Romney comments on why the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform has failed the American people (thans to MMM):

"As I have traveled the country in connection with my campaign for President, I have been inspired by the commitment of countless Americans to shaping the future of America's political system. Their commitment takes many different forms, from distributing literature, to attending a campaign rally, to contributing money to an individual candidate. I applaud this involvement, even if it is not supportive of my candidacy. An informed and active citizenry is vital to the long-term health of our political system."

"I have not spent a career in politics, but I know enough about the laws of this country, and the way Washington works, to understand that the McCain-Feingold law is riddled with shortcomings.

"Let's start with something basic: the American people should be free to advocate for their candidates and their positions without burdensome limitations."

"The American people should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without having to think about hiring a lawyer. But that is the direction in which we are headed. In 2004, the non-profit group Wisconsin Right to Life wanted to run grassroots radio and television ads urging people in the state to contact their Senators (which the ads mentioned by name) and ask them to oppose the ongoing filibusters of President Bush's judicial nominees. A provision in McCain-Feingold, however, was used to argue that the ads were illegal. Rendering a verdict on what constitutes acceptable political speech is something for voters – not judges – to decide."

"We step into dangerous territory when politicians start eviscerating our fundamental freedoms in the name of amorphous principles, like campaign finance reform. If I am elected President, a top priority will be to push for the repeal of this deeply-flawed measure, and restore the full freedom of political participation and expression to the American people."

According to the Corner, via EFM, Rudy thinks that the GOP needs to get over it's fixation with abortion:

Giuliani made his sharpest case for moving beyond social issues this weekend in Iowa, telling The Des Moines Register, "Our party is going to grow, and we are going to win in 2008 if we are a party characterized by what we're for, not if we're a party that's known for what we're against."

Asked about abortion, he said, "Our party has to get beyond issues like that."

I'm sorry, but I can't "get beyond" the killing of the unborn in order to allow people to escape the consequences of their choices and avoid infringements on their lifestyle. Rudy is wrong, clear and simple, and if the GOP moves beyond such a paramount issue, than it has ceased to be of any real value to this country.

A press release from the Romney campaign:

Governor Mitt Romney today announced that State Senator Chuck Gray will serve as a Chair of his Arizona campaign. As a leader of Governor Romney's Arizona efforts, Senator Gray will help Governor Romney expand his grassroots support across the Grand Canyon State.

"I am very pleased to have the support of Chuck Gray, whose leadership in his community and in the State Legislature set an impressive example," said Governor Romney." His energy and the resourcefulness of our entire Arizona team will be very important as I work to bring my optimistic vision for change to every part of the state."

With today's announcement, Senator Gray said, "We need a proven turnaround specialist and problem-solver in Washington, and Mitt Romney fills that need perfectly. His values and proven record of conservative leadership make him the best candidate for President of the United States."

Governor Romney previously announced Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio as his Honorary Arizona Chairman and many of the state's top business and political leaders to his Arizona Finance Committee.

Background On Senator Chuck Gray: A Former Mesa Police Department Detective, Senator Gray Is Chairman Of The Judiciary Committee In The Arizona State Senate. After 12 years in business, Gray became a police officer with the Mesa Police Department. During a 10-year career with the force, he served in many areas of public safety and took a particular interest in helping kids avoid and leave gangs. He was first elected to the Arizona State Legislature in 2002.

Two interesting polls out of NH. The first, by the University of New Hampshire, breaks down the GOP this way:

March/April February

McCain 29% 28%
Giuliani 29% 27%
Romney 17% 13%
Fred Thompson 3% --
Gingrich 2% 9%
Tommy Thompson 2% 1% %
Huckabee 1% 1%
Paul 1% 1%
Hagel 1% 1%
Tancredo 1% 3%
Brownback * 2%
Someone else 1% 2%
Don't know yet 14% 12%

Ouch for Brownback, and Romney makes the biggest gains. Significantly, the poll also asked likely GOP primary voters about Romney's faith, McCain's age, and Guiliani's marriages.

10% said Romney's faith would make them less likely to vote for him, but 19%, almost double, said that McCain's age would make them less likely to vote for him (only 4% said Rudy's three marriages would negatively impact their vote for him).

A second poll, from Zogby International, shows Romney tied with McCain in NH:


Republicans in NH – Apr. 3/Jan. 18
Romney 25%/13%
McCain 25%/26%
Guiliani 19%/20%
Fred Thompson 6%/--
Paul 2%/1%
Hagel 1%/3%
Huckabee 1%/1%
Hunter 1%/1%
Tancredo 1%/3%
Brownback <1%/<1%
Tommy Thompson <1%/<1%
Not Sure 17%/15%

Romney nearly doubles his totals, as McCain, Guiliani, Hagel, and Tancredo all drop. The only person to gain was Fred Thompson, who wasn't included in the first poll (and like the other poll--ouch for Brownback).

Thanks to My Man Mitt for the scoop.

McCain's numbers are in: $12.5 million. It is unknown how much of that is for the primary campaign, which could easily mean Romney doubled his fundraising even though he started a month before Mitt.

While I'm sure McCain will do better, one has to question his ability to keep up with Clinton, which is a huge yardstick for the GOP's candidate's ability to win the general election.

Rudy brought in $14 million for the primary, close to $17 million total.

Why is "America's Mayor," a household name who wins every GOP poll, trailing behind the little known ex-Governor of the most liberal state in the Union?

The initial numbers are in: $23 million (which includes a $2.35 million loan from Romney himself). The significance of this number is that is was ALL funds for the primary, none for the general campaign, unlike most of the other candidates who are raisinig money for both, and therefore have artificially inflated numbers.

Hillary seems to understand her numbers won't appear as big as they initially do because her campaign won't release how much of her $26 million was for the primary and how much for the general election. At least Edwards was honest enough to say that of his $14 million, $1 million of it was for the general election.

It will take an amazing fundraiser to beat Clinton, and I think Romney, throughout his career, as established himself as someone with that talent, and the willingness to innovate. One more reason he's the GOP's best hope to keep the White House from returning to the Clintons.