Here is a press release from Romney about his Arizona organization:

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Exploratory Committee Arizona Finance Steering Committee. Together, the Finance Steering Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Arizona and across the nation.

"I am gratified to have the support of these outstanding men and women. The team we have put together in Arizona is a collection of some of the state's best, most energetic and most committed leaders. With their help, I know our vision for the future will be heard loudly in Arizona," said Governor Romney.

The Steering Committee, along with many others, held its first meeting on Thursday, January 25, in preparation for Governor Romney's next visit to Arizona.

Governor Romney has made numerous trips to Arizona meeting with top business and political leaders, in addition to numerous members of the Arizona media.

In addition to today's announcement regarding Governor Romney's finance team in Arizona, the campaign will soon be announcing its political team and endorsements in Arizona.

Background On The Committee's Arizona Finance Steering Committee:

Co-Chair Paul And Susan Gilbert: One of Arizona's most recognized attorneys, Paul Gilbert is co-founder of the Beus Gilbert Law Firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gilbert and his wife, Susan, recently attended and participated in Governor Romney's successful $6.5 million "National Call Day" in Boston.

Co-Chair Lee Hanley: Hanley is the Founding Principal and Chairman of Vestar, one of America's leading developer/managers of large scale retail shopping centers. Lee has served on a wide variety of civic and charitable boards in the Phoenix area. Hanley also participated in Governor Romney's "National Call Day."

Co-Chair Kevin DeMenna: DeMenna previously served as Finance Chairman for Arizona's 2002 Republican gubernatorial nominee. Last Friday, he was recognized by the Arizona State Republican Party with its Harry Rosenzweig Award for being the state's top Republican fundraiser. He was recently recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as being among the most influential people at the State Capitol.

Co-Chair Harry Cavanagh: Cavanagh has been a pillar in Arizona's business, legal and philanthropic communities since moving to the state decades ago. He was the founder of the O'Connor Cavanagh Law Firm and is now the namesake of the Phoenix-based Cavanagh Law Firm.

Co-Chair Wil Cardon: Cardon is the President & CEO of The Cardon Group, one of Arizona's most active and well known real estate companies.

State Finance Director Corinne Lovas: Lovas is considered the top political fundraiser in Arizona and the Southwest. She has enjoyed countless successes on behalf of U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, the Republican National Committee and numerous other Republican candidates and causes.

Romney spoke on bilingual education and immigration today in Iowa according to Radio Iowa:


Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential hopeful, is visiting Iowa today. During a stop in Waterloo this morning, Romney called for an end to bilingual education in American schools. "If kids in this country want to be successful in this country, they need to speak the language of this country," Romney said, to applause from the crowd.

Romney touted steps taken during his years as governor of Massachusetts. "We set standards. We have a graduation exam to get out of high school you've got to pass," Romney said. "...I fought for and we got a ballot initiative passed ending bilingual education and instead insisting on English immersion." In addition, Romney said the immigration reform debate in the nation's capitol isn't focused on finding the right kind of new workers for our economy.

"We want people with skill and education that want to commit to our country to be here. Right now, if you've got skill and education there's a concrete wall, almost, to be able to come into this country, but you have no skill and no education -- you just walk across the boarder," Romney said. "That's upside down."

David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network asked Sam Brownback about his flip-flop on the abortion issue. He denied ever being pro-choice. Here is the rest of what Mr. Brody had to say (thanks to EFM for the scoop):

Here’s some more information coming from Brownback’s office. They tell me that in 1994, he was trying to stay clear of labels. Yet they admit that Brownback at the time made a mistake in messaging the way he came across. Still, they say every vote and every letter he’s ever written have all been supporting the pro-life position.

Now, there’s one other interesting tidbit. Apparently, back in 1994, Brownback said that his views on abortion are "more in line with Nancy Kassebaum". Well, Nancy Kassebaum was pro-choice This has been reported by The New Republic. In their story, they say that Brownback said that to the head of Kansans for Life back in 1994. I asked Brownback’s office about this in a follow up phone call. His office says Brownback never recalls saying anything like that.

I am fine with Brownback calling himself pro-life because his actions attest to that. What I do have a problem with is his calling into question Romney's "pro-lifeness" because of something Romney said in the past, when Romney's actions have also proven him to be a bonafide pro-lifer and Brownback has said questionable things in the past as well.

Hypocrisy is not a pretty trait, Sam.

Robert Novak feels conservatives are increasingly flocking to Romney (thanks to Ann Curling for the heads up on the article):

Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) dismal performance on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday shook a little of his inevitability as the Republican nominee. Conservatives are increasingly moving to the standard of former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Mitt Romney, forgetting his liberal past. McCain's sudden attacks on Vice President Dick Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld while pressing for more troops for Iraq have caused unease among Republicans.

Here is an interesting article about Sam Brownback's hypocrisy in attacking Romney from Matt Lewis at Townhall:

Clearly, Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (who recently spoke at the March for Life) is seeking to position himself as the only true social conservative in the presidential race. As such, he stands to gain if voters conclude that Romney’s past pro-Choice stance disqualifies him from their support.

But, it seems to me that voters are willing to forgive past mistakes. In fact, I would argue there is really only one unforgivable sin in politics – and that sin is the sin of hypocrisy …
Now, based on Brownback’s comments about Romney, you would assume that he has always been 100 percent solid on the Life issue, right? Well, it depends on whom you ask.

According to the Lawrence Journal World:
“Kansas Republican Party Chairman Tim Shallenburger said he remembered having a conversation with Brownback in 1994 when Brownback was running in the GOP primary for the U.S. House. After the conversation, Shallenburger said he left with the impression that Brownback “was not pro-life.”

And Shallengburger wasn’t the only Kansas leader who had the same recollection:
“David Gittrich, development director for the state’s largest anti-abortion organization, Kansans for Life, said when Brownback first ran for Congress in 1994 'he was ill-informed.' Gittrich added, 'He didn’t know whether he was pro-life or pro-choice.' … Gittrich said he had heard from others that Brownback simply didn’t understand the issues at the time."

A recent article in The New Republic (granted, this isn't exactly a conservative publication) notes that:
“As recently as 1994, the year of his first campaign for Congress, Brownback was a member in good standing of the moderate Republican establishment.”

The article also implies that Brownback co-opted his conservative opponents’ pro-Life stance, in order to win his the Congressional primary in ’94:
“… as primary day approached, (Brownback’s opponent) noticed a change in his opponent's language. Brownback never used to mention abortion on the campaign trail. Now he was publicly pronouncing himself an abortion opponent.”

Now, if Brownback did convert to the Pro-Life cause in 1994, I think we should celebrate it. Clearly, he has served in Congress as a champion for the Pro-Life cause. And whether his conversion came on the road to Damascus – or the “yellow brick road” to the White House -- is of little matter, so long as his conversion was sincere. But if Brownback is, in fact, a convert to the cause, it is concerning that he would question the sincerity of Romney’s conversion.
In fairness, Brownback disputes all of this. And maybe he’s right.

So I’ll end this simply by quoting Sen. Brownback's own words (this also comes from the CBN piece):
"I do think that when you get out on the campaign trail and the campaign really gets fully engaged, there's going to be a lot of discussion about where people actually stand on the issues.”
Indeed.

CBN's David Brody also had this to say:

Take my word for it. Mitt Romney is the “buzz” candidate. I have talked to a handful of “in the know” staffers who are handling 2008 Presidential candidates and they all say the same thing: watch out for Mitt Romney, he’s a formidable opponent.

They point out how he’s at ease when he talks, gentle on the eyes, has a great staff working for him and is already seems very presidential in the way he acts and talks. And this talk is coming from rival campaigns!

The Christian Broadcasting Network reports that Romney is headed to Israel to attend a conference on Israel's national security. This is what the CBN's David Brody has to say:

Obviously this trip will help Romney's foreign policy credentials and further strengthen his ties with Jewish Republicans. And one more bit of positive news for his campaign -- he'll be there live and in person. But John McCain and Newt Gingrich won't. They'll be addressing the conference through satellite. Always better to shake a few hands in person.

Here's something from "Washington Whispers" of the U.S. News & World Report:

The Romney Buzz Is Back

Just when we thought Republican Sen. John McCain was surging in the political buzz machine, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has come roaring back. Mostly it's because he's been on a fundraising blitz that's brought in millions of dollars and he's also lining up an impressive array of http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Congressional_Liaisons supporters and paid staffers.

What GOP political analysts say he brings to the table is a fresh face and a track record of accomplishment, not just in the Bay State but also as the chief exec at the 2002 Olympics. He's also handsome and articulate. He does, however, face some hurdles. Namely, he's a Mormon, he's been too liberal on abortion and gays, and he faces the McCain machine. But his aides say he's working on all three. He's planning to talk about his religion in a bid to shift attention away from it much as JFK had to in the 1960 race. He's wooing conservatives with success by promising that he's anti-abortion. And his youthful vigor is a big advantage over McCain's white hair, says a GOP analyst.

And aides tell us not to underestimate the value of running a campaign in Boston, way out of the Washington media spotlight.

"The fact that joining this shop requires a move to Boston is actually an advantage," says an insider. "It requires a personal and professional investment that yields a valuable return for Governor Romney. There's a greater sense of teamwork and commitment because of it."

Here is a great list of Romney's strengths and accomplishments, sent to me by Nancy French of Evangelicals for Mitt.

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S CONSERVATIVE RECORD

1. Governor Romney Has Fought For Lower Taxes: Governor Romney Kept Taxes Down And Helped Abolish A Retroactive Tax Increase. In the bluest of blue states, Governor Romney kept taxes down. Under his leadership, the state abolished a retroactive capital gains tax that would have forced nearly 50,000 taxpayers to pay additional taxes and fees.

Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation Executive Director Barbara Anderson: "There was no one else out on the horizon and with the legislature almost entirely Democratic, we felt it was necessary to have a grown-up in the corner office. … And we were right to back him. He's been a really good friend to the taxpayers." (Shawn Macomber, "Mighty Mitt Romney," The American Spectator, 3/06)

Governor Romney Was The First Potential 2008 Presidential Candidate To Sign The "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" Promising To Oppose Any Effort To Increase Taxes. "Demonstrating his commitment to oppose any effort to increase taxes on the American people, Governor Romney has signed Americans For Tax Reform's 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge.' As part of his pledge, Governor Romney will 'oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates' and 'oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits.' Governor Romney believes that by keeping taxes low and simplifying the tax code, we can grow the economy and enhance American competitiveness. These fundamental economic beliefs and principles led Governor Romney to become the first potential 2008 presidential candidate to sign Americans For Tax Reform's 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge.'" (Romney For President Exploratory Committee, "Governor Mitt Romney Signs 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge'," Press Release, 1/4/07)

Columnist Robert Novak: "Romney … Has Surrounded Himself With Architects Of Bush's Tax Plan." "During his family vacation in Park City, Utah, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney met with former Bush administration officials who comprise his economic policy team to discuss a tax reform for Romney's presidential campaign. The meeting included Glenn Hubbard, former chairman of President Bush's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) who is co-chairman of Romney's economic policy council. Also on hand were former Bush economic policy officials Brian Reardon and Cesar Conda. Gregory Mankiw, another former CEA chairman, is Romney's economic co-chairman but could not attend the Utah meeting because of a knee injury. Romney … has surrounded himself with architects of Bush's tax plan." (Robert D. Novak, Op-Ed, "Rudy's Missing Dossier," www.townhall.com , 1/6/07)

2. Governor Romney Believes In Fiscal Responsibility: Governor Romney Has A Strong Record Of Fiscal Discipline. Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Governor Romney closed a $3 billion budget deficit his first year in office with a heavily Democrat legislature. Each year, Governor Romney filed a balanced budget without raising taxes. By eliminating waste, streamlining government, and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to help spur growth, Governor Romney helped the state achieve a surplus totaling nearly $1 billion in 2005.

Governor Romney Believes There Must Be A Return To Fiscal Discipline In Our Nation's Capital. The Federal government must stop its borrowing and spending binge. The debt is a burden on our economy, currency, foreign policy, and future. This is beyond pork barrel spending. Governor Romney believes we must address entitlement programs – not just to save money – but to give Americans confidence in their future.

Governor Romney Supported Senator Jim DeMint's (R-SC) Recent Efforts To Stop Wasteful Spending In Washington By Forcing The Disclosure Of All Earmarks. "Today, Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement strongly supporting U.S. Senator Jim DeMint's (R-SC) efforts to stop wasteful spending of the taxpayers' money in Washington. Senator DeMint's amendment will help reform the spending process in a way that brings more transparency and accountability. 'Senator DeMint has shown both courage and conviction for standing by his reform principles and resisting those on Capitol Hill who want to preserve the status quo on wasteful spending. Senator Harry Reid and Capitol Hill Democrats need to recognize that Washington can't continue to pile earmarks onto spending bill after spending bill.'" (Romney For President Exploratory Committee, "Governor Mitt Romney Offers Emphatic Support For DeMint Amendment On Spending Reform," Press Release, 1/12/07)

3. Governor Romney Is Supported By Leading Conservatives: As He Explores Running For Higher Office, Governor Romney Is Being Supported By Leading Conservatives Across The Nation, Including:
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO)
Former Governor Bill Owens (R-CO)
Former Senator Jim Talent (R-MO)
Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Former Representative Vin Weber (R-MN)
Alabama Treasurer Kay Ivey

(R)Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC): "We must elect a President in 2008 who is up to the task, and I need you to encourage Mitt to run. … As a leader who has spent most of his life in the private sector, Governor Romney will call on America's strength and character to solve problems and secure our future." (Senator Jim DeMint, Letter To Fellow Republicans, 1/8/07)

Former Governor Bill Owens (R-CO): "Well, I think he's one of the brightest people I've ever seen in public office. He's a businessman, he's a manager. He understands markets, he understands the private sector. He is a conservative, he wants to cut taxes. You know, he's a Republican who was elected in Massachusetts, which has about 12% of its voters who are Republican. He was able to win that election, and we saw what he did at the Olympics." ("The Hugh Hewitt Show," http://hughhewitt.townhall.com , 1/4/07)

4. Governor Romney Is Committed To Fighting And Defeating The Jihadists: Governor Romney Believes The United States Must Do What It Takes To Defeat These Militant Jihadists. The defeat of this radical and violent faction of Islam must be achieved through a combination of American resolve, international effort, and the rejection of violence by moderate, modern, mainstream Muslims. An effective strategy will involve both military and diplomatic actions to support modern Muslim nations. America must help lead a broad-based international coalition that promotes secular education, modern financial and economic policies, international trade, and human rights.

Governor Romney Supports A Comprehensive Change In Iraq Strategy And Increasing Troops On The Ground So Success Can Be Achieved. "I agree with the President: Our strategy in Iraq must change. Our military mission, for the first time, must include securing the civilian population from violence and terror. … In consultation with Generals, military experts and troops who have served on the ground in Iraq, I believe securing Iraqi civilians requires additional troops. … This effort should be combined with clear objectives and milestones for U.S. and Iraqi leaders. The road ahead will be difficult but success is still possible in Iraq. I believe it is in America's national security interest to achieve it." (Romney For President Exploratory Committee, "Governor Mitt Romney On Iraq," Press Release, 1/10/07)

In September 2006, Governor Romney Spoke Out Against Former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami Visiting Harvard University So Close To The 9/11 Anniversary And Refused To Provide A State Police Escort. FOX NEWS' BILL O'REILLY: "'Personal story' segment tonight, former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami is set to visit Harvard this coming Sunday. He's on a tour in the USA. But Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney says the state will not provide any protection, saying Khatami supports violent jihad." … GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, what I say is that on that September 10th and September 11th, on the fifth anniversary of a extraordinary tragedy in America, you don't welcome a person to Harvard with open arms who has preached the destruction of Israel, who has developed nuclear technology, contrary to what he had said, who has jailed dissident students in his country, who has praised Hezbollah. This is a person who's words are worth nothing. And it creates a true farce for Harvard…" (Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor," 9/6/06)

5. Governor Romney Has A Record Of Siding With Life: Governor Romney Is Opposed To Abortion, Except In The Cases Of Rape, Incest, And The Life Of The Mother. Like President Ronald Reagan, Henry Hyde and others before him, he has acknowledged that in the past he had this issue wrong.

As Governor Of Massachusetts, When Governor Romney Has Been Presented With Legislation On Life Issues, He Has Sided With Life:
·Governor Romney vetoed legislation that would have provided for the "Morning After Pill" without a prescription.
·Governor Romney fought to promote abstinence education in the classroom.
·Governor Romney vetoed legislation that would have redefined in Massachusetts the longstanding definition of the beginning of human life from fertilization to implantation.
·Governor Romney has supported parental notification laws and opposed efforts to weaken parental involvement.
·Governor Romney supports adult stem cell research but has opposed efforts to advance embryo-destructive research in Massachusetts and he has not supported public funding for embryo-destructive research.

Governor Romney: "When I was running for office 12 years ago, there were a number of things that I said and felt at that time that, with the benefit of experience, I have a different view today. One of those is abortion. As governor, I've had several pieces of legislation reach my desk, which would have expanded abortion rights in Massachusetts. Each of those I vetoed. Every action I've taken as the governor that relates to the sanctity of human life, I have stood on the side of life. So talk is cheap, but action is real. And people can now look at my record." (Robert B. Bluey, "Q&A: Mitt Romney Discusses Iraq War, Reagan's Influence And Gay Marriage," Human Events, www.humanevents.com , 12/28/06)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Pro-lifers’ faith in the power of persuasion has been rewarded, and their political clout increased, by important converts, including Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. … Romney has been stating his abortion position with the conviction of a convert, in terms that can appeal to a broad audience. Many social conservatives are persuaded that his conversion is genuine." (Kate O'Beirne, "Join The Club," National Review, 1/29/07)

Former New Hampshire Republican House Speaker Donna Sytek: "He's conservative enough for my taste. I'm very strong on life issues. He made some courageous vetoes." (Sarah Liebowitz, "Romney Partygoers Like What They Hear," Concord [NH] Monitor, 12/22/06)

6. Governor Romney Is A Firm Supporter Of Traditional Marriage: Governor Romney Has Championed Traditional Marriage. Governor Romney agrees with all recorded history that marriage should be a relationship between a man and a woman, and fought for a constitutional amendment to preserve this longstanding traditional definition of marriage. He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment, testified before the Senate on the Federal Marriage Amendment, sent a letter to all 100 U.S. Senators asking them to vote for the Amendment and he opposes civil unions.

7. Governor Romney Strongly Supports Second Amendment Rights:
Governor Romney Is A Firm Supporter Of Second Amendment Rights. Despite a heavily Democratic anti-gun legislature, Governor Romney has been able to work across the aisle to simplify and clarify gun laws in Massachusetts.

Governor Romney Helped Simplify And Clarify Massachusetts' Gun Laws For Gun Owners:
·Governor Romney supported and signed into law legislation that clarified the term "loaded gun" so that hunters wouldn't have to unload their guns every time they crossed a public road in pursuit of game.
·In July 2006, Governor Romney signed H. 4552, which makes exemptions for the makers of customized target pistols, who, due to a provision within state law, found it increasingly difficult to do business in Massachusetts.
·On the 31st anniversary of the Gun Owner's Action League, Governor Romney declared May 7, 2005 as The Right to Bear Arms Day in Massachusetts.

8. Governor Romney Believes The United States Must Act To Secure Its Borders: Governor Romney Believes America Must Secure Its Borders And, At The Same Time, Ensure That Hard-Working, Law-Abiding Immigrants Can Become Americans. Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. Governor Romney believes in reforming the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.

9. Governor Romney Increased Access To Healthcare Without A Massive Government-Controlled "Hillary-Care" System: Governor Romney Acted To Make Healthcare More Affordable Without Raising Taxes Or A Government-Controlled System. Bringing the best minds together, including experts at the conservative Heritage Foundation, to address healthcare costs, Governor Romney signed into law a plan affording every citizen health insurance without raising taxes or creating a massive government-controlled system.

The Heritage Foundation: "Massachusetts, a state with a conservative Republican governor and liberal Democratic legislature, has recently enacted comprehensive health care reform. … Several features of the Massachusetts health plan could revolutionize the traditional health care sys­tem by empowering individuals to buy and own their health insurance policies and keep these poli­cies with them regardless of job or job status. … Massachusetts officials have made significant strides in reforming their health insurance market, and other states can learn from the Massachusetts experience." (Nina Owcharenko and Robert E. Moffit, "The Massachusetts Health Plan: Lessons For The States," The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org , 7/18/06)

Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation: "Romney's plan also got a thumbs up from an unlikely source yesterday – Barbara Anderson, head of Citizens for Limited Taxation, a group that often looks with deep suspicion on government mandates and programs. … The tax activist said that Romney is proposing universal insurance, not universal health care – which Anderson said society effectively already has, as almost no one is denied care even if they can't pay for it. 'Let's just face that reality and deal with it,' Anderson said, adding that covering more people will reduce costs to taxpayers." (Jay Fitzgerald, "Romney Wins Health-Y Reviews," Boston Herald, 6/23/05)

10. Governor Romney Is Widely Praised For His Strong Record On Social Conservative Issues: A Coalition Of Massachusetts Social Conservative Leaders Are Supporting Governor Romney Because "He Shares Our Values, As Well As Our Determination To Protect Them."

"Since well before 2003, we have been laboring in the trenches of Massachusetts, fighting for the family values you and we share. It is difficult work indeed – not for the faint of heart. In this challenging environment, Governor Romney has proven that he shares our values, as well as our determination to protect them. For four years, Governor Romney has been right there beside us, providing leadership on key issues – whether it was politically expedient to do so or not. He has stood on principle, and we have benefited greatly from having him with us. It is clear that Governor Romney has learned much since 1994 – to the benefit of our movement and our Commonwealth. In fact, the entire nation has benefited from his socially conservative, pro-family actions in office." ("An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney," Open Letter , 1/11/07)

Conservative Commentator Dean Barnett: "First, let me outline a few Romney characteristics. He is, personally, a deeply conservative man. He is a traditionalist to his core. Second, as I said above, he is a profoundly decent man." (Dean Barnett, "Hugh Hewitt" Blog, "Romney A Social Conservative? Yes!" http://hughhewitt.townhall.com , 12/21/06)

·Barnett: "Romney is someone who at his core and in his politics shares the aims of socially conservative Republicans. … He'll pursue the socially conservative agenda whenever there's a chance to do so." (Dean Barnett, "Hugh Hewitt" Blog, "Romney A Social Conservative? Yes!" http://hughhewitt.townhall.com , 12/21/06)

Thanks to Iowans for Romney, here is an article showing Romney's initial organizational support in the Sunshine State (the other one-Florida).

The title? "Bush allies back Romney, Oct. straw poll."

Influential evangelical conservative Dr. James Dobson had this to say recently about John McCain:

"Speaking as a private individual, I would not vote for John McCain under any circumstances," said James Dobson, founder of the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family as well as the Focus Action cultural action organization set up specifically to provide a platform for informing and rallying constituents....

"Dr. Dobson, would you be comfortable with someone like John McCain as the … conservative or Republican candidate for president?" Johnson asked.

"Well, let me say that I am not in the office. I'm in the little condo so I can speak for myself and not for Focus on the Family," Dobson said in rejecting McCain's leadership.
He noted that legislation he'd just been discussing on the program, regarding an attempt by Democrat leaders in Congress to create obstacles for ministries such as Focus to reach constituents with action messages about pending legislation, is being supported by McCain, too.

"That came from McCain, and the McCain Feingold Bill kept us from telling the truth right before elections … and there are a lot of other things. He's not in favor of traditional marriage, and I pray that we won't get stuck with him," Dobson said.

McCain isn't too popular in Arizona, as a new strall poll from the Maricopa County Republican meeting straw poll on Jan. 13 reveals (reported on Sonoran Alliance--thanks to EFM for the scoop).

Of 458 ballots cast, here are the results...

First Choice for Presidential Candidate:
1. Hunter 96
2. Romney 82
3. Gingrich 53
4. McCain 50
5. Rice 27
6. Tancredo 24
7. Giuliani 22
8. Brownback 14
9. Huckabee 10
10. Hagel 2
11. Barbour 1
12. Pataki 0

Romney is second only to someone who doesn't have a legitimate chance at winning.

Unacceptable Presidential Candidates:
1. McCain 282
2. Hagel 272
3. Pataki 260
4. Giuliani 213
5. Barbour 113
6. Brownback 108
6. Huckabee 108
7. Rice 91
8. Tancredo 85
9. Gingrich 81
10. Hunter 71
11. Romney 65

Ouch! More than half of the Republicans don't find their own Senator acceptable, with Romney coming in last in a poll that one would want to be the caboose.

Acceptable Presidential Candidates:
1. Rice 269
2. Gingrich 265
3. Romney 239
4. Tancredo 219
5. Barbour 182
6. Brownback 178
7. Huckabee 167
7. Hunter 167
8. Giuliani 157
9. McCain 89
10. Pataki 70
11. Hagel 28

Again, Rice isn't going to run, and Gingrich won't make a decision until September, entering only if someone hasn't locked it up. By the time the primary roles around it will likely be only McCain and Romney with the money and organization to be taken seriously by the majority of voters.

With 62% of the voters already deeming McCain unacceptable (and only 14% feeling that way about Romney), and merely 19% viewing the Senator as a viable choice (with 52% seeing Romney as acceptable), McCain would have to change a lot of minds to win. That's tough to do after you've lived with him for a quarter of a century.

While McCain is stronger in other counties than conservative Maricopa, this still isn't good news for him. The Arizona primary is early in the 2008 race, and a loss in his home state could be the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Arizona Senator.

For any Arizona conservatives who are disenchanted with McCain, but think that Romney's decade long evolution of becoming a true conservative is merely a case of flip-flopping for political gain, you might be interested to note that Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, who is trying to position himself as the best conservative choice for the GOP, changed his position on Iraq in less than one month!

Not even Hillary or Kerry changed their minds that quickly.

The following is an excerpt from a December 16th article in the Kansas City Star:

The military should get additional, temporary troops in Baghdad if it asks for them, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback said Friday.

Then here is his official statement yesterday from his website:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on President Bush’s proposal to increase the number of troops deployed to Iraq.

“I do not believe that sending more troops to Iraq is the answer,” said Brownback.

http://brownback.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=267419

Sen. Brownback, who himself, like Reagan and Romney, has changed his stance on abortion to now be fully pro-life privately and publically (Romney was always privately pro-life), seems to have as much flip-flopping ability as the best of them.

I grant anyone the right to change their mind, as long as they accord others the same right, which Brownback has seemingly hypocritically been unwilling to do with the other GOP candidates, namely Romney. You can't have it both ways Sam.

Evangelicals for Mitt released two very important documents today to refute the false charges made against Mitt Romney by the group MassResistence. For more, go to:

http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/efm_releases_two_important_doc.php

The first is an open letter from some of Massachussetts most prominent conservative leaders, rebuting the notion (claimed by Sen. Sam Brownback) that conservative leaders of Romney's state don't support him and applaud his efforts to protect life and the family in possibly the most liberal state in the union.

The second is Evangelicals for Mitt's direct response to the erroneous charges recently made.

David Frum, mentioned in the previous post, also wrote a piece about John McCain last September. He entitled it: "President John McCain? Not likely."

You can read the whole article at http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.24882,filter.all/pub_detail.asp.

Here are some quotes from it:

This was a week of clever manuevers. First, George Bush announced that he would at last bring the captured 9/11 plotters to trial by military commission--if Congress would give him the authority to do so. That puts Democrats in Congress in a very awkward spot. The voters will want justice executed; the Democrats' key constituencies and big donors are calling the commissions "kangaroo courts."

Then, Senator John McCain (the presumptive front-runner for the Republican nomination) revealed his trick: He immediately produced his own version of the President's bill--but one calculated to appeal more to Democrats and the media.

McCain has been performing variations on this same trick for a decade now: vibrating back and forth between Democrats and Republicans, always to intense media acclaim. Can a man really become president in this way?

Most people assume that the answer is yes. According to this usual view, manoeuvres like this week's only enhance McCain's popularity: They move him far enough away from Bush to woo moderates and Democrats--but not so far as to alienate the Republican base.

Well, maybe. But there's a catch: Call it the Lieberman catch....

Then there's a second--and more important--catch: Call it the Eisenhower catch. The American presidency is the supreme executive job on planet Earth. And American voters not unreasonably tend to demand executive experience from job applicants....

John McCain, for all his winsome appeal over the TV camera, has never managed anything bigger than a senator's office....

McCain may prove a brilliant manager. The American public may decide that we are never too old to try new things. They may decide to trust the country to a candidate who, if elected, will be simultaneously the oldest president in American history and the least experienced since John F. Kennedy. They may decide these things. But if history offers any guidance, they probably won't.

Well, I apologize for the sparseness of posts. Pursuing two graduate degrees, working 45 hours a week, and finding time for my wife and two small children leaves little left over. Check out www.americansformitt.com for a blog roll of Mitt sites throughout the U.S., as well as Mitt's official site listed in the previous post for news updates.

Here is an interesting piece by David Frum of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. To read it go to http://www.aei.org/publications/pubID.25405/pub_detail.asp.

He opens with:

The Republican presidential field for 2008 is led by one of the nation's greatest military heroes, a seasoned senator, one of the most famous and best-liked men in America. Running hard alongside him is the most successful mayor in American history, the man who saved New York City from crime and defended it from terrorism. And the third front-tier candidate is . . . a one term governor of Massachusetts.

How did this happen? How can it be that Governor Mitt Romney has come to be seen as one of the top three contenders for a presidential nomination? Romney has benefited from the secret issue in the 2008 presidential race: competence.

Since Hurricane Katrina, Americans have lost faith in George W. Bush's ability to manage the government. In every poll conducted after the summer of 2005, about 60% of Americans describe Bush as "ineffective." Suddenly, everybody wants a president who can make government work.

Amazingly, though, hardly any of the leading 2008 candidates have ever run anything bigger than a senator's office. John McCain? The former pilot, congressman and senator has zero administrative experience. Hillary Clinton? She had a good view of how the White House is run--but no responsibility for running it. Barack Obama? A former community activist, state legislator and two-year veteran of the U.S. Senate--zilch. Al Gore? He's in the same situation as Hillary Clinton. Tom Vilsack, the Democratic governor of Iowa, and Mike Huckabee, Republican governor of Arkansas, are both super long shots.

In fact, only two candidates in the race have ever successfully managed a large organization: Rudy Giuliani and . . . Mitt Romney.

Giuliani's record everybody knows. It could well be argued that he is the greatest public-sector executive in the United States. But his personal history is messy, and he holds views on issues like abortion, immigration, same-sex marriage and gun control that may give Republican primary voters serious pause. His own recently leaked secret campaign documents express serious doubt whether he will in the end decide to run at all.

Romney's record is not so well known as Giuliani's. But in its own sphere, it is as impressive.

Well, Mitt's run has officially started. For news or to volunteer or donate money, go to www.mittromney.com.

Michael Reagan, the former president's son, likes Romney's chances against Hillary. Here are some excerpts:

In contrast, consider the records of two Republicans, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. Both governed with Democratic majorities in both state legislatures.

Back on April 12, 2006, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney signed into law an act to provide health insurance to virtually all citizens of Massachusetts and did it without raising taxes.

Working with Democrats in the state legislature and others, he developed a plan that starting next July will make mandatory health insurance for all state residents, providing a plan is available to the individual that is deemed affordable according to state standards.

Romneycare won in 2006, Hillarycare lost in 1993.

Romney has done much more and been credited with creating an environment that has attracted new jobs to his state, especially in the field of technology. Massachustts added jobs, New York lost them.