisto Island, South Carolina."

ON ENDORSEMENTS (JUST A REMINDER):

U.S. Congressman Connie Mack Endorses Governor Mitt Romney For President

Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL) has endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States. Congressman Mack will serve as a Chair of Governor Romney's Florida Statewide Steering Committee and as a campaign surrogate to help communicate Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington.

"Congressman Mack has been a champion of conservative leadership in Florida and in the United States Congress. I am proud to have his support and counsel," said Governor Romney. "We agree that we have lost our way in Washington and that it is time for us to return to the core Republican principles of fiscal discipline, lower taxes, a strong military and less government. I look forward to working with Congressman Mack to take our message of strong new leadership to Floridians across the state during the coming months."

"Governor Romney is a proven problem solver with an unparalleled record of success in both the public and private sectors," said Congressman Mack. "Governor Romney is a mainstream conservative leader who will be a champion of hope and opportunity for every American, a catalyst for conservative change in Washington, and a staunch defender of our freedom, security and prosperity. I'm pleased to offer Governor Romney my endorsement and look forward to working hard to help elect him the next President of the United States."

Congressman Mack joins former Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, former Speakers of the House Allan Bense and John Thrasher, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson, former Chairman of the Florida Republican Party Al Cardenas and U.S. Congressman Tom Feeney (R-FL) as a leader of Governor Romney's Florida Steering Committee. Additional Co-Chairs include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, State Representatives Anitere Flores and Trey Traviesa, former Representatives Dennis Baxley and Dudley Goodlette, David Griffin, former Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood and former Senator and Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Van Poole. U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) also serves as a member of Governor Romney's Congressional Whip Team.

Background On U.S. Congressman Connie Mack: United States Congressman Connie Mack Is A Highly Regarded Leader In The Fight To Protect Freedom, Safeguard Security And Forge A New Era Of Prosperity For Every American. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mack is Congress' leading critic of Venezuela's Communist President Hugo Chavez, and the countless actions that Chavez and his allies are taking to snuff-out freedom and democracy in Latin America and to destabilize the Western Hemisphere.

As a member of the Budget Committee, Mack has been a champion for lower taxes and less spending, so that people can continue to receive the services they need, but at a price they can afford.

And as a member of the Transportation Committee, Mack has helped lead the charge for sound investments to meet both the nation's growing infrastructure and environmental needs, including the expansion of Interstate 75 and the restoration of the Everglades. Congressman Mack was previously a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2003 and served as Deputy Majority Leader. Prior to being elected to Congress, Mack was a business executive and an independent business and marketing consultant. Connie Mack was born and raised in Southwest Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida. He is the son of former United States Senator Connie Mack and well-known cancer prevention advocate Priscilla Mack.

Mack resides in Fort Myers and is the proud father of two children, Addison and Connie.

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

WE'RE GOING TO WIN FLORIDA!

~ so sayeth the Mittiot