SUPER ROMNEY!

ON THE SUPER TUESDAY RESULTS:

Fellow Mittiots - for those of us GMT -5:00 (or Eastern Standard) . . . IT'S LATE! So, I'll not attempt to give some mildly coherent breakdown of the positives versus the negatives and the clear path to victory that certainly exists for the inevitable outcome of a Romney triumph sometime late in May as the last delegate is awarded. . . in short, I don't have the energy to "spin." Not to the degree that the Hufficans, Hufficrats and MEDIA do, anyway.

So, I'll leave you with something to ponder. . .

WHERE IS HUCKABEE GOING TO GAIN DELEGATES NOW? AND WHERE IS MCCAIN A SHOE-IN (Well, besides Mississippi and Vermont respectively)?

THIS NOMINATION IS ANYTHING BUT OVER - AND WITH CPAC, A STRONG FINANCIAL BACKING AND, A CONTINUATION OF THE CIRCLING THE CONSERVATIVE WAGONS AROUND ROMNEY, THERE WILL BE A BROKERED CONVENTION (IF NOT A CLEAR ROMNEY NOMINATION) COME SEPTEMBER. . .

Now, go to bed.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

PS. A muffled shout out to the MI-ND crew, nice job! Could have used you in WV.

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN

WHAT'S AT STAKE?:

ALMOST EVERYTHING!

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

ROMNEY WINS ANOTHER STATE

ON THE MAINE VICTORY:

BOSTON, Feb 02, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Throughout the state of Maine, people have gathered at their local caucus site over the last two days and cast their vote for conservative change in Washington. With only a few caucus sites left to report tomorrow, Governor Romney issued the following statement concerning his victory in Maine:

"Today, the people of Maine joined those from across the nation in casting their vote for conservative change in Washington. All across the state, men and women gathered to help chart the future course of our country. Tonight, they have made their voice known and have endorsed our conservative vision for a stronger America. Like many Americans, the people of Maine are tired of Washington promises made but broken.

"The need for change in Washington is even more apparent today. With our economy facing uncertain times, we need a leader who actually understands how the economy works and how jobs are created. We also need a leader from outside of Washington who is ready to meet the long-term challenges facing our country. With a career spent working in the economy, creating jobs, turning around faltering institutions and imposing fiscal discipline, I am ready to bring conservative change to Washington. In this campaign, I am proud to have the support of the people of Maine."

DELEGATE COUNT NECK AND NECK GOING INTO SUPER TUESDAY.

Something's in the air!

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

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.

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.

MITT-CHIGAN!

ON THE ROMNEY VICTORY IN MICHIGAN:

Your Mittiot had another press interview re: the Michigan Primary - not as the Mittiot - but as the PoliSci Instructor from the Battle Creek area. The Coldwater Record, (small town, less leading, a smidgen less liberal) wanted to know my thoughts. It was damn difficult as a staunch Romney supporter to put the pale "consensus" probables of the primary forth - but I did. Your Mittiot, a big droopy-eyed from hangin' at the victory party in Southfield, wanted to blurt - "MITT WON BECAUSE MICHIGAN LEARNED ITS LESSON!" - but I was a bit more composed. In a round about way, I let the reporter know that "organization" was the key - everyone knew it, everyone on the inside knows it - Mitt had us at "Hello." I, also, think I made the point (as I did with the BC Enquirer) that this is about GOP delegates - NOT STATES, and Mitt is the candidate best positioned to capture the majority of delegates. . . As such, we'll fight on regardless of S.C. or FL's outcome. . . and in the end we may look back and think, "Hmmmm, Wyoming. . . who knew?"

ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY:

Speaking of organization, Mitt does have a good organization in SC. I believe he can win South Carolina, as he'll get a bump from MI - and that'll pull him "close." What the Thompson supporters do to the Huckabee numbers still remains to be seen. Will there be a consensus of conformity around Huckabee by the Evangelical Conservatives? Will the "Thompson Strategy" pay off? If there is a indecision among the Evangelical GOP voters - Romney's in pretty good shape. Let's not forget, though the Media might want to spin differently, Romney is not unattractive to the pro-family voter. AND, he has done a fine job of picking up some of the Evangelical leaders in South Carolina already. So, Mittiot, what'll happen?

I believe, Romney is hedging his bets with the prediction that McCain wins (or will win) South Carolina. This is smart, as it gives a little cover and a lot of political pause for the GOP faithful. If Mitt moves up into second place behind McCain - which I predict he will - the Evangelicals with have to make a decision to what they want to do: Stick with Huckabee on principle and give McCain a win - or hedge their bets to a more palatable conservative. In any event - claiming McCain will be the winner in a close election in the Great Palmetto State - is as politically smart as pushing - DRUMMING - the rhetoric that "the race is so close in Michigan, independents and dem cross overs will decide the outcome" in hopes of enticing such an outcome. It didn't happen, BUT it was a fine strategy. There was just enough intrigue and apathy on the dem side to keep 'em battling within their own ballot - or at least keep them home all together. THANK GOD.

An open note to Saul Anuzis" COULD WE PLEASE GO BACK TO A CLOSED SYSTEM? [Which reminds me. . . an open note to Jack Lessenberry: Republican's are not "afraid of independent minded voters" (lumping "dem crossovers" as "independent thinkers" is a bit of a stretch) - we love 'em when they choose our Republican candidates come the GENERAL ELECTION - BUT for a PARTY nomination, wouldn't it make sense that the members of the PARTY choose the candidate who best represents the PARTY? ]

So, Mittiot, in SC, WHAT WILL HAPPEN? We'll McCain looks like he'll probably win South Carolina, of course - wink, wink, nod, nod.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

VICTORY IN MICHIGAN

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

We can breakdown the campaign victory tomorrow. . . as for tonight, I'm going to soak it in - tomorrow, it's back to work!

TO VICTORY!

~so sayeth the Mittiot.

MICHIGAN'S CHANCE

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN: First, dear readers, allow your Mittiot to make one last pitch for our man Mitt. Following, I've posted the official campaign's last Michigan Primary YouTube vid (which I hope you'll view and consider). Lastly, I had to comment on the latest piece of "Straight Talk" literature your Mittiot got from our "Maverick" Senator. Then our fate is in the hands of the voters. . .

ON MICHIGAN'S PRIMARY TOMORROW: No need to try and spin the polls, they are what they are (neck and neck), BUT, there is a reason to think long and hard about the facts:

MICHIGAN IS HURTING

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has shown the leadership to right Michigan's woes.

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has had the intelligence to end illegal immigration.

Fact: No one in Washington - NO ONE - has the foresight to level the playing field of trade.

WASHINGTON IS BROKEN

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - understands Michigan's Manufacturing woes.

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - has a plan to end the defacto amnesty of illegal immigrants.

Fact: Only one candidate - ONE - has the experience to level the playing field of trade.

MICHIGAN NEEDS MITT ROMNEY. . .and this is the biggest "FACT"

Lastly, fellow Mittiots don't you believe for a minute that the liberal press, the Hufficrats and Hufficans are going to be able to drive Mitt from this race regardless of tomorrows vote (like I said earlier, unless MItt wins by 10 points, the media will call it a "loss"). They keep saying "Mitt doesn't connect with the voters. . . he just doesn't catch on. . ." Let me tell you something: That is MEDIA DRIVEN B.S.! (as in BULL $#!^).

Of every "Republican" (and I use the term loosely given the number of "independents" who've voted) ballot cast, Mitt has more in his column than ANY other GOP candidate. He also has more delegates to boot! This IS NOT a question of whether or not Republicans like Mitt Romney - WE LOVE HIM - this is a question of whether the LIBERAL MEDIA likes MITT. And, the answer is - THEY ARE SCARED TO DEATH OF HIM.

Take Michigan for example: The Grand Rapids Press (our most conservative major paper in the state) endorses Mitt, while the Detroit Free Press (our most liberal major paper in the state) endorses McCain. . . and goes on to all but beg dems to cross over and vote in the GOP primary. Why? Can't a Republican candidate win a Republican primary WITHOUT DEMOCRAT VOTES? Hmmmmm.

So, you take it from me - Win, lose or draw, Mitt Romney will not get out of this race for the GOP NOMINATION as long as he continues to have the support from the actual REPUBLICAN voters of the party... your Mittiot will not let him... THE "CAMPAIGN" ON ROMNEY: Please watch the video. Mitt has been here for a long time prior to last Thursday. With your help, Mitt will be here for a long time to come. . .

ON THE "STRAIGHT TALK:"

Here's some straight talk for ya': Mitt Romney has received the Pro-Life Michigan Coalition Endorsement! Really? YEP, REALLY. Really, really? YEP, REALLY, REALLY. How come I didn't hear of the endorsement? Well, that's because I just decided to endorse Mitt. You see, I'm the Pro-Life Michigan Coalition and Mitt's got my seal of approval! You can't just make up a pro-life group and endorse who you want. . . OH REALLY? Really. Really, Really? Because that's what I got from the ol' straight shooter.

If you look real closely - you'll see the endorsement IS NOT from Michigan Right To Life - it's from Jerry Zandstra's Pro-Life Federation. Who's Jerry Zandstra (though a nice enough guy) he was Michigan's Brownback for President Campaign Chair and when Brownback dropped out and got on the McCain wagon - Zandstra came with him. Jerry hasn't always been on friendly terms with the GOP - nor Right To Life of Michigan (of which, your Mittiot is a contributor via Jackson Citizens for Life)

"Right to Life, Zandstra Part Ways" - Grand Rapids Press Article

And HE created the Pro-Life Federation. . . just like your Mittiot, who's a very "anti-abortion", "life at conception", "protect those who cannot protect themselves", kinda guy, created the Michigan Pro-Life Coalition. AND, based on my grading scale (and by considering the records and ELECTABILITY and CAPABILITY) find Mitt Romney to be the best candidate for President.

MITT ROMNEY RECEIVES THE PRO-LIFE MICHIGAN COALITION ENDORSEMENT!

Bottom Line: That's not "Straight Talk," Senator, that's deception.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot.

ROMNEY - LOOKING GOOD!

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

First things first. I actually had "Christmas" with my in-laws yesterday and didn't find the time to post yesterday. "Why Christmas so late in the season?" you ask. Because my Michigan native, brother in-law (who I love dearly) could not get back to Michigan until this past Saturday. You see, he's living in South Carolina assisting in the building of a NEW BMW plant. . . My sister-in-law and two nieces went down to stay with him during Christmas and have since come back to get the girls back in school. . . hence, Christmas on Saturday. SOUND FAMILIAR? For some 100,000 Michiganians this has been the reality for TOO many Christmases and birthdays and anniversaries. . .

Here's what I believe the "Maverick" US Senator is failing to get: We believe Washington has been the problem - We believe Washington has been broken for too looooong - and we know the Senator has been in Washington for the duration of Michigan's one-state recession - we've needed leadership in Washington for the last 8 years. . .

Your Mittiot pulled this out of his mailbox this morning -

Michigan's question to John McCain, "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU & WASHINGTON BEEN? Michigan workers have been being displaced for the last 8 years. . ."

Bottom line: The Senator couldn't even fix his own border while the Senior Senator from Arizona. Why should Michiganians believe he can assist us in overcoming our challenges while the President of the United States?

~ so asketh the Mittiot

SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. . .

ROMNEY ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

ROMNEY: "IF I'M PRESIDENT, THAT ONE-STATE RECESSION IS OVER"

Clinton, Obama Follow Granholm Toward Higher Taxes "And I recognize that when Michigan is hurting, it is a precursor of what could happen to the entire country. Because our manufacturing base, if it's threatened there, it's threatened everywhere. … Michigan is a state going through a one-state recession. … I'll mcommitment: if I'm President, that one-state recession is over." – Gov. Mitt Romney (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Understands That Higher Taxes Don't Help Michigan: Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's Answer To Fleeing Businesses And Rising Unemployment? Raise Taxes. "With the recent announcement of Comerica's relocation to Texas, the hemorrhaging of Michigan businesses continues. Astonishingly, instead of taking bold steps to make Michigan more competitive and attract investment, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to end the mass exodus of employers is to raise taxes on them. … Michigan is indeed in a debilitating economic crisis, but no state has ever taxed its way into prosperity. Unfortunately, with a new, 'stand alone' tax on business services and a new gross receipts tax, the governor hopes to be the exception to the rule. I wouldn't advise anyone hold their breath." (John Williams, Op-Ed, "Michigan Can't Tax Its Way To Prosperity," The Detroit News, 3/16/07)

Gov. Romney: "[Granholm's] Taxes Are Going Up, Unemployment Rates Are High, Housing Prices Are Collapsing, The Auto Industry Is Not Thriving." GOV. MITT ROMNEY: "They've elected Jennifer Granholm, a liberal Democrat, as their governor and the laboratory experiment is out. Her taxes are going up, unemployment rates are high, housing prices are collapsing, the auto industry is not thriving." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney: "Michigan Is A State Going Through A One-State Recession." "And I recognize that when Michigan is hurting, it is a precursor of what could happen to the entire country. Because our manufacturing base, if it's threatened there, it's threatened everywhere. And so for me, Michigan is not just, oh, one state that I hope they're doing well. No, for me, Michigan is a state that has to do well. Michigan is a state going through a one-state recession." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney: "I'll Make A Commitment: If I'm President, That One-State Recession Is Over." "It ain't working and you're going to find that experiment is going to be rejected by the people of Michigan who want instead, somebody who knows, cares and loves that state and will fight very hard to help it come out of its one-state recession. I'll make a commitment: if I'm president, that one-state recession is over." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Rejects Democrats' Attempts To Raise Taxes On American Families.

Gov. Romney Believes That "We Can't Afford" The Democrats' Plans To Increase Taxes: GOV. ROMNEY: "Charlie Rangel just came out this week saying he wants to put a surcharge on taxes, largest increase in the history of America. Look, more taxes are what the Democrats have in mind to fund many of Hillary Clinton's million good ideas. We can't afford that. It would slow down the economy. It would kill job creation in this country." (CNBC's "Mad Money," 10/28/07)

Gov. Romney: "The Right Answer Is Always To Keep Taxes Down." GOV. ROMNEY: "The right answer is always to keep taxes down. Don't add new taxes, but instead allow the American people and the entrepreneurial spirit to grow our economy. That's the best way to get revenues for government and the best ways to get good jobs for our people." (CNBC's "Mad Money," 10/28/07)

Gov. Romney Opposes The Democrats' Plans To Roll Back The Bush Tax Cuts: GOV. ROMNEY: "Let me tell you what I'd do, as opposed to what Hillary Clinton would do with regard to our tax and spending policies. First of all, I would make the Bush tax cuts permanent immediately – all of them, not some of them, but all of them." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Remarks To The Club For Growth, 10/17/07)

As President, Gov. Romney Will Fight To Grow The Economy And Keep Our Jobs: Gov. Romney Will Strengthen The American Economy By Lowering Taxes, Including Making Middle Class Savings Tax-Free. "As President, Governor Romney will cut marginal tax rates across the board, allowing all Americans to save more money. … Governor Romney's plan will allow middle class Americans to save tax free by changing the tax rate on interest, capital gains and dividends to absolutely 0%." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Expand Free Trade And Promote U.S. Goods: "Governor Romney will seek to bring together nations committed to open markets and playing by the rules in the largest ever Free Trade Area, and go beyond traditional trade to promote high standards in areas critical to U.S. competitiveness." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Expand Enforcement And Competitiveness: "Governor Romney's vision for expanding trade includes stronger enforcement efforts, multilateral efforts to stop currency manipulation, action against intellectual property rights theft, negotiations to open markets for services, and building food, safety and other standards to protect Americans." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

Gov. Romney Will Streamline And Enhance Access To Worker Training And Educational Programs: "Governor Romney will initiate an audit of all existing worker training and educational programs to ensure that workers are being helped most efficiently." (Romney For President, "Helping Michigan By Fixing A Broken Washington," Press Release, 1/9/08)

"And I want to do a better job for the American worker. And by the way, this is key for Michigan. And for me, Michigan is personal. I'm going to go to work to help Michigan." – Gov. Mitt Romney (CNBC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

~ so sayeth the Mitt

ROMNEY ON TASK - UPDATE (1/11)

ON THE FOX S.C. DEBATE:

"I have received more votes for President than any other candidate on the Republican side." - Mitt Romney

AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, GOVERNOR! - The Mittiot

Governor Romney was on task tonight. He was sharp with a great command of the economic, social, and security issues this country faces. . . In short, Mitt Romney continues to prove himself as the multifaceted candidate we need to address ALL the challenges this country faces. And, it is a FACT, that so far the Republicans who have voted in this nomination process have given Mitt the lead in votes AND DELEGATES. Allow me to continue to post the "After 3 Events Results:"

The vote numbers, by the way, have gone up as more precincts have reported. . . Romney is still up by some 1500 votes - and this doesn't include the Wyoming victory (not because your Mittiot is discounting the Big Sky voters, but because I couldn't find a vote number on the web . . . feel free to email it to me).

But for all the good points Mitt made tonight - especially about Michigan manufacturing jobs NOT being lost forever (ie. Free-Trade v. STUPID-Trade) - your Mittiot knows this debate in South Carolina is going to end up being a study of how well Fred out "aw shucks-ed" Huckabee. Which, by all accounts, he did.

Your Mittiot has said in past blogs that I do not have anything personal against Mike Huckabee - he IS a likable guy. However, I do believe he is too liberal a candidate to right the wrongs of Washington. . . For instance, how would the former Gov. of Arkansas have voted on the S-CHIP fiasco. Would that step towards socialized medicine (that goes way beyond insuring poor-children) have been signed into law - "to raise hope" - by a Huckabee administration? What if, God help us, the dems keep control of the legislature? Would this be Huckabee (or McCain, for that matter) style "bi-partisanship"?

And, again, your Mittiot isn't here to try and dust Mike Huckabee - true, I have a clear dog in this fight, I'm a Romney guy - but this issue of possibly nominating a liberal candidate for office, makes me wonder why the heck I fight for the Republican party so vehemently. This is a conflict of ideology and party versus this particular presidential race, and if the party has to keep changing to get elected, then what are we "conserving?"

"But, Mittiot, that's just one example of Mike being 'sort of liberal' and that was from a while ago. You can't. . ." I can already hear it, but here's my second case in point:

While watching the Fox debate - I flipped through the channels during the commercial (or maybe when Campaign Carl was smirking another loaded question) and I just happened to catch Anderson Cooper on CNN interviewing former dem candidate, Bill Richardson. Seems Kerry has endorsed Obama, and Cooper was looking to see if Richardson was endorsing anyone. Richardson replied: "Sure, I gotta a call from President Clinton. . . I also got a call from Sen. Obama, and John Edwards. . . I EVEN GOT A CALL FROM MIKE HUCKABEE. Really? "I got a call from Mike Huckabee. . ."

[UPDATE: 1/11 - Transcript from AC360: GOV. BILL RICHARDSON (D-NM), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I am ending my campaign for president of the United States. CROWLEY: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Latino, dropped out of the race today. It's just over a week before the Nevada caucuses, where the Latino vote may play a major role. Raise your hand if you think it's a coincidence Bill Clinton has been in touch. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "THE SITUATION ROOM") RICHARDSON: Well, yes, he called me quite a bit in the last couple of days. We talked. I talked to Senator Clinton. So did Senator Obama and Edwards called. You know, I even had a nice call from Mike Huckabee, who is an old pal of mine. (END VIDEO CLIP) ....... To be fair, this may have been just a "sorry to see you get out, ol' pal" call from Huckabee. . . but the context was in "courting endorsements" - The Mittiot] Governor Huckabee is looking for the endorsement of LIBERAL DEMOCRAT, Bill Richardson? As your Mittiot is fond of saying, "What the?" This is no way to win a GOP nomination.

Ponder this, we had a dem congressional candidate who ran against our now congressman, Cong. Tim Walberg (MI7), come to one of our local county GOP meetings. She came in to tout the need to support Ron Paul. Well, let me tell you something, that went over like a lead balloon. Dems have "No Cred" within the GOP - and they shouldn't. That's why we are "we" and they are "they." The fact that Mike Huckabee is courting democrats for endorsements (the fact that ANY candidate would seek such an endorsement) during a GOP nomination - leaves one to wonder who's voting for this guy. . .

Which brings me to McCain. Your Mittiot's been a little critical of Senator McCain, but again, I'm a Romney guy. And, "Friends" let me tell you - here in Michigan - the Senator has been attackin' as much as he's been attacked - more so. I'm doing my best to hold to Reagan's 11th, but some days. . .

In case you missed it (now, this comes from the debate tonight, so I'm not pulling out-of-date statements together to convolve some some anti-McCain message. BUT, in case you missed it. . .), I was left scratchin' my head - and this time it wasn't because of the Ron Paul non-protectionism, protectionist plan. Senator McCain said something to the effect of "I've never takin' special project money for my state. . ." [UPDATE: 1/10 - Youtube clip 7 of the debate, @3:45] and then he goes on to repeatedly tell America that his state is a major part of the illegal immigration problem [UPDATE: 1/10 - Youtube clip 8 of the debate, @7:39]. In his words, he's worried noting the pork and ignoring the problem. More illegals come through his state then any other. . . Has the senator at least asked for an appropriation to fix the fence? And, if so, where's the "leadership" been in getting it?

Call me "silly" but why the heck do I send a stack of tax dollars to DC if the people we - America - sends there aren't going to take care of the NATIONAL problems. I'm pretty sure, most Americans would not consider it as "pork" to seek an appropriation to fix the Arizona/Mexico border - YOUR BORDER, Senator. In fact, if the federal government did it's job and there was some leadership on this issue, I don't think the approval ratings of the US legislature would be in the low 20's. AND, I, for one, wouldn't have to wince every time I eyeballed my paycheck.

The bottom line: I believe this is what Governor Romney is speaking about when he says, "WASHINGTON IS BROKEN."

MITT ROMNEY IS THE MAN WHO WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS IN DC. And that, "my friends" is what MICHIGAN needs.

~ so "ranteth" the Mittiot.

NEW HAMPSHIRE PREDICTION (1/5 UPDATE)

ON THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN:

Well, first, let's not forget Wyoming (UPDATE 1/5 - ROMNEY HAS WON THE WY CONVENTION). My sources say Romney is going to be OK for the Wyoming Convention - 2/5ths of the "Five Brothers" are on their way as surrogates - and conventions are a bit easier to predict than caucuses (though no one is certain of who is going to win at this point). Romney should win, he's the only top-tier candidate to campaign there, and that does matter. . . Expect a mini-bump, but like the Tancredo endorsement, do not expect the good news to linger. Why? The Hufficrats and Hufficans (with which your Mittiot has now associated "Campaign-Carl") are hell-bent on a futile attempt to derail the inevitable.

As for New Hampshire, here's the order: Romney, Huckabee, McCain, and after the Bronze? Well, you know. . . by the way, so does McCain.

"But Mittiot, the polls don't reflect it. . . look at ARG." Yeah, I looked at the NH ARG Poll - I also looked at the ARG Poll for Iowa before the caucus. . . ARG Sucks! Look at the Suffolk Poll (which is the most recent poll) and trust the locals. . . like the Des Moines Register.

Why the order predicted? The conventional wisdom is that McCain's support comes from a lot of Indys. Unfortunately for the "Maverick," so does Barrack Obama's. Like Michigan, you only get to vote for a Republican OR a Dem in the NH Primary. And, "Who do you think the Indys will break towards?" Smart money says "Obama" before McCain.

Secondly, believe it or not, there are Evangelical Christians in Hew Hampshire - maybe not 60% of the primary voters, but they are there. We've seen how well McCain does with that group. . . as in "off the medal podium" (cough, cough, 4th Place cough). But, will these individuals break towards Romney? Many will, but many. . . most. . . will probably support Huckabee. So without the staunch social conservatives and without the independents, who's left in the GOP primary? Well, the fiscal conservatives. . . and, the national security conservatives. Bhutto's assassination may have put the "Maverick" in the spot-light (though I'm not sure how his positions on Pakistan/terrorism differed from the pack - sans Huckabee), but now the focus has become the ECONOMY: $100 barrels of oil, a stretched social safety-net, home foreclosures, the potential for stag-flation, even recession - a real WASHINGTON mess. So, your Mittiot is betting "fiscal emotions" trump national security concerns (if not, "Amnesty" becomes an issue) and Romney wins.

Hence: Romney, Huckabee, McCain.

When McCain loses NH, Michigan becomes ALL SO IMPORTANT, as it is held BEFORE South Carolina.

Now, to further postulate, IF Clinton loses NH - look for the Indys to vote in the MI Primary much the same as the NH Primary: Obama over McCain. Your Mittiot understands that Clinton will be the ONLY individual on the ballot - but not the only candidate in the race, you can write-in, and "Obama" ain't that hard to spell. (UPDATE 1/5 - DEM CANDIDATES MISS DEADLINE FOR WRITE-IN. MUST DESIGNATE "UNCOMMITTED" TO SUPPORT OBAMA/EDWARDS)

If (again, "if") this is the case, Romney will have two victories under his belt (three, if Wyoming comes through) heading into South Carolina a mere 4 days later. The question is, will Huckabee bother campaigning in Michigan when he takes second in NH? Or, go right to South Carolina? Taking second, he may come to Michigan.

If he goes right to South Carolina this will be a dogfight and we could get Iowa all over again. (Do remember, however, Nevada is going on at the same time and Romney is doing well in NV - though the eyes will be on SC.) Romney has a good team in SC and could easily erase the Iowa speed-bump. If so, he's our nominee. If not, Florida, now, becomes the decider.

If Romney wins Wyoming(DONE THAT), NH, MI and loses SC to Huckabee - Rudy becomes a non-factor as all eyes turn to the "two-man race" in Florida (I don't think Thompson will hold on much after NH - he may make it to SC, but if so, Southern Baptists stick with Huckabee and Fred drops) . I predict Mitt wins Florida (IF all the above falls into place).

The bottom line: a Wyoming victory first(CHECK), followed by a NH victory are absolutely essential to Romney's inevitable nomination. All will be answered in four days.

~ so sayeth the Mittiot