Romney Working To Solidify Conservatives
Of course nothing has been decided in a Presidential campaign that began too early. Even in past election cycles the fortunes of potential candidates have seen dramatic shifts in support. Polls that offer results centered around various head to head contests are of little value with such a large field of contenders. And the field of potential candidates who may still announce lessens poll value even more. How does the large field influence responses to polls? Selecting a candidate in a hypothetical contest may be unreliable when the responders first preference is unavailable.
In a short period of time, the methodical process of Mitt Romney is paying off, at least for now. In less than a month, the critics voices are not as loud or dominating and some critics have changed their minds. At about the same time as Mitt Romney surged to take the lead in New Hampshire polls, several pro-life organizations now support him.
Critics complain as Romney receives anti-abortion award
By GLEN JOHNSON
The Associated Press
“I recognize that (this award) is awarded for where I am on the issue of life, not for where I have been,” Romney said. “I respect the fact that you arrived at this place of principle a long, long time ago. And I appreciate the fact that you are inclined to honor someone who arrived here only a few years ago.”
Romney added: “I am evidence that your work, that your relentless campaign to promote the sanctity of human life, bears fruit.”
Initially the opposition to a Mitt Romney nomination were centered around his faith. In a nation that claims religious freedom as a core value, this criticism seemed out of place. Even though it seems too optimistic to believe the recent remarks of Al Sharpton would benefit Romney in any substantial way, some believe it will in fact help win some support from unlikely sources.
Romney’s Foes Can Make Him Friends
Posted by JUSTIN MILLER
May 11, 2007
Mitt Romney is fighting over his faith and positions on abortion not with the religious right, as had been expected earlier in his campaign, but with Al Sharpton and the press, all to his benefit. Sharpton’s remarks about Romney’s Mormonism allows Romney to defend himself from one of the most-hated members of the cultural left and make him look less like an outsider and more at home among social conservatives and the religious right.
Drawing attention to a candidate’s change in position on public issues understandably raises questions. But if candidates are only viable by never changing views on an issue, the field just got much smaller. It was popular to attack John Kerry, by now the most famous ‘flip-flopper’ in recent political history, for his changes on voting record. It is reasonable to conclude the problem was more about his response to the criticism than any change in views.
Should a candidate be selected on his personal views or his support of the views of his constituents? Try to find an issue where the support or opposition is nearly universal. If the discussion is modified to include some compromise or other change in criteria, support or opposition may change dramatically. The abortion issue for example has seen shifts in support and opposition apart from those solidly affirmed to one side or the other. Perhaps Romney’s change in view is not simply a political move but reflects a reevaluation of the issue. I know my long standing pro choice position has been reversed in light of the left response to the Gonzales v Carhart Supreme Court decision on the euphemistically designated ‘late term abortion’. Therefore I do not find it troubling that Romney’s stand has reversed over the last several years.
Romney Working To Solidify Conservatives
By: Joe Murray, The Bulletin
05/08/2007
Because Romney’s early performance has raised eyebrows, he has been included, along with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, in the top tier of the GOP presidential field. With McCain and Giuliani best known for their progressive politics, Romney currently holds the spot as the only viable conservative voice on the national stage.
Even with Fred Thompson and Newt Gingrich waiting in the wings to see what happens, the article above is actually valid. The track records of Giuliani and McCain do not scream conservative. And it is also fair to say that all GOP candidates have flaws. But the flaws on the Democratic side are more pronounced and appeal to a vocal but nonetheless deluded fringe within American society. So the only choice for those who believe in conservative values or simply the rule of law and limited government lie within the GOP.
Mitt Romney’s efforts thus far have shown he is a candidate to taken seriously. And his ability to gather support is not lost in the fund raising department. Although money influences politics too much, the reality is one must have a serious war chest to do battle. Romney continues to show his ability to gain support that is reflected in his ability to raise money while in 3rd place overall of active GOP candidates.
Romney has support from big GOP donors in Michigan
5/11/2007
By DAVID EGGERT - AP
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has lined up some major Republican donors in his native state to help his bid for the White House.
Romney, who will give a commencement speech at Hillsdale College on Saturday, announced his Michigan finance committee this week.
Members include several “Rangers” or “Pioneers,” former elite fund raisers for President Bush such as Detroit builder John Rakolta, Dearborn architect Yousif Ghafari and Grand Rapids charter schools founder J.C. Huizenga.
There was a report earlier this year that Michigan politicians were endorsing other candidates. Apparently that has not diminished Romney’s ability to raise funds in his home state. Maybe those alternate endorsements were a case of political posturing in the absence of show me the money support. Yes, this blog still leans toward Romney. (all five of us)
Stanford Matthews
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