Romney wins in Florida

Delegate Count: Romney in 1st

Half of early voters in Florida backed Romney

“More than a third of Florida Republican primary voters have already voted for their preferred presidential candidate, and just over half of those voters cast their ballot for Mitt Romney, according to a new survey.

“A total of 36 percent of Florida GOP voters said they have already voted through absentee ballot or early voting, according to a poll from the American Research Group, conducted January 29-30. Among those voters, 51 percent backed former Massachusetts [Governor Mitt Romney]. Newt Gingrich won 29 percent of the early vote, followed by former Sen. Rick Santorum with 12 percent support and Rep. Ron Paul with 8 percent.

“Florida Republican officials have confirmed that more than 600,000 Florida Republicans have already voted, amounting to between 30 to 40 percent of the total primary electorate. Among the remaining 64 percent of voters, Romney leads with 39 percent, according to the ARG poll.

“Overall, Romney leads with 43 percent support while Gingrich garners 31 percent. Santorum wins 13 percent support, and Paul gets 9 percent.”

Memphis TEA Party Endorses Mitt Romney

“Though many tea partiers across the country have expressed frustration that Mitt Romney hasn’t made much of an effort to get to know them, one well-known tea party group announced on Monday that they’re backing him in the Republican presidential race.

“The former governor of Massachusetts picked up the support of The Memphis TEA Party, the group’s chairman, Mark Skoda, said on Monday.

“ “The tea party movement is a big tent and many states lie ahead to the final nomination,” he said. “We believe Mitt Romney is the best candidate to contend with Barack Obama in the general election.”

“ “He has the skill, the organization and the resources to win back the presidency and begin to align the government with those three core principles of the movement,” Skoda continued. “We are pleased to endorse his candidacy.”

“Skoda, a radio host, may be familiar to a national audience because of the large role he played in helping to organize the much-covered Tea Party National Convention in Nashville in 2010.”

More Excerpts, with link to full press release:

“The Memphis TEA Party announced today that it is endorsing former Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States. We believe Romney is best positioned to beat Obama and help repair the economy...

“The tea party movement launched on the basis of excessive spending by government... the movement adopted three core values in uniting many conservatives. Those are fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets...

“We believe Mitt Romney is the best candidate to contend with Barack Obama in the general election. He has the skill, the organization and the resources to win back the presidency and begin to align the government with those three core principles of the movement. We are pleased to endorse his candidacy.”

Many prominent Tea-Partiers have endorsed Mitt Romney, including Christine O'Donnell and also the Independence Hall Tea Party.

TEA PARTY ENDORSEMENTS »

And on the other end of the Spectrum

Gene Simmons, KISS bass player endorses Romney 1-27-2012

"Count Simmons in the Mitt Romney camp..." [Big Hollywood then shows a clip of why]

Interviewer: "Who do you like in the Republican primary?"

Gene: "... and who's got a chance? Mitt Romney’s got a chance … and he’s got the experience. He’s run successful companies, knows how to make money... [It's] Who can do the job, and I believe Mitt Romney and President Obama are going to have a very good dialog, and I want to hear that."

Jon Voight, the star of "Midnight Cowboy" and father of Angelina Jolie endorses Romney.

''Voight told the crowd he was backing Romney because he was "strong" and "honest." He declared President Obama had "decided to follow his father's footsteps and take us to socialism." ...

''Explaining to the audience that he wasn't sure how to "chit chat with a famous actor" when he phoned Voight to ask for his support, Romney said he decided to talk about his kids.

''"I started talking about my five boys," the candidate explained. "I said, you know, it's easier to raise boys than girls. Well, after a long pause, he says, 'Tell me about it.'" ''

“Because he’s honest, because he’s charitable, because he’s pro-Israel,” Voight replied when I asked him today why he had endorsed Romney. “He’s a great guy, a great man... and he has a passion for Israel...”

“He’s a friend of Benjamin Netanyahu, and that speaks well, because I think Benjamin Netanyahu is a great man,” Voight added. “I think it would be a big relief for all Israelis who have any understanding of present politics to have a President Romney.”

Behind the Scenes - Romney pulls into rally at Panama City, FL - Jan 30, 2012

Mitt Romney on Fox and Friends - Jan 30, 2012

Mitt Romney rally at the Villages, Florida - Jan 30, 2012:

Open Letter by Massachusetts and Florida Social Conservatives

An open letter signed by Massachusetts social conservative leaders in 2007 has been expanded in light of incorrect information during the 2012 election. It has been signed by the same signatories as the first letter with a couple of additional signatories replacing one from the previous cycle. Also a dozen Florida social conservatives have signed onto the expanded letter.

The new letter includes the following:

“As you know, Mitt Romney served as the governor of our state from January 2, 2003 to January 3, 2007. During that time, we worked closely with him...

“Some press accounts and bloggers have described Governor Romney in terms we neither have observed nor can we accept. To the contrary, we, who have been fighting here for the values you also hold, are indebted to him and his responsive staff in demonstrating solid social conservative credentials by undertaking the following actions here in Massachusetts: ...

“Staunchly defended traditional marriage. Governor Romney immediately and strongly condemned the November 18, 2003 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) decision that legalized “same-sex marriage” in our state. More importantly, he followed up on that denunciation with action...

“We do not agree with the claims that Gov. Romney had bogus Party A and Party B marriage licenses printed and ordered Justices of the Peace and Town Clerks to perform same-sex “marriages” when asked or be fired. As May 17, 2004 (the SJC’s declaratory judgment date) approached, the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel issued provisional advisory instructions to the justices of the peace and prepared revised license applications. These executive actions did not result in the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples before May 17. The new policies were carried out only after and as a direct result of the judiciary’s final action in Goodridge on May 17. They did not generate same-sex marriages; that responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

“We do not agree with the claims that Gov. Romney issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The governor does not issue marriage licenses in Massachusetts. Only the town clerks can do that. But the governor can issue one-day justice of the peace authorizations to an individual who wants to perform a marriage ceremony but is not a licensed minister, town clerk or justice of the peace. The governor’s office issues thousands of those in a four year term with the only criteria being that the individual doing the ceremony is in good standing and the parties getting married have a valid marriage license.

“Worked hard to overturn “same-sex marriage” in the Commonwealth with substantial results. In 2004 he lobbied hard, before a very hostile legislature, for a constitutional amendment protecting marriage – an amendment later changed by the legislature to include civil unions, which the Governor and many marriage amendment supporters opposed. Working with the Governor, we were successful in defeating this amendment.

“Provided strong, active support for a record-setting citizen petition drive in 2005 to advance a clean constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The petition drive collected the largest number of signatures in Massachusetts history.

“Rallied thousands of citizens around the state to focus public and media attention on the failure of legislators, through repeated delays, to perform their constitutional obligation and vote on the marriage amendment. In November of 2006, Gov. Romney held the largest State House rally in Massachusetts history with over 7000 supporters of traditional marriage.

“Filed suit before the Supreme Judicial Court asking the court to clarify the legislators’ duty to vote and failing that, to place the amendment on the 2008 ballot. That lawsuit, perhaps more than any other single action, was by all accounts instrumental in bringing the ultimate pressure on the legislators to vote. The SJC unanimously ruled that the Legislature must vote and the historic vote was taken on January 2, 2007 winning legislative support. This cleared a major hurdle in the three year effort to restore traditional marriage in the Commonwealth.” ...

“Affirmed the culture of life. Governor Romney vetoed bills to provide access to the so-called “morning-after pill,” which is an abortifacient, as well as a bill providing for expansive, embryo-destroying stem cell research. He vetoed the latter bill in 2005 because he could not “in good conscience allow this bill to become law.”

“We do not agree with the claims that Gov. Romney is responsible for tax payer funded abortion under the Massachusetts health care system. That blame lies solely on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court who ruled in 1981 that the Massachusetts Constitution required payment for abortions for Medicaid-eligible women. In 1997, the Court reaffirmed its position that a state-subsidized plan must offer “medically necessary abortions.”...”

ORIGINAL OPEN LETTER »

Ronald Reagan administration leaders endorse Mitt Romney

Conference Call with 4 Reagan officials:

Ambassador Rich Williamson:

“I guess I’d just open by saying all four of us feel that it was an honor and a privilege to serve with President Reagan, to know him, and to support his transformational presidency. And we see in Mitt Romney many of the same characteristics of a steady hand, reliability, consistency. And I think that Speaker Gingrich, by exaggerating his role in the Reagan Revolution, evinces an effort to be grandiose and for political reasons, try to overstate the role he played in supporting Ronald Reagan. He was a backbencher. He took opportunities to criticize President Reagan’s efforts to the four of us, who all were involved in foreign policy matters and defense matters.”

Secretary John Lehman:

“Well, first, the reason that I have been actively supporting Governor Romney is I’ve spent a lot of time with him. And he is, without question, the Republican who really gets it in defense. He has a strategic mindset. He understands the way of the world works. And he understands the importance of strong deterrence. He has been able to grasp, I think very quickly, what is so severely wrong with the way we’re procuring weapons, which is just out of control and is unilaterally disarming us.”

Dov Zakheim:

“What attracted me to Governor Romney frankly is that he’s grounded. I mean this is a person who really has both feet planted on the ground. Who’s very practical, who understands national security, who understands international relations, who knows the importance of our allies, who knows why a defense posture that is viable and strong is critical, not only to deterring enemies but frankly to reassuring allies. And they’re both very, very important. And that’s why he supports a strong national defense posture.”

Ambassador Gerald P. Carmen:

“Who has the judgment to be president? Certainly Governor Romney has shown over and over again as others have said that he’s knowledgeable, calm, strong, he has it all.”

• Ambassador Rich Williamson – Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs 1988-1989; Special Assistant to the President and Deputy to the White House Chief of Staff 1981; Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, the White House 1981-83; US Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UN Offices in Vienna, Austria 1983-85

• John Lehman was Secretary of the Navy under Ronald Reagan, from 1981-1987. (John Lehman)

• Dov S. Zakheim spent 6 years in the Reagan administration, including a Deputy Undersecretary of Defense from 1985-1987. He was the Undersecretary of Defense from 2001-2004. (Dov Zakheim)

• Ambassador Gerald P. Carmen – Ronald Reagan 1980 Campaign; Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration from 1981-1984; U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva 1984-1986

MORE REAGAN COALITION MEMBERS SUPPORTING ROMNEY »

The Las Vegas Review-Journal — Romney stands out in GOP field

"His greatest strength is his command of economic issues and his understanding of what the private sector needs to create jobs. He has criticized the uncertainty President Obama and Congress have created by not passing budgets and refusing to provide businesses and investors with a predictable, permanent tax code. And he understands the economic ruin that lies ahead if Washington can't conquer its spending addiction. "We can't have a government that keeps spending more than it takes in, otherwise enterprise will not invest in America," he said.

"Mr. Romney is pro-growth all the way. He wants the country to develop all its energy resources, not punish the oil, coal and gas sectors. He wants states and citizens to have more freedom to innovate. And perhaps most importantly, Mr. Romney is a Washington outsider, not a capital insider."

"Mr. Romney's economic agenda includes several pro-growth policies, including a plan to eliminate taxes on capital gains, interest and dividends for any household earning less than $200,000 a year. He backs a line-item veto, favors making the Bush tax cuts permanent and understands that imposing higher taxes as a means of fixing Social Security will only make the problem worse.

"He's supportive of free trade, rejects protectionism, backs tort reform, supports school choice and accountability, and while governor was even able to successfully push a handful of spending reforms through Massachusetts' overwhelmingly Democratic legislature. Mr. Romney vows to exercise his veto power if Congress doesn't embrace spending restraint and understands the drag that excessive federal regulation imposes on the innovation and the economy." (The newspaper's endorsement and editorial on Mitt Romney shortly before the Nevada Caucuses.)

Space Leaders Write Open Letter

“ROMNEY WILL RESTORE AMERICA’S SPACE PROGRAM

“The U.S. space program is a strategic national asset, which makes critical contributions to our scientific knowledge, technological innovation, economic competitiveness, national security, and international leadership. We have watched with dismay as President Obama dismantled the structure that was guiding both the government and commercial space sectors, while providing no purpose or vision or mission. This failure of leadership has thrust the space program into disarray and triggered a dangerous erosion of our technical workforce and capabilities. In short, we have a space program unworthy of a great nation.

“Restoring the U.S. space program to greatness will require the leadership, management skill, and commitment to American exceptionalism possessed by only one candidate in this race: Mitt Romney. We support Mitt’s candidacy and believe that his approach to space policy will produce results instead of empty promises. As his long record of success in both the private and public sectors attests, Mitt will do more than provide our space program with an inspiring vision and mission of exploration. He will also set aggressive yet achievable goals, adhere to realistic budgets, and execute on a carefully drawn plan.

“As president, Mitt Romney will facilitate close collaboration not only within the government’s civil and national security space sectors, but also with the private sector and with research institutions. He will create conditions for a strong and competitive commercial space industry that can contribute greatly to our national capabilities and goals. And he will ensure that NASA returns its focus to the project of manned space exploration that uniquely affirms American strength and values around the globe. Under his leadership, America will once again lead the world in space.”

Scott Pace - Director, Space Policy Institute at George Washington University
Fmr. Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mark Albrecht - Chairman of the Board, USSpace
Fmr. Executive Secretary, National Space Council

Eric Anderson - Chairman and CEO, Space Adventures
Chairman, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Gene Cernan - Commander, Apollo XVII

Bob Crippen - Pilot, First Space Shuttle Mission
Fmr. Director, NASA Space Shuttle Program

Michael Griffin - Fmr. NASA Administrator
Fmr. Head of the Space Department, John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Peter Marquez - Fmr. Director of Space Policy, National Security Council
Fmr. Director of Special Programs, DoD

William Martel - Fmr. Chair of Space Technology and Policy Studies, Naval War College
Associate Professor, Tufts University

Luis G. Fortuño, Governor Of Puerto Rico, endorses Mitt Romney

“Mitt Romney is the one candidate who has the record, leadership, experience, and pro-growth plan to continue the course of private-sector job creation we’ve begun in Puerto Rico and provide economic stability for generations. Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life that the principles learned in the private sector can be applied to all challenges, whether it was saving the 2002 Olympics or balancing the budget as Governor.”

Puerto Rico is a territory of the U.S. with a population of 3.7 million people. 29 states have a larger population.

"Governor Luis G. Fortuño Was Elected in 2008. As Governor, he has reduced government size, closed the biggest deficit in the country and set the course for a balanced budget in his first term, cut taxes and revitalized the local economy. He serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors Association and President of the Council of State Governments. Prior to his election, he represented the people of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress. During his time in the U.S. House, Fortuño served as Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference and was a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Democracy Act."

Hispanic Leaders endorse Mitt Romney

• Carlos Gutierrez - Sec. of Commerce, 2005-2009. Served as Co-Chair of U.S. Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, President & CEO - Kellogg Company

• Mel Martinez - U.S. Senator, 2005-2009. Fmr. Sec. of Housing and Urban Development, fmr. Chairman, Republican National Committee

• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - U.S. Representative, most senior woman in House of Representatives

• Mario Diaz-Balart - U.S. Representative, founding member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

• Lincoln Diaz-Balart - Chairman, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, fmr. U.S. Representative

• Jose Fuentes - Fmr. Attorney General of Puerto Rico

• Hector Barreto - Chairman of the Board of The Latino Coalition, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, 2001-2006

• Zoraida Fonalledas – National Committeewoman, Republican Party of Puerto Rico

• Bertica Cabrera Morris – Native of Cuba, has been in Orlando since 1978

• Jorge Arrizurieta – Past president of Florida Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA)

• R. Alexander Acosta – Presently Dean of the College of Law at FIU in Miami, formerly U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (2005-2009), Assistant Attorney General (2004-2005) and Member, National Labor Relations Board (2003-2004).

• Anna Escobedo Cabral – Served as 42nd Treasurer of the United States, Executive Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, President and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility and Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Latino Initiatives

• Remedios Diaz Oliver – Member of the Board of Directors of Cuban Liberty Council, U.S. Cuba Democracy PAC, The Florida Council of 100, etc.

• Rafael Elias Linero – Active member of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)

• Rudy Fernandez – Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs, The White House 2005-2007

• Sharon Castillo – Managing Director, CLS & Associates

• Sal Gomez – Awarded the National Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s; received a lifetime achievement award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Co-Founder of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

• Michael Barrera – Served as President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• Allen Gutierrez – Former Chief Operating Officer of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• Steve Galvan – Received five presidential appointments to the Executive Office of the President at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• James Campos –Director of Government Relations & Renewable Energy Initiatives for the College of Southern Nevada

• Jeanette Prenger –President and Owner of ECCO Select, an IT consulting and human capital firm and one of the top 500 Hispanic Businesses in the United States

• Aner Iglesias – Operator of chain of supermarkets; member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican-American Grocers Association

• Jerry Natividad – Former chair of the Colorado Republican Hispanic Assembly; Former board member of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has served on the board of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

• Hector Barajas – Communications director for the California Senate Republican Caucus and Spanish media spokesman for the Republican National Committee. Political analyst for Univision and Telemundo

• Michael Zajur – Chair of the Virginia Latino Advisory Board

• Cici Rojas – Former President and CEO of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Former President and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

• Alfonso Pino, M.D. – Founded an anesthesiology group which currently serves eleven Dallas area hospitals and surgery centers. Served as Vice Chairman of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Sen. Mel Martinez:

“The next election is the most important in decades,” said former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez. “Whether we replace President Obama with a true conservative will have ramifications perhaps for generations. Mitt Romney’s strategy for a ‘Smaller, Simpler, Smarter’ government will help get government out of the way of the private sector and allow for small businesses to do what they do best: create jobs.”

Carlos Gutierrez:

“Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has demonstrated the values that we are looking for in our next President. Whether as a business leader, head of the Olympics or governor, Mitt Romney has used conservative principles to turn around tough situations. We need a president who can do the same for our economy and country.”

Fmr. Rep. Clay Shaw (R-FL) endorses Mitt Romney

“Mitt Romney has the experience and skills that are needed to create jobs and undo the damage caused by President Obama’s disastrous economic policies,” said Congressman Shaw. “As a successful businessman and fiscally conservative governor, Mitt knows how to balance a budget and how to put Floridians back to work. He is the only Republican capable of defeating President Obama and implementing the type of conservative policies that our country needs.”

CNN Jacksonville Republican Debate Video - Jan 26, 2012

Part I Part II Part III Part IV

Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII

A COMMENT ON THE DEBATE:

Rick Santorum said in this debate that he is now for e-verify. He voted against a mandatory employment verification program, and then after the voluntary e-verify program was proposed, voted against it.

Ann Coulter did a thoughtful article on the immigration stance of republican presidential candidates:

“Just as Americans ought to be able to learn the perils of a welfare state by looking at Greece, we ought to be able to learn the perils of illegal immigration by looking at California.

“Massive legal and illegal immigration has already so changed the California electorate that no Republican can be elected statewide anymore. Not so long ago, this was a state that produced great Republican governors and senators like Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, S.I. Hayakawa and Pete Wilson.

“If even Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman, two bright, attractive, successful female business executives -- one pro-life and one pro-choice -- can't win a statewide election in California spending millions of their own dollars in the middle of the 2010 Republican sweep, it's buenas noches, muchachos.

“And yet, almost all Republican presidential candidates support some form of amnesty for illegals in order to appeal to the business lobby.

“Among the most effective measures against illegal immigration is E-Verify, the Homeland Security program that gives employers the ability to instantly confirm that their employees' Social Security numbers are legitimate. It is more than 99 percent accurate, and no employee is denied a job without an opportunity to challenge the records.

“Although wildly popular with Americans -- including Hispanic Americans -- the business lobby hates E-Verify. Employers like hiring non-Americans because they can pay illegal aliens less and ignore state and federal employment laws.

“Any candidate who opposes E-Verify is not serious about illegal immigration. If anything, E-Verify ought to be made mandatory to get a job, to get welfare and to vote.

“Kowtowing to business (while pretending to kowtow to Hispanics), Paul, Perry and Santorum oppose E-Verify. As a senator, Rick Santorum voted against even the voluntary use of E-Verify...

“Following his latest guru, Helen Krieble, Newt Gingrich is for amnesty, combined with second-class status for illegals. Instead of giving illegal aliens green cards, Newt proposes giving them "red cards" so they can stay, take American jobs, have children, receive welfare benefits, attend public schools -- and eventually be granted amnesty. The Republican primaries will be over before most voters realize what Newt's "red card" scheme entails.

“Only Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney aren't trying to sneak through amnesty for illegal aliens. Both support E-Verify.”

Romney is GOP's best candidate, best bet

"His accomplishments in both the public and private sectors suggest he would be a steady and competent leader for these divisive and turbulent times.

"Romney was a well-regarded Republican governor in a state dominated by Democrats. He took charge of the foundering effort to organize the 2002 Winter Olympics and made it work. And he ran hugely profitable consulting and private equity firms.

"Romney's rivals have tried to turn the assets on his resume into liabilities.

"They've blistered him for passing a health-care-reform plan as governor. We give Romney credit for working with lawmakers in his state to solve a problem without waiting for Washington to dictate a solution, which is exactly what happened.

"Romney also has been accused of killing jobs through his private equity firm, Bain Capital. Republicans should know better...

"Despite his decades as an insider, Gingrich has brilliantly articulated the rage many GOP voters feel against the political establishment. We admire his intellect, but when it comes to leadership, anger doesn't trump a diverse and successful record...

"Florida Republicans have two compelling reasons to vote for Mitt Romney: He's the best candidate, and he fits the late William F. Buckley's description as the most conservative candidate who can win."

Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) endorses Mitt Romney

“These are tough times for our country. We need a president who will lead on key issues like tax reform, energy, spending, and, most of all, getting Americans back to work. Mitt Romney has the proven leadership and experience to put our country back on the path toward economic certainty and stability. I look forward to working with Mitt Romney over the next year to ensure his victory in November.”

NBC Florida Debate - Jan 23, 2012

A COMMENT ON THE JAN 23, 2012 DEBATE:

In the opening statement, Newt Gingrich said he balanced the budget for four straight years.

This is a statement he has frequently made including going back to the December 15th debate.

Newt didn't go into detail, let's do:

The Treasury Department reports the total debt resulting from each year's budget. Speaker Gingrich was Speaker of the House from Jan. 1995 - Jan. 1999, so he worked out the fiscal year 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 budgets (that start on Oct 1st of each year):

	Date	National Debt	Debt Increase
	09/30/1998	5,526,193,008,897.62	+113,046,997,500.28
	09/30/1997	5,413,146,011,397.34	+188,335,072,261.61
	09/30/1996	5,224,810,939,135.73	+250,828,038,426.34
	09/29/1995	4,973,982,900,709.39	+281,232,990,696.07
	09/30/1994	4,692,749,910,013.32	+281,261,026,873.94

Source:

What the Speaker calls a balanced budget is not increasing the deficit spending!
(The national debt increased by nearly a trillion dollars during those four years.)

Pensacola News Journal- For the GOP nomination: Mitt Romney

"We feel that Romney has some of the best ideas in the GOP field not just for the nation, but for our area.

"We believe Romney has good ideas about defense spending in a post-Iraq/Afghanistan era...

"Romney also has a thoughtful position on another issue important to Northwest Florida: Medicare. Romney believes that some of the ideas put forward by Paul Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, hold merit, including the possibility of vouchers and increased managed care. Romney also is clear that any adjustments to the Medicare program would be for future beneficiaries...

"We also think Romney's plan to reduce the federal workforce has merit, as does his plan to link the pay of government workers more closely to that of their counterparts in the private sector."

Fox News Sunday - Jan 22, 2012

Chris Wallace interviews Mitt Romney. A frank discussion on the election results, his tax returns, religion, debate performances, etc.

Ann Coulter on Fox - Jan 22, 2012

She discusses Newt Gingrich and the South Carolina Primary. As always, Ann is not bashful and tells it like it is.

South Carolina Primary: Gingrich 1st, Romney 2nd

Delegate Count: Romney still in 1st, Gingrich now in 2nd

Des Moines Register: 2012 GOP caucus count unresolved

“THE RESULTS: Santorum finished ahead by 34 votes

“MISSING DATA: 8 precincts’ numbers will never be certified

“PARTY VERDICT: GOP official says, ‘It’s a split decision’

“Rick Santorum – Final total: 29,839 Change: -168

“Mitt Romney – Final total: 29,805 Change: -210

“It’s a tie for the ages.

“There are too many holes in the certified totals from the Iowa caucuses to know for certain who won, but Rick Santorum wound up with a 34-vote advantage.

“Results from eight precincts are missing — any of which could hold an advantage for Mitt Romney — and will never be recovered and certified, Republican Party of Iowa officials told The Des Moines Register on Wednesday.

“GOP officials discovered inaccuracies in 131 precincts, although not all the changes affected the two leaders...

“It’s not a surprise that the ultra-thin gap of eight votes on caucus night didn’t hold up, but it’s tough to swallow the fact that there will always be a question mark hanging over this race, politics insiders said.

“The news comes at a pivotal point — two days before the South Carolina primary, the third state to vote in the nominating process, and just before another big debate tonight. Romney is under attack from all sides, and the other GOP hopefuls are struggling to convince voters that they are viable alternatives to the former Massachusetts governor.

“Expect the Santorum campaign to try to leverage today’s news into extra momentum, strategists said...

“But history now has an asterisk: It’s not clear whether Romney is the first Republican since 1976 to win in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

“Over the last two weeks, the vote total seesawed wildly — just as it did on caucus night.

“ “When I called Governor (Terry) Branstad to update him (Tuesday) night before I went to bed, I told him I could not tell him who was going to come out on top of the certified results,” GOP Chairman Matt Strawn told the Register Wednesday morning.

“ “Despite what had been in the media, it really was, even the night before the deadline, it really was too close to call,” he said...

“Romney was ahead by 51 votes the weekend after the caucuses, Olsen said. On Tuesday night, Romney was up 24 votes. Then at noon Wednesday, Santorum was up by only three votes. The six precincts that happened to come in next boosted Santorum to a 34-vote lead.

“At 5 p.m. Wednesday — the deadline for volunteers to get their official “Form E” paperwork with caucus results to Republican Party of Iowa headquarters in Des Moines — the back-and-forth ended with 1,766 precincts certified out of 1,774.

“So who won the Iowa caucuses?

“ “I can’t speculate without documentation from the missing eight,” Strawn said. “The comments I made at 1:30 a.m. Jan. 4 congratulating both Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum still apply. I don’t think the certified vote totals take anything away from either Governor Romney or Senator Santorum.”

“All 99 counties turned in their documented results — Howard County was the last and arrived by fax Wednesday — but party officials had to hunt down dozens of missing precincts.

“As far as party leaders could tell, no Form Es ever existed for the eight missing precincts, Olsen said. There’s no chance those eight will certified, he said.

“ “It’s a split decision,” Olsen said.

“Party officials saw no significant shifts until Friday, when Fayette County figures rolled in, Strawn said.

“In the tabulation room on caucus night, campaign representatives agreed they were comfortable with the numbers showing an eight-vote win for Romney. Everyone promised that as changes flowed in during certification, they would not disclose those vote counts or talk about them with reporters, agreeing that the back-and-forth would be misleading, Olsen said.

“Party officials confidentially told the Santorum campaign that Fayette County had lifted him by 99 votes.

“On the campaign trail in South Carolina on Friday, Santorum crowed that he might have won Iowa...

“More than 100 of the Form Es didn’t comply with the party’s instructions.

“The precinct chair and precinct secretary were both to sign the results verified by witnesses on caucus night. But results for some precincts came in on pieces of paper other than the official forms. Many more had only one signature, or the wrong signature (say, from a county chair). Another 18 documents had no signatures at all.

“All were accepted, party officials said...

“In Fayette County, four of the Form Es were signed by the same two people — Irene Iben, a precinct secretary who backed Gingrich, and Janet Wissler, a precinct secretary who caucused for Perry...

“The muddled results make it impossible to declare a winner, Strawn said...

“Bush-Gore 2000 in Florida was similarly tight, ... The caucuses, in contrast, are a loose process in which colored slips of paper are gathered in cardboard boxes and plastic buckets and counted by hand as witnesses gather around — about as precise as choosing a class president...

“The biggest shift happened in Fayette County...

“FAYETTE

“Caucus night tally: Mitt Romney 241, Rick Santorum 174 ...

“Certified result: Santorum 172, Romney 136”

In case you missed it: Bombshell Expose'

A movie was made claiming Romney would buy companies then fire people, cut pay, gut companies and so forth.

Two courageous men who were "used" to create the movie speak out:

Megan Kelly on Fox News interviews two employees who appeared in Bain film - Jan 19, 2012

Teaser:

Megan: “Your experience Tommy, at Unimac, your company, once Bain took over. Did you lose your job? Did you take a pay cut?”

Tommy (Employee): “No Ma'am, when Bain took over, actually, everybody at the company received raises when they took over, and I actually went through two promotions when it was under Bain.”

Megan: “Okay, I want to get to Mike on this. That clip of you, it's heartbreaking, Mike. They talk about about how they shut the doors, and your daughter got lukemia, and you didn't have insurance. Did that happen when Bain owned Unimac?”

Mike (Employee): “Absolutely not, Megan.”

This whole interview is interesting and exposes the deception of the movie. One of the men is even thinking of voting for Mitt Romney.

Analysis of jobs created by businesses Romney started

“During Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital, the firm invested in or helped start up over 100 companies...

“If you look at just four of the startups alone, they add up to more than 120,000 jobs:

“Staples = 89,019 Employees (Staples, 10-K Report, Filed 2011)

“The Sports Authority = 15,000+ Employees (Sports Authority, Press Release, 1/9/12)

“Bright Horizons = 19,000 Employees (The Boston Globe, 11/6/11)

“Steel Dynamics = 6,180 Employees (Steel Dynamics, 10-K Report, Filed 2011)

“This doesn't even take into account any of the job growth under other companies Bain Capital invested in during Mitt Romney's tenure.

“Some of the companies that Bain Capital invested in were struggling...

“The press has reportedly extensively on many of the cases where job losses occurred. While the campaign is not the source of these numbers, even looking at the totality of those numbers compared against just the four startups listed above, the net job growth is still over 100,000 jobs.

“(Press reports of job losses at Bain Capital-invested companies: ADAP/Auto Palace: -20 jobs; AMF Bowling: -271 jobs*; AMPAD: -385 jobs; Closings Ltd.: -30 jobs; Dade International: -1,700 jobs; Ddi: -2,100 jobs*; EduServ Technologies: -400 jobs; FTD: -205 jobs; GS Industries: -750 jobs*; GT Bicycles: -100 jobs*; Handbag Holdings: -206 jobs; Holson Burnes: -294 jobs; The Learning Company: -500 jobs; LIVE Entertainment: -40 jobs; Midwest Of Cannon Falls: -40 jobs; MotherCare Stores: -100 jobs; Physio Control: -50 jobs; Transtar: -1,000 jobs; Waters Lab Technologies: -70 jobs; Wesley Jessen: -600 jobs)”

"* (Indicates some job losses after Romney's tenure, which ended in February 1999.)" including during recessions after Bain no longer owned the companies.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell endorses Mitt Romney:

“As I have said throughout this primary process, we need a governor to serve as our next president,” said Governor McDonnell.

“America needs leadership and that's what governors do: they lead. Governors actually have to find solutions and bring all parties together in order to get results for their citizens – they can't just sit back and cast votes. Mitt Romney has been an effective leader his entire life, in business, the Olympics and as governor. President Obama’s lack of leadership experience is now clear – he has failed to turn around the economy and end the gridlock in Washington. Mitt Romney used his leadership ability in a politically difficult environment to balance the budget every year, cut spending and taxes, and create jobs. He is a results-oriented conservative. This is the type of record that conservatives like me are honored to support – we need a leader like Mitt Romney in the White House to enact effective change that will put our country back on the right path and Americans back to work.”

“My message will be if you want to win the race in November, vote for Mitt Romney. He’s the best candidate that we've got to beat President Obama. He will do the best job going toe to toe with President Obama in debates on the issues that matter to Americans particularly independent voters, jobs, fiscal responsibility and somebody who has been a strong leader and has a proven record in a blue state.” – Gov. Bob McDonnell on CNBC

“I’ve said for months and months that I think a governor or former governor would be the best person to be the President of the United States... When I look at the lack of leadership out of this administration and I look at the key issues in the race, which is creating jobs, doing something about this horrific national debt and having a strong leader who will turn America around and regain our confidence around the world, Mitt Romney is clearly that guy. Marvelous record in a blue state, great private sector experience in creating jobs, and has been an optimistic, results-oriented conservative.” - CNBC, Jan 20, 2012

Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves Endorses Mitt Romney

“I am proud to support Mitt Romney because he has the experience to recharge our economy, put Americans back to work, and cultivate our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit. He is the conservative leader we need and his pro-growth message is resonating with voters across America.”

Other Mississippi State Leaders Endorse Mitt Romney

* State Treasurer Lynn Fitch

* State Auditor Stacey Pickering

* State Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde Smith

* State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney

* Southern District Public Service Commissioner Leonard Bentz

* Central District Public Service Commissioner Lynn Posey

* Southern District MDOT Commissioner Tom King

* Central District MDOT Commissioner Dick Hall

* Northern District MDOT Commissioner Mike Tagert

* Senate President Pro Tempore Terry Brown

* State Sen. Merle Flowers

* State Sen. Briggs Hopson

* State Sen. Buck Clarke

* State Sen. Joey Fillingane

* State Sen. John Polk

* Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Snowden

* State Rep. Herb Frierson

* State Rep. Wanda Jennings

* State Rep. Casey Eure

Georgia State and Local Officials Endorse Mitt Romney

With the new endorsements, state and local elected officals that endorse Mitt Romney are:

* State Attorney General Sam Olens

* Senate Majority Whip Cecil Stanton

* 5 additional State Senators

* House Majority Whip Edward Lindsey

* 13 Additional State Representatives

* Fmr. House Speaker Mark Burkhalter

* State Board of Education Member

* Fmr. State Board of Education Member

* Public Service Commissioner Doug Everett

* Labor Commissioner Mark Butler

* 3 Mayors

* Fmr. Mayor Robert J. Walker, Dublin

* Councilman Gabriel Sterling, Sandy Springs City

* 3 Commissioners

* Sheriff Joe Chapman, Walton County

* Chief of Police Keith Glass, Monroe City

* Chairman Marion Hay, Moultrie/Colquitt County Industrial Development Authority

Many Georgia business leaders and republican party officials also endorse Mitt Romney.

MORE GEORGIA ENDORSEMENTS »

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) endorses Mitt Romney again

“With federal spending out of control, Americans need a leader that understands how to balance a budget. The strength of our economy depends on balancing the federal budget, and there is no candidate more capable of doing that than Mitt Romney. I look forward to a smaller, simpler, and smarter government under his leadership.”

“As a second term Congressman from West Texas, I fully intended to keep my powder dry in the presidential race for quite a while. I had no intention of endorsing any of the candidates and simply wanted to meet a couple of them when they were in Austin a few weeks ago. Having read all the newspapers and Web sites for the last few months, I figured I knew what to expect...

“In West Texas, you learn a lot about a person by shaking their hand and looking them in the eye. If you look at Romney's experience and his record, he is clearly qualified to be our next president, but his real abilities and qualifications shine through when you meet him.

“Romney has been a leader his whole life. Whether in business as one of the most successful venture capitalists in America, as the CEO who rescued the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City from corruption and debt, or as governor of Massachusetts, Romney has showed the executive level experience that we need in our next president...

“As governor of Massachusetts, Romney held to his conservative values while working with one of the most liberal state legislatures in the country. By focusing on what they could agree on, rather than on what they couldn't, Gov. Romney had great successes in producing a balanced budget each year of his term and closing a $3 billion budget deficit without raising taxes or resorting to new government borrowing. He also signed a plan into law affording every state citizen health insurance without raising taxes or creating a huge new government bureaucracy...

“These are just a few of the qualities which define Romney and his leadership. At this moment in our history, we confront a new generation of challenges that demand strong, new leadership in our nation's capital... Gov. Romney is that person.

“Mitt Romney believes our best days are ahead of us and that together, we can renew the American dream. That is why I am proud to be supporting him as he begins his campaign for our nation's highest office.”

“I've endorsed him since March and as I've gotten to know him more and understood his positions more, I'm confident that he's the guy that I want to see in the White House in January of 09.”

Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) endorses Mitt Romney

“It is time we had a conservative leader who will restore our country’s standing in the world. President Obama’s reckless foreign policy has not only failed, it has emboldened our enemies. Mitt Romney is committed to making the 21st Century an American Century. I am proud to stand with him.”

“Congresswoman Granger said, "Governor Romney is a proven leader and natural problem solver. He has demonstrated the ability to turn problems into successes. As Americans, we need his leadership in Washington. He is the only candidate to demonstrate that he has a strategy to make America stronger by returning to our core conservative principles that have made this country so great. I am proud to join his campaign." ”

Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) endorses Mitt Romney “Mitt Romney is the only candidate that understands the magnitude of President Obama’s failure with respect to both the economy and foreign policy. In order to ensure a strong and safe future for our children and grandchildren, we must elect a man with Governor Romney’s knowledge, experience, and ability to lead. I am honored to offer him my support.” MittRomney.com - Jan 20, 2012

Rep. Dan Benishek (R-MI) endores Mitt Romney

“For my fellow Michiganders, this upcoming election is the most critical in generations. Our country simply cannot take four more years of President Obama’s broken promises and failed policies. Mitt Romney shares the values that made me run for office in the first place: a willingness to take on Washington, a commitment to repeal Obamacare and a promise to end Washington's runaway spending. I urge all my fellow conservatives to reject four more years of a failed presidency and join me in supporting Mitt Romney.”

Post and Courier endorses Romney

"Mitt Romney is the Republican with the best chance of winning the White House in November. But the best reason to vote for him in Saturday's South Carolina primary is this:

"He's the best candidate for the job.

"The former Massachusetts governor has an impressive record, in and out of public office. His extensive background, steady temperament and sense of purpose make him the right GOP choice for the crucial task of leading our nation out of tough times and virtual political gridlock.

"At this point in Barack Obama's presidency, it is sadly clear that he has pushed our nation too far to the left -- and as a direct consequence, far too deeply into record debt. Mr. Romney is a proven fiscal conservative with the ability and resolve required to correct that wayward course...

"That doesn't mean Gov. Romney was a pushover. He issued more than 800 vetoes...

"Mr. Romney's GOP rivals again targeted him at Thursday night's debate at the North Charleston Coliseum. After all, he's the front-runner.

"He also is the Republican best equipped to win a defining debate about America's future with President Obama. As Mr. Romney told us: "I will look forward to debating him and saying, 'Which of your provisions do you think encouraged people to hire? Do you think Obamacare encouraged private enterprise to hire? Do you think Dodd-Frank encouraged banks to make loans? ... Do you think the Boeing decision in South Carolina encouraged businesses to expand? Do you think stacking the NLRB with labor stooges encourages businesses to hire people?' "

"We look forward to seeing Mr. Romney pose those key questions. We also look forward to moving beyond the hard feelings of our primary, with its glut of PAC-funded negative ads and intrusive "robo-calls," back to the pressing challenges that should be the basis for the electorate's presidential choice not just on Saturday but on Nov. 6...

"Mr. Romney later came on strong with this debate declaration: "Ours is the party of free enterprise, freedom, markets, consumer choice. Theirs is the party of government knowledge, government domination, where Barack Obama believes that he knows better for the American people what's best for them. He's wrong. We're right. That's why we're going to win."

"Mitt Romney's combination of skills, experience and commitment make him the right man at the right time to be president."

Serving Charleston, this is South Carlina's 5th news endorsement of Mitt Romney.

Anne Fox— President of Massachusetts Citizens for Life - on Mitt Romney

“Since being elected governor, Mitt Romney has had a consistent commitment to the culture of life. As governor, he worked closely with Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Misguided attempts to blame Mitt Romney for the fact that state-funded health care in Massachusetts funds abortion ignore the facts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in 1981 that the Massachusetts Constitution requires the funding of abortion. This decision forces Massachusetts to fund abortion to the same extent it funds other medical procedures. A 1986 attempt to overturn the court ruling with a Constitutional Amendment failed. Obviously, in providing health coverage, the governor and the legislature were bound by this decision.”

"Ms. Fox of Citizens for Life says her antiabortion group began having regular contact with a Romney aide [while Romney was governor] and through him asked if Mr. Romney's wife, Ann, would become an honorary chairwoman of its new capital campaign. She did so."

Newt Gingrich ran an ad that said Mitt Romney “gave Planned Parenthood power over Massachusetts health care.”

With respect to that and Gingrich's other claims, Ms. Fox, Life News, and the Annenberg Foundation's factcheck.org reported:

“Regarding Planned Parenthood’s presence on a state panel, yes they apparently have a reserved slot (along with 13 other representatives) on something called the MassHealth Payment Policy Advisory Board (not on the “planning board for the health care plan” as some have claimed). This Board has no authority over abortion policy and in fact has no real power except to compile reports and make recommendations).”

“Ms. Fox, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, said this issue was “minor” and didn’t have anything to do with abortion.

“ “The committee doesn’t decide anything that has anything to do with abortion. It is just a rate-setting thing,” Ms. Fox told us. “It was not something that right to lifers were concerned about at the time. It was a minor thing. It really is Gingrich trying to make something significant [out of nothing]. This isn’t something that we would choose to even bring up.” ...

“The 14-member board is only charged with reviewing Medicaid rates and making recommendations for rates...

“Romney didn’t veto this provision of the law, as he did several other sections. That point was made during the 2008 presidential campaign by GOP candidate Fred Thompson. But, according to Anne Fox, the candidates are making much ado about nothing.

“As for the claim that “Romney signed government mandated health care with taxpayer-funded abortions,” that, too, is overblown. The state health care law didn’t say anything about abortion. Instead, the state exchange later decided that subsidized insurance plans would include coverage for abortion. And the exchange may have had little choice but to do so. In 1981, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that women eligible for Medicaid had a state constitutional right to payments for medically necessary abortions. In 1997, the state high court again ruled that Massachusetts must cover medically necessary abortions if it covers other medically necessary care, such as childbirth...

“But it’s not true that he signed a law that included “taxpayer-funded abortions.”

“The Gingrich Web video says that Romney “used taxpayers funds to pay for abortions.” Again, the law didn’t say anything about abortion. Were taxpayer funds ever actually used to cover abortions for those who gained subsidized coverage under the law? We asked the Gingrich campaign if it had any proof for that claim. So far, we have not received a response. But overall, the law didn’t lead to any increase in abortions in the state. In fact, both the number and rate of abortions have declined since the legislation was passed.

“The Guttmacher Institute, whose research on abortion has been cited by both political parties, has compiled statistics that show the number of abortions in the state went from 27,270 in 2005, the year before the law was passed, to 24,900 in 2008, the most recent statistic available. And the rate of abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age fell from 19.9 in 2005 to 18.3 in 2008. That’s an 8 percent drop, compared with a small rise of 1 percent nationally.”

Interestingly enough, before running for president, Newt Gingrich praised Romneycare:

“As a Republican presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich has been critical of the changes to the Massachusetts health care system Mitt Romney implemented as governor, but a recently surfaced 2006 newsletter shows Gingrich praised the law soon after it was passed.

“ "The health bill that Governor Romney signed into law this month has tremendous potential to effect major change in the American health system," reads an April 2006 essay, under the headline "Newt Notes." The essay was published in a newsletter from the Center for Health Transformation, a company Gingrich founded.”

Mary Anne Glendon - Women Affirming Life Founder, gives statement on Mitt Romney - Jan 13, 2012

Last Week's Debates plus full Marianne Gingrich Interview:

Thursday, Jan 19th Debate:

CNN Charleston, SC Debate - Jan 19, 2012

First question was the explosive question about Gingrich's affair.

The Related full ABC News Nightline interview of Marriane Gingrich:

ABC News Nightline - Jan 19, 2012

This is the first segment of nightline and lasts 10 minutes.

Monday, Jan 16th Debate:

Fox News Myrtle Beach Debate - Jan 16, 2012

Saturday, Jan 14th Huckabee Forum:

Fox News - Huckabee Forum 2 - Charleston, SC - Jan 14, 2012

In this forum, Mitt Romney went first.

Medal of Honor Recipients endorse Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Medal of Honor recipients Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Captain John James McGinty, III (USMC, Ret.) ...

“America is a truly exceptional nation,” said Sergeant John F. Baker Jr. “Mitt Romney understands our special place in the world and knows that a strong America is the greatest deterrent to war and upheaval. He is committed to building up our armed forces, so that no nation will ever dare challenge us. I am proud to support him.”

Announcing his support, Captain John James McGinty, III said, “It is my pleasure to endorse a patriot like Mitt Romney. He has a deep understanding of the complex world our current military faces and will be ready to assume the duties of commander-in-chief on day one. For those who are looking for a candidate with the knowledge to navigate in an unpredictable world, they need to look no further than him.”

Fmr. South Carolina Speaker of the House David Wilkins endorses Mitt Romney

"Americans want a candidate they can believe in; one who can defeat President Obama and get our country back to work. Mitt Romney is that man. Governor Romney would never turn his back on 20,000 new jobs and our energy security as the President has done with the Keystone XL pipeline project. Mitt Romney has a real plan for restoring our economy and our place in the world as freedom's best friend and most steadfast defender."

"Ambassador David H. Wilkins Was First Elected To The South Carolina House Of Representatives In 1980 And Served For 25 Years, 11 Of Those Years As Speaker Of The House. He was the state chair of the Bush-Cheney '04 campaign. In 2005, he resigned from the SC House to accept an appointment by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada. Wilkins represented the U.S. in Canada until 2009. He is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP."

Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell endorses Mitt Romney

“As a former Governor and business leader, Mitt Romney is a chief executive who knows how to balance budgets and create more jobs,” Speaker Harwell said. “Just as importantly, Governor Romney knows and is strongly committed to the principle that the states should take the lead on a variety of domestic policy issues which will help us right-size the federal government and protect our Tenth Amendment rights. I strongly support and endorse Mitt Romney for President, and I look forward to working with him to help get America back on the right track.”

More North Carolina leaders endorse Mitt Romney

The additional people who endorsed Mitt Romney are:

* Fmr. Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Robert Orr

* State Senator Tommy Tucker

* State Rep. Bill Current

* State Rep. Tim Moore

* State Rep. Danny McComas

* State Rep. Jimmy Dixon

* State Rep. Pat McElraft

* Fmr. Mayor of Charlotte, Richard Vinroot

* Fmr. Charlotte Mayoral Candidate, Scott Stone

* Fmr. Wake County Commissioner Kenn Gardner

Senator Tommy Tucker:

“North Carolinians are sick and tired of Washington’s reckless spending. Mitt Romney spent his life as a conservative businessman. He knows that, in the real economy, you simply cannot keep spending more than you take in. As president, he will cut federal spending and push for a balanced budget amendment. We cannot risk another four years of Barack Obama’s failed policies. I call on all conservatives that want a simpler, smaller, and smarter federal government to join me in supporting Mitt Romney.”

Arkansas Rep. Steve Womack endorses Mitt Romney

“I am supporting Governor Romney because I believe he has the background and experience critical to the future of our nation,” said Congressman Womack. “Mitt Romney’s fiscal record as Governor and private sector experience is exactly what we need in the White House. He knows how to create jobs, balance the budget, and above all, lead!”

The State: Romney has the capacity to build bridges

"MITT ROMNEY was not our first choice for the Republican nomination for president of the United States, but he was one of two candidates who stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field as sensible, experienced grownups with a history of making things work rather than pursuing ideological fetishes. ..

"Mr. Romney always has been less interested in philosophy than in problem-solving. As The Washington Post summarized the views of his friends: “obeisance to ideology would impose a rigidity that would inhibit Romney’s real talent, which is forging new ways to fix old problems.”

"He has demonstrated that talent to dramatic effect, from making a fortune rescuing companies (and dismantling others) as a private-equities investor to turning the floundering, scandal-ridden Salt Lake Olympics Games into a financial success. He led Massachusetts out of financial crisis, and pushed through a landmark health reform that was seen as the conservative answer... If there’s anything we need in Washington, it’s more problem solving and less ideological purity...

"We are endorsing Mr. Romney, because of our continued belief that he can be what we need in a president: Someone who can work within our poisonous political environment to solve our nation’s problems, not simply score partisan points. Someone who understands that negotiation is essential in a representative democracy, and that there are good ideas across the political spectrum. Someone who has a well-defined set of core values but is not so rigid that he ignores new information and new conditions. Someone who has shown himself to be honest and trustworthy and competent. Someone whose positions are well-reasoned and based on the world as it is rather than as he pretends it to be. Someone with the temperament and judgment and experience to be taken seriously as the commander in chief and leader of the free world."

The State is South Carolina's largest newspaper.

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis talks about Mitt Romney

“I think [Romney] is the one man who could send Barack Obama back to Chicago,” he told The Daily Caller while waiting for Romney to arrive at a rally here Wednesday. “He’s the most electable conservative, he’s honorable, he’s a faithful man, and he’s a man who I think South Carolina’s going to embrace on Saturday.” ...

“Every time I see him, I bring a problem from my desk, a financial problem,” Loftis said. “Every time he listens, he asks good questions, he’ll lean back. He’s very analytical, and he gets me a solution — every single time... The economy is in crisis, the government is in freefall. Neither liberals nor conservatives trust our government. We need a leader, and that’s Mitt Romney.”

Ohio Sen. Portman endorses Romney for president

“Portman, the first-term Ohio Republican, said Wednesday that Romney “would be the right guy to turn things around and bring back jobs. And I think he has the best chance of beating President Obama.’’ ...

“ “I have been encouraged by what Governor Romney has been saying on the economy,’’ Portman said in an exclusive telephone interview. “He’s not just focused on what Barack Obama has done wrong. But he is focused on a pro-growth message . . . constructively laying out an aggressive pro-jobs agenda.’’ ”

“Mitt Romney has been a lifelong leader who has shown how to bring people together to turn around tough situations. And right now, that's exactly what our nation needs. Americans can be proud to stand behind Mitt - he has balanced budgets, cut taxes, and created jobs. He is the one candidate who will be able to defeat President Obama in November and bring conservative change to Washington while helping America achieve its great potential.”

Florida Senate Prez Haridopolos endorses Romney “We have been fortunate in this Republican Presidential Primary to have many solid candidates... I believe we are the party of better ideas. We need to focus on the positive ideas that our party can bring to the policy arena and not simply attack our political adversaries, both Republican and Democrat... “It’s time for Republicans to be the party of better ideas and debate how we grow our economy and create new jobs – and I believe Mitt Romney is the best man for the job. “Mitt Romney possesses solid private sector experience and has a proven conservative record – he is a principled, limited-government Republican who is focused on cutting spending, implementing tax reform, and reducing government red tape. He is the only candidate to outline a plan to deal with our economic competitors abroad, and he’s run an honorable campaign to uphold the principles of the Republican Party and defend the ideals that make America exceptional.” The Palm Beach Post - Jan 18, 2012

Chris Dudley - NBA Star and former candidate for Gov., endorses Romney

"Chris Dudley, the 2010 Republican nominee for Governor in Oregon, former Portland Trail Blazer and 16-year NBA veteran" endorsed Mitt Romney, stating:

“I am proud to endorse Mitt Romney for president because he has the leadership, business and governing experience to lead our nation back to greatness."

Rep. Sandy Adams (R-FL) endorses Mitt Romney

“Floridians are tired of the failed policies of the last three years. The number one goal for Florida Republicans is to find a candidate who will not only defeat President Obama, but can also put strong conservative principles into action. Under a President Romney, our country will see a return to policies that create jobs and grow the economy, government spending limited, the principles of our Constitution upheld, and the size of government reduced. I call on all Florida residents who are concerned about the direction of our country to join me in supporting Mitt Romney.”

3 South Carolina newspapers endorse Mitt Romney, Florida's largest paper does too:

Romney has what S.C. Republicans are looking for

"For most Palmetto State Republicans, one goal matters far more than anything else: Beating Obama. There are scenarios in which other Republican candidates could do that, but it's a gamble not worth taking. Presidential elections are won in the middle, not on the fringes, and Romney can take that middle from the president like none of the other GOP candidates can. So if one's goal is to elect a president who will enact a conservative agenda, he is the obvious choice. ..

"Leading Bain Capital in the 1980s, Romney shined in his role as investor. In January 1991 he returned to Bain & Co. and within two years had rescued it from collapse. Similarly, the Olympics in Salt Lake City were nearly $400 million behind where they needed to be when Romney came in. He took charge and led the Olympics to success, and to a profit.

"Republicans are debating Romney's record at Bain and how many jobs he created. But with a stubbornly high S.C. unemployment rate currently at 9.9 percent, is there really any candidate in this primary field who could be better trusted on that front than Romney?

"He has as much or more executive experience as any of his rivals. As a Republican governor in a liberal state, he showed the ability to pass important public policy under challenging circumstances, and he helped erase a projected $3 billion deficit. "

The Charlotte Observer is one of South Carolina's largest newspapers.

Spartanburg Herald-Journal: Romney is GOP's best bet

"Former businessman and governor has the leadership skills necessary for the White House.

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has executive experience. He has led corporations, the Olympics and a state. He was successful in all these endeavors. And he represents the best chance to deny President Barack Obama another term.

"Romney is a genuine conservative. He plans to reduce the size of the federal government. Romney has an extensive plan to return various federal programs to the states, where they can be run more efficiently and with a better eye toward local needs.

"He wants to limit the role of the federal government in education. He wants to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by utilizing domestic resources.

"He has an effective plan to grow the economy by reducing taxes. And he is committed to appointing federal judges who enforce the Constitution rather than their own political agendas...

"There are other candidates who claim to be more conservative than Romney, and maybe they are. But pursuing ideological purity is not in the Republican Party’s or the nation’s interests. The important thing for South Carolina Republicans to remember is that their goal is ending the left-wing administration of Barack Obama...

"GOP primary voters may be looking for the most conservative candidate possible, but the rest of the nation is not. In November, the majority of voters will be looking for a candidate to represent a point of view closer to the center. They will want someone who can bring more unity to the nation after 20 years of increasingly bitter polarization under Bill Clinton, George Bush and Obama.

"Romney is the candidate who can be that choice in the general election. None of the other Republican hopefuls can be. Republican voters cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. If they insist on ideological purity from the GOP nominee, they will endure four more years of Obama."

The Spartanburg Herald Journal is located in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

* Greenville News: "Romney Best Choice for Republicans"

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the strongest candidate on the ballot, and he is best qualified to mount a serious campaign this fall...

"Romney is best equipped of the Republican candidates to help this country get its financial house in order, to rein in a federal government inclined to add crushing regulations, to free business capital to create jobs and to improve the lives of Americans up and down the economic ladder. He is thoughtful when it comes to protecting the country, enhancing its national security and improving its relationship with trusted allies. At the same time, his executive experience in the business world and in state government gives him an undeniable advantage in this Republican primary...

"As he wrote in a column on these pages a few months ago when the National Labor Relations Board had endangered the new Boeing plant in South Carolina, “America’s workers have long been the most productive in the world. If we unshackle them from the self-interested restrictions of federal bureaucrats and union bosses alike, I have no doubt that they will produce wonders far beyond those, like Boeing’s Dreamliner, that have already made America the great country that it is.” That is not a dreamy-eyed philosophy, but one that comes from a man who has spent more time in the business world than in government work."

Newspaper for Greenville, South Carolina

Romney for Republicans

"Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the winner of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, is the candidate best prepared to make the Republicans' case that change is needed in the White House...

"Romney has a breadth of experience and a record of pragmatism that makes him the most viable Republican candidate. He has considerable business experience from his 15 years as head of Bain Capital, the private equity firm that has ironically become a target for his Republican opponents who otherwise champion free enterprise... and for better or worse, that private sector experience sets Romney apart from his opponents.

"After running Bain, Romney salvaged the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. By all accounts, the Games were under an ethical cloud and in deep financial trouble when he became head of the organizing committee. Romney turned it around and became the face of those Olympics, raising tens of millions from new sponsors and the federal government, and turning what could have been an embarrassment into a civic success. That experience reflects Romney's ability to surround himself with talent, transform bureaucracies and build public support.

"As Massachusetts governor from 2003 to 2007, Romney demonstrated he could work with Democrats and overcome financial challenges. It is true that he inherited a $3 billion deficit, which he helped close in part with modest increases in revenue... We prefer Romney's public record to his political rhetoric... he has become a more polished candidate who has performed well in debates and so far withstood withering attacks from within his own party...

"Romney has earned his status as the Republican front-runner and the candidate best prepared to engage Obama in a spirited campaign about the direction of the nation. It's time to move toward that debate, with the hope that voters can send a message that helps resolve some fundamental questions at the heart of Washington's gridlock. In the Florida Republican primary for president, the Tampa Bay Times recommends Mitt Romney."

The Tampa Bay Times is Florida's largest newspaper.

More South Carolina Endorsements

Several more prominent South Carolinans endorsed Romney for president, including legislators, party leaders and businessmen.

Now the list of elected South Carolina endorsers is:

Fmr. Rep. Tommy Hartnett

Fmr. Rep. Henry Brown

Governor Nikki Haley

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis

State Senator Ronnie Cromer

Speaker Pro Tempore Jay Lucas

5 additional State Representatives

Fmr. Attorney General Charlie Condon

Fmr. Chief Deputy Attorney General Robert Bolchoz

Fmr. Secretary of Commerce Robert A. Faith

Fmr. Secretary of Transportaion Buck Limehouse

Mayor Marilyn Hatley, North Myrtle Beach

Mayor Knox White, Greenville

Mayor Pro Tempore David Sudduth, Greenville

City Councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle, Greenville

County Council Chairman Butch Kirven, Greenville

County Councilman Joe Dill, Greenville

Fmr. Mayor Hank Johnston, Bluffton

County Treasurer Andy Smith, Charleston

County Council Chairman Gene Wise, Kershaw

Fmr. County Councilman Henry B. Fishburne, Jr., Charleston

Fmr. SC GOP Chairman Barry Wynn:

“President Obama spent his life outside the private sector and it shows. Mitt Romney spent his life outside of politics, working in the real economy. In order to create private sector jobs in this tough economic environment, we need a president who worked in the private sector.”

Fmr. SC Secretary of Commerce Bob Faith:

“The voters of South Carolina have an important choice to make regarding the future of this country," said former South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bob Faith. "We need a conservative candidate who will defeat President Obama and reverse his failed policies. That man is Mitt Romney. He is committed to getting rid of failed government programs like Obamacare. He is against government entities like the NLRB interfering with free enterprises like Boeing who want to invest in South Carolina and create jobs for South Carolinians. He is for restoring conservative principles to government, so that Washington will stop spending and start letting this country's entrepreneurs and business leaders get back to creating jobs.”

MORE SOUTH CAROLINA ENDORSEMENTS »

More Congressmen Endorse Mitt Romney

Now Mitt Romney has over 100 members of congress (including former congressmen) who have endorsed Romney (Congressional endorsements):

Rep. John Mica (R-FL) endorses Mitt Romney

“It has not been my practice to endorse candidates in primary elections, but as I look at the direction our country has been taken under this President, I worry for our children and our grandchildren about our future. And, as I look at the field of candidates in this election, no one matches the outstanding business and elected executive credentials of Mitt Romney. He has the skills, experience and vision needed to defeat President Obama and turn around our economy. As a successful businessman and a fiscally-responsible governor, Mitt knows how to balance budgets and he understands how to create jobs. He has also laid out bold plans to cut taxes, shrink government and control our national deficit. I am proud to endorse his candidacy and I look forward to campaigning with him across the Sunshine State.”

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) endorses Mitt Romney

“I am proud to support Mitt Romney in his campaign for president. As a businessman, he understands how to get Americans back to work. President Obama’s ineffective leadership continues to hurt the prospects of Ohioans and citizens across the country. His failed policies have burdened the next generation with trillions of dollars of debt, and that is a future we simply cannot afford. As his record clearly shows, Mitt Romney is the leader that our economy needs to restore growth, that our party needs to defeat President Obama in 2012, and that our country needs to get back on track.”

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker endorses Mitt Romney

“Mitt Romney is the strongest Republican candidate and he is the only person capable of defeating Barack Obama in 2012. Mitt Romney has the experience, the vision and the commitment to conservative values that our Republican nominee will need to draw bold contrasts with the President’s failed, big government agenda. It is an honor to join his team and I look forward to working to ensure that he is elected the next President of the United States.”

"Mayor Baker, a nationally recognized urban leader, was named America’s 2008 Mayor/Public Official of the year by Governing Magazine and, in 2011, was noted as “America’s Greatest Mayor of the Decade” by Senior Political Columnist John Avlon in Newsweek Magazine/The Daily Beast. First elected in 2001, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker was re-elected by an unprecedented 70 percent margin in 2005, carrying every precinct in the city. He led the city through an historic renaissance. Baker chaired Governor Jeb Bush’s Municipal Mentoring Initiative and presently serves as an Adjunct Fellow at the Manhattan Institute Center for State and Local Leadership. His 2011 book “A Seamless City” describes city leadership and a conservative approach to urban revitalization in America."

Presidential Candidate, fmr. Gov. Jon Huntsman endorses Romney

“Today I am suspending my campaign and supporting the candidate who is best-equipped to defeat the president and return conservative leadership to the White House: Governor Mitt Romney.”

Video and accompanying article of Jon Huntsman's endorsement of Mitt Romney, which includes:

“It's time, Huntsman said, for the GOP to unite behind the candidate "best equipped to defeat Barack Obama. Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues, I believe that candidate is Mitt Romney." ...

“In a statement, Romney said, “I salute Jon Huntsman and his wife Mary Kaye. Jon ran a spirited campaign based on unity not division, and love of country. I appreciate his friendship and support.”

“Huntsman and Romney spoke by phone Sunday night about what Huntsman could do to help his former rival.”

MORE ENDORSEMENTS OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES »

Romney polling strongest

Romney Runs Strongest

“What percentage of Republicans would vote for each of the candidates if they were to square off against Obama?

“There were twenty-nine general election polls conducted since June 1, 2011 that contained those crosstabs. I compiled the results of every one of them, and came to this result:

“In 26 of the 29 polls, more Republicans said they would come out to vote for Mitt Romney than any other candidate in the race...

“There were three polls where Romney did not land the highest percentage of GOP support. They were a Gallup poll in mid August, right after Rick Perry entered the race, where Perry got 92% of Republicans (a number he never came close to again) while Romney got 91%; also, a McClatchy/Marist and a PPP poll both done at the peak of Gingrich’s ascent — where the former Speaker garnered 2 and 3% more Republican support than Romney...

“This is yet another data point that would suggest the vocal opposition to Mitt Romney is confined to a tiny minority of the party...

“And it’s not only among GOP voters that Romney runs the strongest, either: in 24 of those 29 polls, Romney garners the greatest level of support from Independent voters as well – and sometimes by massive margins over his closest competitor. The only polls where that is not the case are five where Ron Paul outpolls him among Independents...

“So there is one candidate who not only polls the strongest among Republicans but at the same time polls the strongest among Independents as well… and that man is getting ready to unofficially wrap up the nominating process on Saturday. Rather than consternation, this ought to be cause for celebration among the GOP faithful.”

Stemberg is interviewed on Fox News - Jan 16, 2012

Stemberg (founder of Staples): After noting that Mitt Romney was on the Staples Board of Directors for about 15 years, stated, "I've been on some very good boards, with some great directors. I would still rate him as the single best corporate director I've ever worked with, he was an inspirational leader. While Staples may have existed without him, I doubt it would have been nearly as big or successful without him."

In answer to a question about jobs, Stemberg notes the number of employees in a few of the companies Mitt Romney helped get started and grow, stating:

"Mitt was instrumental in getting us going and helping us grow the business"

Fox News - Newt Gets Booed for Criticizing Romney

“CHARLESTON, S.C. -- In an event aimed at swaying undecided South Carolina voters, five Republican presidential hopefuls showed up in Charleston to make the case for why they should be the next GOP nominee.

“The forum, hosted by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Fox News, barred the candidates from attacking or even mentioning each other.

“Newt Gingrich paid little attention to that rule. When asked to "defend the vilification of companies willing to put capital at risk in order to save failing companies," the former speaker zeroed in on Mitt Romney...

“The hit on Romney backfired. Before Huckabee could finish trying to stop him, the audience drowned out Gingrich with boos.”

Other than the above incident, all candidates did well. Mike Huckabee and others afterword said all did well and no one lost ground. Mike Huckabee noted Rick Perry had a strong performance.

Factcheck.org: Facts strained in anti-Romney ad

“DDi Corp.

“The film talks about layoffs at DDi Corp. and discusses questionable manipulation of stock prices after the circuit board company went public. But Romney had left Bain Capital a year before any layoffs and a public stock offering that ultimately netted Bain and Romney a big payday. The company's subsequent bankruptcy filing came two years after Bain had largely divested from the company, and was the result of the dot-com bust. Moreover, the company emerged from bankruptcy, and its current CEO credits those early Bain investments for setting the foundation for the company's current success...

“With an investment of $40.5 million, Bain Capital — with Romney at the helm — led a group of venture capital firms that purchased a controlling interest in DDi Corp. in 1996. According to the "King of Bain" video: "A signature of Romney's Bain Way strategy, employees were quickly fired in order to pump up profits." It's true that in December 1999, DDi shuttered its Colorado facility and fired 275 employees as part of a consolidation with operations in Texas. Given that Bain made its initial investment nearly three years before that, though, it's a stretch to claim "employees were quickly fired in order to pump up profits." And again, Romney had left Bain in February 1999, prior to the layoffs.

“Moreover, DDi Corp. CEO Mikel Williams noted that DDi grew very rapidly during the years of Bain's involvement. The company had revenues of $59.4 million in 1995 — the year before the investments by Bain — and four years later, revenues topped $290 million. According to a 2003 story in the Orange County Register, DDi reached a payroll peak with 3,700 employees in 2000.

“ "No doubt that growth, which was very rapid, was fueled by the investments from the capital markets, not only Bain," Williams told FactCheck.org in a phone interview...”

For more details of factcheck.org's analysis of all the major claims in the movie, click the link above, or the excerpts in the following link:

MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF DDi, KB Toys, UniMac AND AmPad »

Townhall Meeting with Vetrans on Hilton Head Island

This Townhall Meeting starts with Governor Nikki Haley, then Mitt Romney, then Senator John McCain and ends with Ambassador John Bolton.

The meeting ends with a question and answer period.

A Closer Look at History

“Mitt is the only non-incumbent GOP candidate for president to have ever won both Iowa and New Hampshire and his total vote count is the second largest number of votes ever received by a non-incumbent candidate in New Hampshire...

“Removing Independents [who are allowed to vote in the New Hampshire republican primary] and looking solely at Republican voters who cast ballots, the results show that even in a highly contested GOP field, an impressive 49% of Republicans voted for Mitt on Tuesday.

“That’s the highest percentage of the Republican vote that any non-incumbent candidate has earned in the New Hampshire GOP Presidential Primaries since Ronald Reagan over 30 years ago.

“Republican voting percentages in contested NH Primaries:

“2012: Mitt Romney – 49%

“2008: John McCain – 34%

“2000: John McCain – 38%

“1996: Pat Buchanan – 29%

“1988: George H. W. Bush – 40%

“1980: Ronald Reagan – 45%”

South Carolina Military Leaders endorse Mitt Romney

• General Alfred Hansen, U.S. Air Force, Ret.

• Lieutenant General Claudius "Bud" Watts, U.S. Air Force, Ret.

• Major General Darwin Simpson, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret.

• Major General Stan Spears, U.S. Army National Guard, Ret., Former Adjutant General of South Carolina

• Colonel Fareed Betros, U.S. Army, Ret.

• Lieutenant Colonel Larry McKay, U.S. Army, Ret.

• Senior Chief Petty Officer Sidney Busch, U.S. Navy, Ret.

• Petty Officer Mark Nadobny, U.S. Navy, Ret.

“Mitt Romney has been a strong advocate for veterans and will work to ensure that those who have heroically sacrificed for our country receive the care that they deserve,” said Lt. General Bud Watts, former President of the Citadel. “We need a Commander-in-Chief who will support our veterans and troops, strengthen our military, and strengthen our national defense. Mitt Romney believes in America and in the founding principles that make our country great, and he is the kind of steadfast leader we need during these challenging times.”

MORE STATEMENTS BY GEN. WATTS (AND OTHERS) »

BAIN and ROMNEY

“Recently, the NYT ran an article, as a follow up to Gingrich's Sheldon Adelson sponsored acquisition of the film " When Bain Came to Town ". Most of the media have picked up on the NYT story and the anti Bain / Romney film, including Andrew Sullivan in The Daily Beast . All reprint the main points of the article and the film without the remotest effort to actually CHECK REAL FACTS...

“Romney was at Bain from 1984 to 1998 :

“The Daily Beast and Andrew Sullivan excerpt the following from the NYT story:

“Bain invested 22 % of the money it raised from 1987 to 1995 in five businesses and made $ 578 million in profit. Sullivan then goes on to identify FOUR companies [that made up half of that 22% investment's profit] and about $ 300 million in profit, on about $ 200 million in investment. I'm sure he knows the fifth and just forgot it from the NYT.[sarcasm] But, here are the four:

“1. STAGE STORES

“Bain invested $ 5 million in 1988.

“The company went public in 1996 and Bain took a nice profit of $ 100 million and left.

“The company went through bankruptcy reorganization in 2000, four years after Bain left...

“The bankruptcy allowed Stage Stores to restructure, close under performing Bealls Stores and performance substantially improved. Today, Stage Stores has 13,000 employees in 40 states and had sales of $ 1.5 billion in 2011...

“2. Case 2 from Sullivan and the NYT..... AMPAD

“1. Bain invested $ 5 million in a holding company that bought AMPAD from Mead paper in 1992. The new management team consolidated 13 manufacturing and distribution plants into 6, created a 53 % compound annual growth rate and took revenues from $ 8.8 million in 1992 to $ 200 million in 1996.

“2. The company went public in 1996 and Bain collected a profit of $ 100 million dollars....and left.

“3. Four years after Bain left, the company reorganized under bankruptcy law and is still operating profitably having been acquired by a foreign company. Bain had ZERO to do with these poor sad film folks losing their jobs. So, again, it is the return on invested capital that Gingrich and his friends at the NYT and the media , like Michael Moore, don't like.

“3. GS TECHNOLOGIES

“1. Bain acquired control , with GE Capital of GS Technologies in 1993 by investing $60 million.

“2. Bain and GE subsequently invested $ 100 million to improve and upgrade facilities. This is , of course, unmentioned in the NYT hit piece and in the film

“3. GS went through bankruptcy in 2001. Bain and GE both incurred substantial losses on their invested capital.

“4. Bain also invested, at the same time, in Steel Dynamics, a similar company that is a global leader today with revenues of $ 6 billion. Steel Dynamics and GS Industries also have one glaring difference. GS Industries was a union shop and Steel Dynamics is not.

“4. DETAILS [Corporation], now owned by Steelcase

“1. Acquired by Bain and other investors in 1997 for $ 46 million.

“2. Went public in 1998; Bain took nice profit of $ 93 million and left.

“3. Details went through bankruptcy restructure in 2003 , five years after Bain [left].

“4. Company is currently owned by Steelcase.

“There are some other relevant investments that the NYT and Sullivan overlook:

“1. Bain invested $ 1 billion in Dominos Pizza in 1998. Dominos had 1000 stores and 16,000 employees. Dominos now has 9000 stores and 145,000 employees and is worth $ 1.5 billion.

“2. Bain invested in Sports Authority in 1987. Sports Authority now has 250 stores.

“3. Bain acquired financially ailing Sealy mattress in 1997. Sealy restructured and now has 5000 employees and $ 300 million in annual revenue.

“4. Bain invested in 200 + other companies including AMC Entertainment, Bombardier, Bright Horizons, Burlington Coat, Church's Chicken, Clear Channel Communications, Dominos, Gymboree, Harlem Globetrotters, Latrobe Specialty Steel, LinkedIn, Minute Clinic, Staples, The Weather Channel, Toys R Us , Vonage and about 190 more.

“Isn't this what American business is all about ?”

Newt Gingrich - The new Michael Moore?

In case you haven't heard, there's a new schlockumentary out by Newt Gingrich.

The Washington Post's "The Fact Checker" gives it four pinocchios, stating:

"The 29-minute video “King of Bain” is such an over-the-top assault on former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney that it is hard to know where to begin."

Excerpts from the Washington Post:

“First of all, it is a stretch to portray Romney as some sort of corporate raider, akin to Carl Icahn (whose image is briefly seen). Bain Capital initially was in the business of providing venture capital — seed money — for start-ups, such as Staples. Then it moved to the more lucrative business of private equity, in which Bain won control of firms, reorganized them and then sold them for profit. (Our colleague Suzy Khimm earlier this week did an excellent job of explaining the two sides of Bain Capital.) ...

“We can assess whether the four specific deals highlighted by the film are depicted with accuracy.

“The closure of the UniMac plant in Marianna, Fla.

“In the film, three former employees of UniMac, which makes commercial washing machines, appear to suggest that quality went down under Bain Capital’s management and that a plant in Marianna, Fla., was closed because of Romney’s actions.

“But the chronology is all jumbled. Bain Capital bought the business from Raytheon in 1998, and Romney left Bain [permanently] a year later to run the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In 2005, Bain sold UniMac (also called Alliance Laundry) to a Canadian entity known as Teachers’ Private Capital. The factory was moved from Marianna to Ripon, Wisc., in 2006, after Bain’s involvement ended — a fact made clear on the Web site of a laundry repair business co-owned by the people featured in the film.

“In fact, Mike Baxley, who was interviewed for the film, said that he and his partner had “absolutely no idea” that the interviews were for a film about Romney and Bain...

“They said they wanted to know what it was like when the factory closed down,” he said, and he, his partner and his partner’s wife agreed to interviews after “they flashed a little money at us.” (Baxley, a Republican who said he had not yet thought much about the nomination contest, declined to reveal the amount.)

“After watching “King of Bain” at The Fact Checker’s request, he said: “We were pretty shocked. Our quotes were seriously taken out of context. There is a real lack of facts.” ...

“The film suggests that UniMac is out of business, but Baxley noted that UniMac is still going strong at its new headquarters in Wisconsin. He said that the same upper management team ran the company during the course of the various investments by outside partners such as Bain, and that Bain appeared to have little involvement in UniMac’s management.

“The bankruptcy of KB Toys

“Here again, the chronology is off. Bain Capital did not buy KB Toys until late 2000, more than a year after Romney left for the Olympics. But the film states, “Romney and Bain bought the 80-year-old company in 2000, loaded it with millions in debt.” It then attributes the failure of KB Toys in 2008 to that debt load, without noting that a horrible retail environment wiped out a number of chains, particularly toy stores.

“Then the film runs a snippet from a 2010 Romney appearance at Emory University, making it appear as if he is talking about KB Toys when he speaks of “creative destruction.” (This is not a Romney phrase but an economic term referring to the creation of new technologies.) The film does not include the rest of Romney’s remarks on the importance of helping people transition from jobs in outmoded industries to new ones.

“The bankruptcy of DDi

“Bain Capital under Romney’s leadership invested $46 million in DDi in 1997. It sold many of its shares for at least $93 million and received a $10 million management fee, but the newspaper said Bain retained a 14 percent stake in the firm that was wiped out when DDi filed for bankruptcy during the dot-com bust... Romney, who again was by then involved in the Olympics, also invested some of his own money in DDi...

“The film, while focusing on the 2,200 jobs that were lost during the technology bust, does not mention that DDi emerged from bankruptcy proceedings and is currently thriving.

“The demise of the Ampad facility in Marion, Ind.

“Finally, the film comes to a case that directly involves Romney...

“Bain assembled Ampad (formerly American Pad & Paper, supposedly the creator of the legal pad) through what is known as a “roll-up strategy,” in which similar companies are purchased in the same industry. One of these companies was the writing product firm SCM, based in Marion, which was purchased in 1994. The efficiencies of scale at first proved a success, and Bain made a fortune — some $100 million, according to the Globe.

“But the company floundered — ironically because of price pressure from companies such as Staples, which was started with help from Bain. Ampad filed for bankruptcy protection in 1999 but still exists today as part of Esselte Corp...

“The Pinocchio Test

“...

“Only one of the four case studies directly involves Romney and his decision-making, while at least two are completely off point. The manipulative way the interviews appeared to have been gathered for the UniMac segment alone discredits the entire film.”

Romney's National Poll Numbers Skyrocket

Mitt Romney is now polling nearly 20% higher than everyone else among Republican voters.

For a larger image and the data, refer to link:

Endorsements Keep flowing in:

Colorado Speaker Frank McNulty endorses Romney:

“Three years ago, President Obama signed his $787 billion stimulus in Denver. Three years later, it is clear that the only jobs created from the stimulus were government jobs. Unlike our current president, Mitt Romney knows how the economy works and how jobs are created. He understands that the private sector, not government, will restart our economy. With Mitt Romney’s conservative record and economic know-how, Coloradans can be confident that he will turn around our economy.”

Missouri Congressman Billy Long endorses Mitt Romney:

“I’m extremely proud to support a true conservative like Mitt Romney,” said Congressman Billy Long. “Missouri voters — as well as voters across the country — are looking for someone who will reverse President Obama’s failed policies. Mitt Romney will get rid of Obamacare, stop our government’s out-of-control spending, and — most important of all — create jobs for the American people. If conservatives are serious about getting our country back on track, Mitt Romney is the clear choice.”

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer:

“The next election will be one of the most important in generations. We can choose to continue on the high-spending and economically stagnant path we are on, or we can elect Mitt Romney, a conservative businessman with a lifelong record of results. Missouri voters are looking for a change in direction for our country – that is why they will support Mitt Romney.”

Many Missouri State Legislators joined President Pro Tem Rob Mayer. Now Mitt Romney's Missouri support includes the following and more:

• Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) • Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) • Fmr. Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO) • Fmr. Sen. John C. Danforth (R-MO) • State Auditor Tom Schweich (MO) • Deputy State Auditor Harry Otto (MO) • Senate Majority Leader Tom Dempsey (MO) • Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer (MO) • 6 additional State Senators (MO) • Fmr. Senate President Pro Tempore Michael Gibbons (MO) • 3 additional Fmr. State Senators (MO) • Speaker of the House Steven Tilley (MO) • Majority Floor (House) Leader Rep. Timothy Jones (MO) • 15 Additional State Representatives (MO) • Fmr. Speaker of the State House Catherine Hanaway (MO) • 4 Additional fmr. State Representatives (MO) • Fmr. Director Katie Smith - Missouri Dep. of Agriculture • Fmr. Director Trish Vincent - Missouri Dep. of Revenue • 5 County Prosecuting Attorneys (MO) • Fmr. Mayor of Blue Springs Gregg Grounds (MO) • Council Member Dale Carter, Blue Springs City (MO) • Jasper Collector of Revenue Stephen Holt (MO) • Cole County Collector Larry Vincent (MO) • Cole County Commissioner Chris Wrigley (MO) • Cape Girardeau City Council Member Kathy Swan (MO)

MISSOURI SUPPORTERS AND THEIR STATEMENTS »

John Bolton endorses Mitt Romney

“Of all the candidates, Mitt Romney possesses the strongest vision for America’s leadership role in the world, and I am proud to endorse him,” Ambassador Bolton said. “President Obama has sapped America’s credibility abroad, weakened our military and failed to lead on issues vital to U.S. national security. President Obama has left America exposed to ever increasing threats. Mitt Romney will restore our military, repair relations with our closest allies, and ensure that no adversary—including Iran—ever questions American resolve.”

"John R. Bolton was the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006. From 2001 to 2005, he was Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Ambassador Bolton also served in the George H.W. Bush Administration as Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, and in the Reagan Administration as Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice and General Counsel at USAID. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Of Counsel at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis."

Ambassador John Bolton - Fox News with Greta - Thursday, Jan 11, 2012

former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore endorses Mitt Romney for President

“Conservatives not only need a candidate who can beat President Obama, but one who can also put our values into action,” said former Governor Jim Gilmore. “That candidate is Mitt Romney. No other candidate in the race has a more detailed plan to get Americans back to work or has a laid out a vision for America’s role in the world. Our country cannot take four more years of President Obama’s failed fiscal and economic policies. Mitt Romney will bring America back and I’m proud to stand with him.”

Ron Paul's Victory Speech:

" “I wanted to thank the Union Leader for not endorsing me,” he joked in his speech.

"The paper backed Gingrich, who appeared on track to finish fifth."

A Greek Tragedy of Sorts

I feel sorry for Newt Gingrich and sympathize with his disappointment.

I felt sorry for Cain for the public doubts and embarassment he experienced.

The attacks one goes through in a battle, especially in a public political battle, can be ugly.

I don't know if Cain was innocently attacked like he claimed or guilty as so many witnesses seemed to indicate.

I do know the attacks on Gingrich's record are based in fact.

Ron Paul has run attacks and an independent PAC supporting Romney have run attacks reviewing Gingrich's record. (Many groups and candidates attacked him in Iowa.)

Romney has repeatedly noted he is not allowed by law to coordinate with or intervene with PACs. They are independent.

Romney himself has largely stayed positive toward his fellow competitors, focusing mainly on Obama. He has repeatedly stated any of the contenders would be better than reelecting Obama.

While we can understand Newt's disappointment and the bitterness he feels in receiving negative attacks, it also is important to keep a healthy perspective.

Newt, ironically, has a long record of attacking others and being quite mean.

On Thanksgiving day, Gingrich sent a mean-spirited greeting to staff members who quit during the summer.

A photocopy of the letter can be read here:

Days later, as other erratic and perhaps less than dignified behavior surfaced, reports came out that the 'Bad Newt's Coming Back':

And even while he was saying he would stay positive, he was falling into the negative, which he had quite a long history of doing:

"Asked in an interview with the Post on Wednesday evening if he would return fire against Romney and Ron Paul, who ran a scathing web video, if he dipped in the polls, Gingrich replied, “No. I’ve gotten this far because I’ve stayed totally positive, and I’ve stayed focused on Barack Obama.” ...

"Just a few days ago, however, Gingrich seemed willing to attack Romney...

"The enduring impression many Americans have of Gingrich is of somebody who’s constantly on the attack against his foes...

"In 1979, when Gingrich was a brand-new House member from Georgia, Gingrich filed ethics charges against then-subcommittee chairman Charles Diggs, a Michigan Democrat, which led to Diggs’ censure. Gingrich also led the assault that took down then-Speaker Jim Wright (D-Texas) in 1989. Furthermore, he took on leaders of his own party, including then-House Republican leader Robert Michel, as he climbed the ranks to eventually become House speaker in 1995.

"But Gingrich himself was reprimanded by the House because of ethics charges in 1996."

And now that he has finished towards the bottom in the first couple of races, with little chance of winning the nomination, he seems determined to exact revenge on the front-runner, who he sees as the cause of his demise. That will not cause him to win. But it will feed his anger and revenge.

And that is the real tragedy.

Romney Wins New Hampshire with 39% of vote

No news site results matched the counts or totals as reported on the state's Secretary of State website.

Those totals result in Romney with 39.4%, Santorum ahead of Gingrich with 9.4% each, former Louisiana governor Buddy Roemer with almost one thousand votes, not too far behind Perry, and votes for Cain, Bachmann, Obama (yes, in the republican primary election results) and miscelaneous other candidates.

MEDIA BIAS???? CNN shows Romney with 39% of the vote but Santorum and Gingrich with 10%.

With the numbers they report, Romney's total divided by the total shown in the chart: 97,532/244,864 = 39.8%. They truncated. But they rounded up Gingrich and Santorum from 9.56% and 9.54% to 10%. Did they not want Romney to show a full 40%, but also wanted to show Gingrich and Santorum in double digits?

Is CNN trying to strengthen the other candidates in their loss in fudging the percentages slightly?

Also, as a sign of Barack Obama's unpopularity, 10% of democrat primary voters wrote in another candidate, and Pres. Obama got about the same votes as also ran John Edwards did four years ago.

Total Delegate Count

The winner of either Iowa or New Hampshire has always become the Republican Presidential nominee.

Romney made history as the only non-incumbent Republican to win both.

Unless an unprecidented break from history occurs, Mitt Romney will be the republican nominee.

Since Iowa started holding its republican caucus first and accompanying it with the formal poll in 1980:

	YEAR		IOWA		NEW HAMPSHIRE		NOMINEE
	1980		HW Bush		Reagan		Reagan
	1984		Reagan (2nd term)		Reagan (2nd term)		Reagan
	1988		Dole		HW Bush		Bush
	1992		HW Bush (2nd term)		HW Bush (2nd term)		Bush
	1996		Dole		Buchanan		Dole
	2000		W Bush		McCain		Bush
	2004		W Bush (2nd term)		W Bush (2nd term)		Bush
	2008		Huckabee		McCain		McCain
	2012		Romney		Romney

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam endorses Mitt Romney

“I am proud to announce my support for Mitt Romney. He’s been a governor and had the responsibility of leading as an executive by cutting spending, keeping taxes low and creating a strong environment for job creation,” Governor Haslam said. “He also has private sector experience and understands the importance of balancing revenues and expenses. Mitt is a problem solver, and what we really need in this country right now is someone that can tackle tough issues. With Mitt Romney in the White House, Tennesseans can be confident in a leader that is focused on creating jobs and encouraging prosperity for Americans.”

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach endorses Mitt Romney

“We need a president who will finally put a stop to a problem that has plagued our country for a generation: millions of illegal aliens coming into the country and taking jobs from United States citizens and legal aliens, while consuming hundreds of billions of dollars in public benefits at taxpayer expense,” said Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. “Illegal immigration is a nightmare for America’s economy and America’s national security. Mitt Romney is the candidate who will finally secure the borders and put a stop to the magnets, like in-state tuition, that encourage illegal aliens to remain in our country unlawfully. He is also the candidate who will stand shoulder to shoulder with the states that are fighting to restore the rule of law. I am pleased to stand with this true conservative.”

"The Mitt Romney campaign said the former Massachusetts governor has been endorsed by a heavyweight in moves to stop illegal immigration... The campaign said it was endorsed by Kris Kobach, who is head of the Kansas Republican Party and a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

"Kobach has led the fight on two of the most contentious immigration issues of the past year. His legal research was used by groups opposing efforts in some states to allow illegal immigrants to qualify for reduced in-state tuition at public universities in their home states. He also represented the city of Hazleton, Pa., in its attempts to sanction businesses that hired illegal immigrants or landlords who rented them housing."

Michelle Malkin- "Gov. Mitt Romney's new immigration enforcement adviser-one of the brightest minds and experienced architects of homeland security:

[Kris] Kobach said, “Of all the Republican presidential candidates, Governor Romney has outlined the clearest vision for how we are going to end illegal immigration in this country. More importantly, he has the record to back up his words. When he was Governor, he vetoed a bill that would have rewarded illegal aliens with in-state tuition rates, and he also increased cooperation between state and federal law enforcement. In one of our country’s most liberal states, he stood up for the enforcement of immigration laws. He will do the same as President.”

"Another stellar legal mind and counterterrorism expert who successfully prosecuted the 1993 WTC jihadists, Andrew McCarthy, signs on to the Romney campaign."

Interesting Fox News election facts and analysis

Romney Wins New Hampshire

“CBS News is projecting that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will win the New Hampshire primary - and that Texas Rep. Ron Paul has defeated former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman in the battle for second place.

“The projections are based on exit polls and early voting returns. Romney's victory was announced just after the polls closed in the Granite State at 8:00 p.m. Eastern...

“With 165 of 301 precincts reporting, Romney had 38 percent of the vote, followed by Paul with 23 percent and Huntsman with 17 percent. They were followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 10 percent, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum with 10 percent and Texas Gov. Rick Perry with 1 percent.”

Gallop tests Acceptability

“Mitt Romney is the now the only candidate that a majority of conservative and moderate/liberal Republicans nationwide see as an "acceptable" GOP nominee for president.”

CBS Poll tests Electability

“The survey found that Romney is the only GOP candidate to hold a lead over the president in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup, though Texas Rep. Ron Paul trails by just one point.”

Ron Paul on Romney attacks - Manchester, NH - Jan 10, 2012

Webmaster note: There are many things I like about Ron Paul. The fact he is honest and a straight shooter is one of them.

Jack Welch, GE CEO, 1981-2001

Jack Welch: “Let's take first go to the election and then we’ll go to private equity.”

Andrew Ross Sorkin: “Okay.”

Jack Welch: “In my lifetime, Mitt Romney is the most qualified leader I've ever seen run for the Presidency of the United States. Start with John Kennedy...”

Andrew Ross Sorkin: “Did you back him? You didn't back him, though, in the previous election…”

Jack Welch: “No, and I haven’t really jumped out for him now… I looked at all the candidates. Look, let’s take him for a minute: Harvard Law School, Harvard MBA, joins BCG, goes to Bain as a consultant. Starts up Bain Capital. Builds it. We’ll talk about how well they did or didn't do as a second base of this. Bain—the company—the consulting company, gets in trouble in 1990. Mitt come back and fix it. Leaves Bain Capital, goes back – my wife worked there, at that period – fixed the place up for two years, back to Bain Capital. Bain Capital then has its best years ever. In '99, leaves, goes to the Olympics. I was involved in that. Not in him, but in the Olympics, we were televising it.”

Andrew Ross Sorkin: “Right, Salt Lake.”

Jack Welch: “We were in deep trouble. They were losing money. They had a scandal with the guy running it, and then 9/11 comes. Everyone wants to cancel it. We’ve got a big commitment. He goes out there, fixes it totally, again, fixes that up. Comes back, runs for governor. Wins the governorship. The government's … in debt, he gets it out and gets a surplus. We haven't had anybody do all these things. You think Richard Nixon did that? You think Bill Clinton had those credentials? Certainly Barack Obama didn't have those credentials. Two years in the Senate? I mean, come on. We’ve got a guy here as a leader—that’s demonstrated beyond anything we've ever had. Great family. This is – we’re the luckiest people in the world to have this guy there at this point in time.”

San Antonio Express-News endorses Mitt Romney

"The Express-News Editorial Board is taking the unusual step of endorsing a GOP presidential candidate now — three months before the Texas primary... the clear choice is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

"A series of alternative candidates have risen to the top of the Republican field, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry. None of them have been able to withstand public scrutiny and the media spotlight as confidently as Romney.

"Romney, almost to a fault, is data-driven and speaks knowledgably about the issues facing the nation. In the long series of GOP presidential debates that have exposed the weaknesses of other candidates, he has delivered steady and solid performances. About the economy and how to revive it, Romney has a pro-growth plan that is solidly conservative..."

Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) endorses Mitt Romney

“As a small business owner, I know that Michigan and our country needs a president who will empower entrepreneurs to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “With Obamacare, higher taxes, and unnecessary regulation, the Obama presidency has been a disaster for small businesses. Mitt Romney will reverse these policies and put in place an economic agenda that will rebuild the middle class. He understands that it truly is the private sector, not the government, that creates jobs. He is the conservative candidate that Michigan needs in the White House and I am proud to stand with him.”

Fmr. Rep. Bill Zeliff (R-NH) endorsed Mitt Romney

Former congressman Bill Zeliff was introduced as a supporter of Mitt Romney at this Mitt Romney rally.

Congressman William Zeliff served New Hampshire from 1991-1997.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Breitbart TV - Jan 8, 2012

(Admits Obama fears Romney most)

Sunday Jan 8, 2012 NBC-Facebook Republican Debate

Saturday Jan 7, 2012 ABC Republican Debate

Debate Hightlights:

Rick Perry Remembers the 3 departments this time!

Mitt Romney answers silly contraception question

Weekend Republican Debate analysis:

National Review analysis-

Scoring the Sunday Morning NBC Republican Debate:

TIME Magazine scorecard and analysis-

Scoring the Saturday Night ABC Republican Debate:

CBS News analysis and declared winner-

The Daily Beast analysis then scorecard-

TIME Magazine scorecard-

National Review analysis and grading-

Romney our choice for GOP nomination

''One of the common refrains during the dozen Republican presidential debates – and a reliable applause generator at that – is that “anybody up on this stage” could beat Democratic President Barack Obama in the November 2012 election.

''Don’t believe it. Only 10 sitting presidents have lost their bid for re-election in U.S. history – just three of them Democrats – and it only has happened three times since World War II: George H.W. Bush in 1992, Jimmy Carter in 1980 and Gerald Ford in 1976.

''So if Republicans are serious about reclaiming the White House – an office they have controlled for 28 of the past 40 years – it is imperative they get behind a candidate capable of reaching beyond the party ideologues and attracting the support of independents and disenchanted Democrats across the nation.

''That candidate, who also just so happens to be the most qualified candidate, is Mitt Romney...

''For us, evaluating a party’s potential nominee for president is much like interviewing applicants for a job opening. We check their resume. We look them in the eye and evaluate how they respond to our questions during their meetings with our editorial board. We observe how they conduct themselves on the campaign trail and in the televised debates with their peers.

''When we put that all together, we can come to no other conclusion than Romney has the intelligence, business acumen, political skills and leadership ability to earn our endorsement as his party’s nominee for president.

''And, with it, the right to compete head-to-head with our Democratic president come November, giving voters a clear choice on the future direction of the nation in the process.''

The New Hampshire Nashua Telegraph is New Hampshire's second largest newspaper. (TheCompetentConservative.com)

There have been five New Hampshire newspapers endorse Mitt Romney this election cycle. (NH endorsements)

Romney is best choice in New Hampshire

''Our nation remains mired in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Millions are out of work. In a climate of regulatory uncertainty, companies fear to make the decisions they must make to grow. Investors are hanging on to their money, unwilling to take the risks that fuel innovation and job creation.

''This stagnation is a failure of government...

''In the 2012 election, the Republican Party must offer the American people a clear alternative to President Obama and the Democrats...

''We urge Republicans and independents to support Mitt Romney in the New Hampshire Republican primary.

''In his private career as a successful venture capitalist and his public career as governor of Massachusetts, Romney has shown he can make the tough executive decisions needed to get the nation back on track.

''As governor of Massachusetts, Romney eliminated a $3 billion budget deficit and cut state spending, not merely reducing its rate of growth.

''Romney wants to lift the foot of government from the neck of American business. He wants to trim away the mass of regulation built up under President Obama and let the free enterprise system work once more.

''Romney wants to cut federal spending, capping it at 20 percent of the gross domestic product. That has been the average spending rate since the 1950s until Obama took office. Romney also favors lower tax rates spread over a broader tax base...

''Romney believes in a strong national defense. He believes that the world is a safer place when America is strong. He says that while there are certainly weapons systems that can be cut and cost savings to be realized, he favors rebuilding our aging Navy and Air Force, keeping our Army well-staffed and caring for our returning veterans.''

The New Hampshire Eagle-Tribune serves south-east New Hampshire, including Haverhill and Merrimack Valley, and Northern Massachusetts.

''Mitt Romney yesterday said his business experience makes him a better choice to revive the economy...

'' "The 25 years of my career spent in the private economy helps me understand the power of the American experiment, the danger of the president's transformation of our private economy and the way forward to create jobs again," Romney said.

'' "Rick, like others on the platform, has spent his career in politics," Romney said. "There's nothing wrong with that. It's an important contribution. But it's a different background at a time when we have to have someone who understands how the economy works." ...

'' "I can get America working again, not just with good jobs, but with the values and principles that drove America to be the most powerful nation in the world," Romney said in the interview. "I'm running not to protect the 1 percent. They're doing just fine. I'm running to help the 99 percent that are in trouble by this president's economy." ''

Bay Buchanan endorses Mitt Romney

“If Americans want a real conservative in the White House, they need to look no farther than Mitt Romney,” said Bay Buchanan. “These few years of President Obama’s failed leadership have weakened our country across the board. We need a president who will immediately reverse Obamacare, stop Washington’s out-of-control spending and finally secure our borders. Mitt Romney is the man who will actually get these things done. America simply can’t take another four years of Barack Obama.”

Bay Buchanan served as Treasurer to Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaigns in 1980 and 1984, and was an accountant on his 1976 campaign. President Reagan appointed her Treasurer of the United States in 1981. She is a frequent guest on numerous cable television shows and speaks frequently on college campuses.

Iowa Vote Count May Net One More Vote for Romney

"Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum is shrugging off reports Thursday night that the vote count from the Iowa caucuses may be wrong, saying the reported errors probably don't change the fact that Mitt Romney beat him, if only by a few votes.

" "Here's what I know," Santorum told Fox News. "Having talked to the chairman Matt Strawn, who is the chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, that all these counties are going to be reporting in, they're going to be certifying them that there was one county where there was a 20-vote mistake in my favor but there was a 21-vote mistake in Romney's favor so it actually netted out to what I understand is a one-vote difference."

"The difference, which Strawn late Thursday said was still being confirmed, nets a one-vote advantage to Romney. Santorum said it doesn't matter whether he lost by eight votes or nine to the former Massachusetts governor.

" "That doesn't really matter to me. I mean, this was a tie," he said."

Iowa Results Challenged, Certification to take 2 Weeks

"DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Republican Party of Iowa has no reason to doubt the accuracy results it reported from the state’s first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses despite a claim of an error that would change the outcome.

"The final vote count reported Jan. 3 gave former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney an eight vote victory over former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. The Iowa GOP reported Romney edged Santorum in a see-saw battled by 30,015 to 30,007.

"Since then, however, a Moulton man has called those results into dispute...

"Also, late Thursday night, The Gazette received a report of a discrepancy in the vote totals that were reported in the Illyria and Westfield townships in Fayette County.

"The results of voting at the Iowa GOP’s 1,774 precinct caucuses are being certified, according to Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn. That process could take two weeks.

" “Out of respect to the candidates involved, party officials will not respond to every rumor, innuendo or allegation during the two-week process,” Strawn said in a statement issued Jan. 5. “That said, Iowa GOP officials have been in contact with Appanoose County Republican officials tonight and do not have any reason to believe the final, certified results of Appanoose County will change the outcome of Tuesday's vote.” "

Iowa caucus results came down to late-night visit

"Edith Pfeffer had the answer to the question people across the county wanted to know: Who won the Iowa caucus. The only problem was that she was fast asleep in bed.

"That was until the phone started ringing and someone was banging on her front door.

"After a long day of caucusing, Pfeffer, chairman of the Clinton County Republican Party, said she called in the results and headed home.

"Somehow, though, state officials couldn’t verify the results for the precinct she monitored. With the vote between GOP candidates so close, the results of the Clinton precinct were critical in declaring a winner.

" “I woke up to the phone ringing, the doorbell going ‘ding, ding, ding, ding,’ and somebody pounding on the door,” Pfeffer told the Clinton Herald Wednesday afternoon.

"Carolyn Tallett, president of the Republican Women’s Club, was at the door with the news the votes had not been delivered to state officials.

"In a 1:30 a.m. phone interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and John King, Tallett and Pfeffer confirmed Mitt Romney had acquired the votes necessary to edge Rick Santorum.

"The interview, and a subsequent conversation with additional CNN personalities, became the “best live phone call ever,” according to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper."

Senator John McCain Endorses Romney

Senator John McCain said, “The time has arrived for Republicans to choose a presidential nominee; a new standard bearer who has the ability and determination to defeat President Obama and the strongest commitment to returning America to prosperity and defending our interests and values overseas. I’m pleased to have made my choice, and to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for President.”

“These last few years have been a terribly tough time for Americans, and President Obama’s policies have failed to address effectively the problems of weak economic growth and persistent joblessness that have caused so many sleepless nights for so many Americans,” continued Senator McCain. “The Obama administration has ignored the most serious challenges threatening our future – a fifteen trillion dollar debt, and the job destroying effects of a complex, unfair and incomprehensible tax code, bankrupt entitlement programs, and unnecessary government regulations. We can overcome these challenges as we have overcome every challenge in our past, but only if our country changes leaders.”

“Governor Romney offers us the commonsense reforms of government policy that are necessary to turn around our economy,” said Senator McCain. “His record of accomplishment in government and business are a testament to his leadership abilities. His commitment to a strong defense and principled diplomacy will earn the world’s respect for American leadership.”

“I had the privilege of running against Governor Romney for the nomination four years ago, and I know he is a tough competitor,” said Senator McCain. “I have no doubt he is the best candidate we can nominate. And I am proud to support him for President.”

Senator McCain on Romney (after their Republican Presidential Primary race):

"And I knew Mitt, and I knew what an outstanding individual he is and what a wonderful family person, but I hadn't had the chance to get to know Ann." McCain noted that she is "battling a disease" -- multiple sclerosis -- and that "she is a woman of courage and beauty and grace."

MORE QUOTES AND VIDEO OF JOHN McCAIN ON ROMNEY »

Mitt Romney poised to make history

"His expected victory in next Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary would make him the first Republican, other than an incumbent president, to win Iowa and New Hampshire back-to-back. That would be a huge achievement, propelling him forcefully into the rest of the primary season and quite possibly ending the Republican race well before the first big round of elections on Super Tuesday in early March...

"An Iowa-New Hampshire sweep would make Romney almost a prohibitive favorite to become the party’s nominee. That, in large part, would be a result of his carefully planned and well-executed run for the presidency.

"It also guarantees that the next six days will be among the nastiest of the entire Republican campaign, as his rivals pull out all the stops in an attempt to slow his progress...

"But unless the unexpected happens—and as the Iowa caucuses demonstrated, nothing should be taken for granted in this volatile and weird campaign season—Romney will be on his way to an early victory in the nomination chase and a strong challenge in the fall against President Obama."

Romney projected Iowa Caucus winner

Some sites are reporting along with their results that 100% of precincts have reported:

and at IowaCaucus.com.

Other sites are reporting the same totals, but that some precincts have not completely reported, such as:

CNN and The Des Moines Register.

With an 8 vote difference between Romney and Santorum, if some precincts have truly not reported, then the projected winner could change.

(Update: These sites now show 100% as well. See January 6th stories for more details.)

In the end, what matters most is Delegates.

To win the nomination, a republican must get 1,144 delegates.

Current Delegate totals are:

	1. Mitt Romney:	18 Delegates
	2. Rick Santorum:	8 Delegates
	3. Ron Paul:	7 Delegates
	4. Rick Perry:	4 Delegates
	5. Newt Gingrich:	2 Delegates

That includes 7 each delegates for Romney, Santorum and Paul as a result of the Iowa Caucuses, and 2 each for Gingrich and Perry. An AP analysis determined eventually if all candidates drop out except Romney and Santorum, Romney will have 13 and Santorum 12 of those 25 delegates.

Independence Hall Tea Party endorses Mitt Romney

“Philadelphia, PA (January 2, 2012) -- The Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, a tri-state (DE, NJ, PA) regional group, announced today that its 27-member Board of Delegates has voted overwhelmingly to endorse Mitt Romney for President...

“ "Over the past several weeks, a consensus has been building among our Board of Delegates that Mr. Romney is the most electable Republican candidate," said PAC President, Don Adams. "We, as a Tea Party PAC, have set winning the White House as our number one priority in 2012. We believe Mr. Romney is the one candidate who can win the Republican nomination and defeat President Barack Obama in November.

“ "Mr. Romney is the only Republican candidate who has consistently polled even or ahead of President Obama in national surveys. He puts a number of 2008 blue states in play, including Michigan and New Hampshire. He also appeals to large numbers of independent voters."

“ "Mr. Romney, a devoted family man, is an incredibly talented, well-rounded individual with in-depth knowledge and experience in both the private and public sectors of the economy," said PAC New Jersey Vice President, Bill Green. "Ultimately, we believe Mr. Romney is a man of principle who, once elected, will lead our nation back to prosperity."

“PAC Delaware Vice President, Kevin Street, said, "His vision of a strong America, one built on the foundations of free enterprise and meritocracy, is most compatible with the principles of the Tea Party movement.

“ "Mr. Romney has stated time and again that he believes in a limited role for the Federal government--emphasizing that the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution delineates between the powers of the national government and that of the states."

“ "Mr. Romney will pursue a policy of energy independence, lower taxes, and less government spending. He has promised to secure our borders and redirect our foreign policy," added PAC Pennsylvania Vice President, Sean Carpenter. "Under his presidency, the United States will no longer prostrate itself before other nations. We believe in a strong America--an America that is respected for its economic vibrancy, its military strength, and its constitutional values." ...

“The good sense of millions of Tea Party folks nationwide [who] have come to realize, or will eventually realize, that the only way to defeat President Obama, whose policies are an anathema to conservatism and the Tea Party Movement, is to rally around his strongest opponent--Mitt Romney--the man who, we believe, will become the next president of the United States.”

“On 8/28/10, the Independence Hall Tea Party sent 28 buses carrying over 1500 Patriots to Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. No other group sent more.”

“In 2010, we contributed over $16,000 to our endorsed candidates. That amount topped any other regional, state, or local Tea Party PAC in the Country. Only Tea Party Express PAC gave more.”

“Independence Hall Tea Party PAC Executive Board

“President, Don Adams (PA)

“Vice President for Delaware, Kevin Street

“Vice President for New Jersey, Bill Green

“Vice President for Pennsylvania, Sean Carpenter

“Secretary/Treasurer, Carol Reighn (NJ)”

“Mitt Romney is the choice of nearly one in four of those who agree with the tenets of the tea party, according to a new Pew poll, a surprising result that suggests the former Massachusetts governor’s support heading into 2012 may be broader than previously assumed.

“Among tea party supporters, Romney took 24 percent to 19 percent for former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, 15 percent for former House speaker Newt Gingrich and 13 percent for Texas Rep. Ron Paul. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, long considered the tea party’s 2012 candidate-in-waiting, took just 12 percent — another piece of evidence that the 2008 vice presidential nominee’s support is fading...

“The Pew poll comes less than two weeks after a Washington Post/ABC News survey showed Romney running strong among the party’s conservatives; more than seven in 10 Republicans who described themselves as “very” conservative had a favorable opinion of Romney.

“In the Pew survey, Romney’s numbers are not only strong among tea party types but across the board. He took 20 percent among self-identified conservatives — tied with Huckabee for first — and 23 percent among moderate-to-liberal GOPers. The only group where Romney lagged even slightly was among white evangelical Protestants, where he received 15 percent to Huckabee’s 29 percemt.”

Dems swarm Iowa to attack Mitt Romney

“DAVENPORT, Iowa — Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is fending off attacks from national Democrats who are traveling across the state today to blast him outside his own events on the eve of tomorrow’s GOP caucuses.

“ “I think people are starting to figure out that this is the guy that’s going to beat Barack Obama,” said wife Ann Romney about the growing focus on her husband.

“National Democratic Party officials dive-bombed Romney, who is in Davenport for a grassroots rally, setting up a press conference outside the event... DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz also planned a press conference in Florida focusing solely on Romney.”

"Romney is the most experienced, credible and qualified candidate who can lead the effort to hold President Obama to his own promises and performance standards and make him a one-term president. The Obama re-election team also knows it, which is why they started attacking him long before any votes have been cast.

"In February 2009, President Obama told NBC News that "one nice thing about the situation I find myself in is that I will be held accountable. . . . If I don't have this done in three years, then there's going to be a one-term proposition." Romney is the only candidate who has consistently thrown those words back at the President, and it has the Obama re-election team worried.

"Throughout his business, political and philanthropic careers, Romney has been held accountable, and he has held others accountable for delivering (or not delivering) on their promises. Whether it was earning profits for investors, fixing problems at the Olympics, or ridding Massachusetts government of the likes of Billy Bulger and Matt Amorello, Romney gets results. In 1994, Romney also held Ted Kennedy to the tightest re-election margin of his career."

15 more State Representatives endorse Mitt Romney

“Mitt Romney today announced the support of 15 additional New Hampshire State Representatives. With today’s endorsements, Governor Romney now has the support of 73 New Hampshire State Representatives, 9 State Senators, 4 out of 5 Executive Councilors and 8 out of 10 Sheriffs.”

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