"Governor Mitt Romney Announces Representative Tom Feeney's Support" . . . Romney shaping up to be true choice for fiscal conservativism

Press Release from Romney's Website:

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Representative Tom Feeney's Support
Friday, Jan 19, 2007

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Representative Tom Feeney (R-FL) will serve as a key liaison to fiscal conservatives and organizations promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.

"I am pleased to have the support of Representative Feeney. He has been a powerful watchdog for fiscal responsibility in our nation's capital. I look forward to working with him as we strive to restore basic fiscal conservative values, curb runaway spending, and protect taxpayers' money," said Governor Romney.

With Governor Romney's announcement, Representative Feeney said, "I am proud to be part of Governor Romney's team. With his record of fighting for lower taxes and balanced budgets, Governor Romney is the right kind of leader to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington. Governor Romney will be a strong fiscal steward of the American people's tax money."

Background On Representative Tom Feeney:

Representative Tom Feeney Has Been A Leader For Reform And A Watchdog For Fiscal Responsibility. Elected in 2002 to the U.S. House of Representatives, Feeney represents the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District in Central Florida encompassing areas of Brevard, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties. He previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and was Governor Jeb Bush's running mate in his first race for governor in 1994.

In Congress, Feeney sits on the powerful Financial Services and Judiciary Committees. He also serves on the Steering Committee of the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus in the U.S. House representing 100 conservative members, and is the Chairman of the House Conservatives Fund which helps elect true Reagan conservatives to the U.S. House of Representatives. Additionally, Feeney co-founded the Washington Waste Watchers, a working group formed to combat waste and fraud in the federal government.

Feeney has a "rockin" 97% rating from The Club for Growth which puts him near the top 10 most fiscally conservative Reps in congress.

Also, for all the press McCain gets for being a "fiscal watchdog" he got just a 76% rating . . . placing him in the bottom half of GOP Senators (whereas Romney backer Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina had a 100% rating!)

It's truly looking like the real fiscal conservatives are lining up with Romney! If he could keep the Mass legislature from overspending and deliver balanced budgets year after year then he has a leg up on EVERY other candidate on either side in this respect.

Email from a Friend

Thought you like to know that Mark "F. Lee" Levin was talking about presidential candidates tonight on his radio show. He panned Obama, Edwards and Hillary, of course. On the Republican side, he said McCain was the same as a Democrat and that Giuliani was too liberal. What we need is a Ronald Reagan conservative, he opined. "I may have to throw in with Romney," Levin concluded.

Romney and Guns.

Full disclosure on Romney and guns from the Boston Globe. He's always been for a ban on assault weapons and has always been for protecting the 2nd ammendment's right to legally and responsibly own and bear arms. No "flipping" on this issue (despite the headline and some editorializing in the text.)

For more on Romney and guns see this.

Bush allies back Romney, Oct.straw poll

I saw this coming (blog entry nearly 1 month ago) . . . looks more solid after this article: "Bush allies back Romney, Oct.straw poll"

Some good exerpts:

Bush has not publicly committed to Romney, McCain or another frequently mentioned likely candidate, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

But anyone familiar with Bradshaw, and her deep devotion to Bush, understands that she would not have agreed to join Romney's campaign without a nod from Bush.

Bradshaw is a detail-oriented campaign manager. She believes in building a strong organization, a solid fund-raising base and a dependable grass-roots campaign. She has been working on Florida campaigns since Bush's first run for governor in 1994.

With Bradshaw on board, it quickly became clear to other key Bush supporters that Romney is the former governor's favorite. Last week, two top Bush fund-raisers, Mark Guzzetta, a Boca Raton developer, and Mel Sembler, a Tampa shopping center developer, joined Romney.

Former Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings and former state House speaker Allan Bense also are supporting Romney.

"I think it is very noteworthy that in a very short period of time, Gov. Romney has been able to lock down a number of significant finance and political players in Florida," Bradshaw said.

In the first phase of a presidential campaign - building staff and raising the first dollars - Romney is well-positioned but not so far ahead that others cannot catch up quickly, said a Washington-based GOP strategist who has worked with McCain.

"There is no question that Romney has taken an early lead in the staffing primary and that Ann Herberger may let Romney take an early lead in the early money primary," said the strategist, who expects to work again for McCain.

And later . . .

Bush, on the other hand, has said the straw ballot convention - dubbed Presidency IV - would be "a great idea."

The assumption is that Bush's campaign machine will do a better job of recruiting and wooing convention delegates. Picking county delegates will take place at county caucuses in May.

Some of the wooing began Friday, when Romney met with nearly 100 Republicans in the downtown Orlando offices of the Gray-Robinson law firm. He was introduced by Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty. After the introduction, Romney gave a brief speech and then answered a few questions.

One participant described it as a "low-key" event without "a lot of hard sell."

"I really like the guy," said William A. "Hoe" Brown, a Tampa-area developer who attended the Gray-Robinson event. "I like his business approach to things, and he's very, very smart."

I've said it before and heard it said plenty too (and I'll say it again). The "Smart Money" is on Romney.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Warpath Against Romney . . . THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR ROMNEY!!!

Know thine enemy . . .

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) headed by Howard Dean seems to be doing just that. They've been doing their homework on Romney and they don't like what they see. In fact, they are currently attacking Romney more viciously than any other GOP POTUS hopeful (many of which they are completely ignoring). They've even given him a couple of new nicknames "Smooth Talking Mitt" and "Multiple-Choice Mitt."

My hypothesis is that the DNC is scared of losing a general election to Romney. They have seen the recent attacks on Romney from the right and the left and have decided to "pile on" and try to nip his candidacy in the bud. Or, they saw that he pulled in $7 million in a one day fundraiser and realized that he is a force to be reckoned with. Either way, Republicans everywhere should take notice that the DNC doesn't want to have to deal with Romney. That, in my opinion, speaks volumes.


The Evidence:

A simple search of the DNC's website of Press Releases regarding different GOP hopefuls reveals that they're only really attacking two of them: McCain and Romney (with the latter being the latest preferred target.)

DNC Mitt Romney Search:

ELEVEN DNC press releases in the last six weeks (inlcuding FIVE in the last 3 days!!) are headlined against Romney. Direct and obvious attacks on issues such as Troop escalation, "Flip-flops", Immigration, Romney's Tax record, and GOP governorship losses. Also, back in Sept they include Romney in a long press release about GOP "agents of intolerance" (AKA "Racists") for his proper use of the literary term "tar baby." Also, the use of the nicknames is particularly interesting.

"Multiple Choice Mitt" derives from Teddy Kennedy's accusation during the 1994 Senate debate addressing Romney's stance on abortion.

"Smooth Talking Mitt Romney" seems to be their favorite nickname. They're planning for the future with this one. They're so used to enjoying Bush bumble and jumble his words that they won't be able to tease a President Romney similarly. They know he's articulate and smart, so they spin that into a negative of being "Smooth Talking". Funny stuff!

The DNC's sure giving a whole lot of attention to a guy who is still polling in the single digits . . . I think they have realized something and many Republicans need to realize this too . . . that Romney would be their toughest competition in the general election


DNC John McCain Search:

McCain has been a long time target of the DNC. This is expected for anyone bearing the "GOP frontrunner" title. He has a long list of anti-McCain DNC press releases to his name. Still, he's only been the headlining subject of two press releases in the last month (and both attacking people he's hired, not him really).

DNC Rudy Giuliani Search:

Rudy only gets a couple of DNC press releases against him to his name. He's been fading as Romney's been surging and so the DNC has changed their attack tactics accordingly

DNC Newt Gingrich Search:

Newt's the least likely of these guys to actually get into the race. That, plus the fact that they have lots of "dirt" on him already makes his a target not worth attacking.

DNC Sam Brownback Search:

Brownback has earned ZERO defamatory Press Releases from the DNC . . . Message from the DNC: "PLEASE, O, PLEASE LET US RUN AGAINST THIS GUY!!!!"

DNC Mike Huckabee Search: Huckabee was initiated into the "the DNC hates me because I'm a republican" club today . . . still, that's hardly close to Romney's 11 in 6 weeks.

Bottom line: The DNC realizes it will be trying to defeat Romney or McCain in the general election. They don't want to face Romney then. They're just plain scared of him already!!

Romney gains support of REAL MA CONSERVATIVES & MassResistance Exposed

Romney's got the support of the Real Conservatives in Massachusetts

This is in direct response to the document circulated far and wide by anti-Romney camps which was authored by MassResistance. Evangelicals for Mitt expose the farce that is MassResistance.

Vote For Mitt!!! And Listen to him too!!

The New GOP Bloggers Poll is up for Janurary. Go vote for Mitt!!!

You can also help him stay ahead at Krusty Konstervative's poll (on the left sidebar).

Also, you can listen to the 34 minute radio interview Romney did with Glenn and Helen Reynolds (of the ever influential Instapundit Blog) yesterday (or download the mp3 here).

Sucker Punch taken Romney Fights Back . . . and the Round goes to Romney (again)!

What a busy day in the Romney World! I'm just catching up on everything now. Krusty and Hotline are reporting that McCain's people posted a video to YouTube of the "low lights" of Romney's 1994 debate with Teddy Kennedy.

With lightning speed and political agility Romney's response has already been put up on YouTube and on his Website's MittTV. A great response, and he remains likable and not cantankerous in his own defense.

Wow! I thought that they would saved these videos (which we ALL KNEW were coming) for when things heated up more. I guess his opponent(s) are sick of losing the "talent primary" and the "money primary" to Romney. Over $7 MILLION raised on Monday, S.C. Kredible Konservative Senator DeMint's AMAZINGLY STRONG endorsement letter on Teusday, and then the Roll Call article showing Iowa's "McCain Disdain" forced them to start floundering. It's not a pretty sight.

Romney's been getting some strong defense from conservative sources. I liked "Romney is Smarter than the Average Bear: Part 2" by Dean Barnett and the coverage from K-Lo, the Boston Globe, and Evangelicals for Mitt. These all confirm that well established conservative action groups in Mass(i.e. not the lunatic fringe of the right--like MassResistance) have loved working with Romney and have given him great props for his work there. I'm looking foward to that letter coming out tomorrow.

Roll Call Article: "Iowa GOP Chairs Cool to McCain

VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE FROM ROLL CALL :

Hawkeye State Delegation Uncommitted

By David M. Drucker Roll Call
Staff

January 10, 2007

Despite his status as the national frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) appears to have an uphill climb in the make-or-break caucus state of Iowa, where a majority of county Republican chairmen say he is far from the first choice of likely caucus voters.

The prevailing sentiment in recent interviews with 63 of Iowa's 99 GOP county chairmen was one of respect for McCain as a war hero and public servant but disdain for his politics - particularly his handling of President Bush's judicial nominees and his association with the issue of campaign finance reform. Disenchantment with his
candidacy reaches all corners of the state, including the pivotal Republican stronghold of northwest Iowa and vote-rich counties such as Polk, Linn and Scott.

There were some county chairmen who either voiced or predicted strong support for McCain in the January 2008 caucus, with a few more saying it is too early to anoint a frontrunner or rule anyone out. But most, even those who complimented the campaign organization the Arizona Senator and 2000 presidential candidate is assembling, said he is not conservative enough - he is too much of a "maverick," several county chairman said - to win.

"Personally, I have no use for him," said Andrea Roys, chairwoman of the Fayette County GOP in northeastern Iowa. "He tries to appeal to the media and make himself liked - and is a RINO Republican as far as I am concerned."

Woah, those are harsh words. Some people don't pull punches, eh? The article continues later with:

Romney Turning Heads

Of Iowa's 99 county GOP chairmen, 63 responded to interview requests, with 42 of those saying likely caucus-goers in their area are not inclined to support McCain. Fifteen chairmen said opinions on the Senator are mixed, with about half of them suggesting the Arizonan has significant hurdles to clear. A few of those who said their counties remain open to McCain stressed that it simply was too early to accurately gauge the feelings of likely caucus voters.

Only six county chairmen said enthusiasm for the Vietnam War veteran and four-term Senator was high.

When asked blindly which Republican presidential candidate is exciting the base, a majority of those who responded to that question with a name cited former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Because Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus is so important in the presidential nominating process, McCain's showing in the Hawkeye State could prove crucial to his 2008 chances. In 2000, the Senator skipped Iowa and proceeded to lose the nomination to then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

Several county GOP chairmen said they had either met Romney personally, that their county party had received a donation from his political action committee, or both. Kevin Madden, spokesman for the Massachusetts Republican's presidential exploratory committee, said winning Iowa is a key part of Romney's strategy to win the GOP nomination.

"Iowa is important, and I think that is demonstrated by our efforts there," Madden said.

I'm looking for a good access to the article . . . but it seems to be by subscription. There's a lot of more stuff there focusing on McCain (for good or for ill) . . . but this is a pro-Romney blog and not a anti-McCain blog.

Huge Endorsement for Romney! S.C. Senator Jim DeMint Back Mitt

Many are calling this endorsement the biggest Romney has obtained yet (including the pro-McCain Caucus Cooler Blog). Senator DeMint is much more in tune with and aligned with the S.C. social conservatives than his counterpart Lindsey Graham (a McCain supporter--and fellow member of the controversial "gang of 14").

Not only is this a "high profile" endorsement, DeMint's letter he sending out to S.C. GOPers is a resounding and powerful endorsement.

Great news, again, for Romney!

P.S. Krusty's reporting that Romney has added Tim Albrecht (communications director with good conservative ties to Western Iowa) to his Iowa Team. And the momentum builds!!! Can ya feel it?

Live Blogging from Romney Fundraiser at My Man Mitt

See the live blogging (with photos and even a video) over at My Man Mitt.

This might be a record breaking fundraiser day for politics! Be sure to contribute "early and often". Be a part of the support for Romney. Donate to him at MittRomney.Com.

Use my Fundraiser ID #225003 and my name (Jeff Fuller) when you donate too!

EXCITING DAY FOR AN EXCITING MAN! (see the Fox News Channel Segment here)

Update: $6.5 Million Raised TODAY!!!!!! A NEW RECORD (since campaign finance reform).

It's Official!

MittRomney.com is up and running! Go there to find out more about Romney and join his team officially! If you would like to donate to his campaign I can show you how. Lots of small donations will go a long way to helping our favorite candidate become POTUS!

Be sure to check out the MittTV section . . . pretty cool!

Caucus Primer

The Iowa Caucus is really where the rubber meets the road for this election. For Mitt to win, we need people to actually show up on caucus night. This post is intended to teach you what you need to know to help Mitt win on January 3rd.

STEPS
1 - Find out which precinct you are in
Here is the website to go to: http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/voterreg/PollingPlace/search.aspx
You put in your zip code, and select your street, and it will tell you which precinct you're in. If you are a registered voter, it will say on your voter registration card which precinct you're in.

2 - Find your caucus location
You'll see if you follow this link that it shows a map of Iowa. Click on your county, and it will list the caucus locations by precinct. Find your precinct.

3 - Show up. The caucus starts at 7:00. It is best to show up by 6:30. If you are not already registered to vote, you can REGISTER AT THE CAUCUS. Bring a picture ID, and a utility bill to prove you're a resident.

In my precinct there are several out of state students who have lived here for a couple of years but still have drivers licenses from out of state. That's okay. Bring your drivers license, and a utility bill, and register to vote. Again, it's best to show up early if you are not already registered to vote.

If you're 17 years old, but will be 18 years old by the end of October you can vote in the caucus. Again, show up early, bring your drivers license, register to vote at the caucus. Parents, if you have children who fall into this category - bribe them, or force them to participate against their will.

4 - Stay classy and support Mitt Romney!

GOOD BEHAVIOR AT THE CAUCUS
- Not every voter who shows up on caucus night has made up his/her mind.

- Iowa Republican caucuses do not have a viability threshold. Votes in the presidential straw poll will be by secret ballot. And all votes counts will be reported to state party headquarters in Des Moines. (Thanks Hawkeye GOP for correcting my confusion on this point. I had been confusing things with the Democratic Caucus in Iowa. I like the differences.)

- Every voter who shows up at the caucus is a human being, and an American. Every voter has the right to pick someone I disagree with. I don't have the full truth about why other individual voters are supporting somebody else. The caucus is not the place to argue with other voters. The caucus is the place to celebrate democracy in action. I've watched some of these veteran Iowa political operatives sway voters over to Mitt Romney. It NEVER involves disrespect for the other person's opinion.

"Oh, you're a McCain supporter? I like John McCain. He's good on the issues. I'm supporting Mitt Romney, he's good on fiscal issues, good on immigration, not necessarily better than McCain on foreign policy, but he's solid." From there the conversation can move forward, or go nowhere.

The Caucus, it isn't the right time to make a jerk out of yourself. Other candidates have supporters no matter what you say. Your behavior at the caucus should reflect respect for your fellow Americans, and should reflect respect for the political process taking place.

CAUCUS NUMBERS
In Iowa, small numbers can have a big impact. In my particular precinct the goal is to turn out 42 people to caucus for Mitt. That's a 21 homes within my precinct where both the husband and wife show up on caucus night. That's easy.

If you're a Mitt supporter, make sure you go to the caucus, but make it a goal to bring along 5 or 6 Mitt supporters who normally would not go to the caucus. That doesn't sound like it would have that big of an impact but it absolutely will have a huge impact.

It's going to be a close race to win in Iowa. Remember that your vote counts!

Two Great Year Ending Interviews for Romney

Several topics covered in these two interviews (including Iraq Study Group, Abrotion, gay rights and gay marriage, Ronald Reagan comments, Healthcare, the Flat Tax, Bloggers and the New Media)

Read the interviews at the links below:

Human Events Online interveiw (or listen to it here)

Hugh Hewitt Show interview

This week will be a big one for Romney. He's finishing his term as Mass. Governor and the "Exploratory Committee" papers will be filed. Look for the big public announcement on Jan 8th!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Iowans for Romney New Year's Resolution:

ASSIST ROMNEY ACHIEVE A CONVINCING VICTORY IN THE AMES STRAW POLL ON AUGUST 11th, 2007!