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

COME ON OL' SUNSHINE STATE!

ON THE FLORIDA PRIMARY:

H'OLA, MI MITT-IGOS! Just wanted to let y'all know I ain't dead - just "dead tired." Had some yard signs to pick up. . . and save for the November General. [Sachs: I don't give a rip if you are in Florida, I'm NOT gathering the 4x8's in 1 degree weather - that's your frickin' job!]

On the Florida campaign, Mitt's looking good. Any short lived bump from South Carolina (or Nevada or Mitt-chigan, for that matter) is all but gone and the voters of the Sunshine State are looking at the candidates based on their message, track record, and capability. Which, is why Mitt is looking good! Latest polls (see below) have the candidates neck-in-neck and are wildly fluctuating. . . the trends, however, appear to be coming home. It's amazing what happens when "Republicans" are the only genre' voting in a REPUBLICAN primary.

The big question from the fellow Mittiots is, "What CAN I do to help the effort in FL?" Well, if you live in Florida, display your support unabashedly for our Mittster. BUT, if you are outside of Florida and primary has come and gone or will be in the next couple of weeks - THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TO HELP GET MITT TO THE WHITE HOUSE IS CLICK ON ONE OF THE LINKS BELOW:

PHONE CALLING

FUND RAISING

.

ON THE POLLS IN FLORIDA:

Here's the buzz - your Mittiot received in his old in-box today:

New InsiderAdvantage Florida GOP Poll

SOUTHERN POLITICAL REPORT

Compiled from InsiderAdvantage and Southern Political Report staff http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_123_160.aspx January 23, 2008 — For the latest InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion Florida GOP poll results, click here to see Matt Towery as he reveals the new GOP leader via his latest webcast.

24 Romney 19 Giuliani 18 McCain 12 Huck 7 Paul 5 Other 15 Undecided

PPP Poll: Romney Takes Florida Lead After Thompson Exit

POLITICAL WIRE

A new Public Policy Polling survey http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Florida_Release_012308.pdf in Florida -- the first taken after Fred Thompson ended his presidential bid -- shows Mitt Romney leading among Republicans with 28%, followed by Sen. John McCain at 25%, Rudy Giuliani at 19% and Mike Huckabee at 15%.Key finding:"The key to Romney's lead is the immigration issue. 15% of the state's GOP voters listed immigration as their biggest concern and within that group, 50% support Romney compared to just 14% for McCain. It isn't the biggest issue in the state -- the economy and the war in Iraq were listed by more respondents -- but it is the one creating the greatest separation between one candidate and the rest of the pack."

Poll: Fading Rudy ST. PETERSBURG TIMES BUZZ BLOG Adam C. Smith http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2008/01/poll-tables-ple.html#more

It’s Mitt Romney vs. John McCain in the final stretch of Florida’s crucial Republican primary. A new St. Petersburg Times poll shows the former Massachusetts governor and Arizona senator neck and neck among Florida Republicans, while Rudy Giuliani’s Florida-or-bust strategy has been a bust. Among Florida voters likely to vote in Tuesday’s primary, 25 percent are backing McCain and 23 percent Romney, a statistical tie, while Giuliani and Mike Huckabee were tied for third place with 15 percent each. In Florida’s odd candidate-free, campaign-free Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton is trouncing Barack Obama by 19 percentage points in a race with stark racial divisions. The poll found 42 percent backing Clinton, 23 percent supporting Obama and 12 percent former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards. But it’s the volatile GOP race the nation is mainly watching, as Florida Republicans stand to have a huge influence over which candidates have a shot at competing as nearly two dozen states vote on Feb. 5. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani staked his candidacy on Florida, and even with 27 percent of Florida Republicans saying they might change their minds, it looks like a bad gamble. "Giuliani for all intents and purposes has virtually no chance to win,’’ said pollster Rob Schroth, noting the difficulty of overtaking two other candidates comfortably ahead. The survey was conducted Jan. 20-22 for the St. Petersburg Times, Bay News 9 and the Miami Herald. It was conducted by telephone from a list of registered and frequent voters in Florida who described themselves as likely to vote Jan. 29. The full sample of 800 interviews has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent, while the margin of error for the Democrats is plus or minus 5.4 percent and for the Republicans it's 5.1 percent.

Romney Team –

I wanted to give you the heads up on the call from home info for Florida. As most of you know the Governor is up by a small margin but gaining momentum in the Sunshine State. Here is a very effective way to get folks in your respective communities involved. In Michigan this really turned the tide, and it was heartening to see the massive number of calls coming in from all over the country.

Pass this info along to your lists and encourage folks to call from home and help Mitt win Florida!

Thanks so much, Jason

The last note was from Jason McBride, our Team Romney - Michigan campaign leader. He, too, is down in sunny Florida - though you wouldn't know it. According to the Michigan team, "you don't get a chance to see the sun when you're making phone calls all day. . ." Let's give them a hand and contribute to the effort in contacting 400,000 Floridians in 4 days! THE BOTTOM LINE FELLOW MITTIOTS: WE CAN WIN THIS NOMINATION RIGHT HERE - RIGHT NOW - BY STEPPING UP! JOIN YOUR MITTIOT. . . LET'S WIN THIS THING!

ON THE MEDIA COVERAGE:

Just a little reminder to our media friends out there hoping to shape the outcome of this nomination by injecting opinion where the simple facts will do: It is not an issue as to whether we like Mitt Rommney - REPUBLICANS LOVE MITT ROMNEY - it is an issue as to whether the Liberal Media, Hufficrats and Hufficans do. . . they do not, and they (YOU) continue to perpetuate every negative hit, contrived or not, they (YOU) can to bring Romney down. They (YOU) could not in Wyoming, they (YOU) could not in Nevada, they (YOU) COULD NOT IN MICHIGAN, AND THEY (YOU) WILL NOT IN FLORIDA! Romney is going to win the Sunshine State and you (YEAH, YOU) can take that to the bank.

ON THE DEM PRIMARY:

Frankly, your Mittiot has been watching the dem race just as closely as the GOP race. Why? It's my job. . . for some reason, I've got students who aren't yet smart enough to know the democrat party is outta ideas. . . AND, unlike, my more liberal fellow faculty - I do not try and "correct" their leanings or reprogram their ideologies (cough - DELAWARE - cough, cough - UNIVERSITY - cough). So, we look at both the dem race and the GOP race. However, your Mittiot was a little more then tickled to watch Bill Clinton give the Media "what for" regarding what I mentioned above - perpetuating the story they want to print rather then the true story of the campaign... I think back to the "He's a Mormon 'problem'" hype of the Media - and got a chuckle. Today, I witnessed Bill taking the "Media" to task for perpetuating the split in the dem party via race and gender. . . I hope they keep it up. When Hillary is nominated, maybe the GOP can pull more then 2 of 10 African-Americans to the GOP. . . seeing as how the dem party has done such a great job in fostering "equity" among the "races." In a party of factions that love to rail against the "white, male, capitalist" what did you expect would happen when someone other than a white, male, capitalist was sure to be the dem nominee. . . WAKE UP - if you believe there is only "one race" the HUMAN RACE - if you believe that it takes EQUAL PARTS woman and man to make a family - if you believe there are no workers without businesses and no business without workers, then WAKE UP and join the GOP.

ON THE LATEST FLORIDA CLIP:

NOW, LET'S WIN THIS THING!

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.