Maine’s got a fee-vah and the only prescription is more Mitt Romney; Update: Mitt banking on McCain-hate for Super Tuesday
posted at 9:21 pm on February 2, 2008 by Allahpundit
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McCain had conceded the state but still finished ahead of the rEVOLution, who did campaign there and was hoping to surprise. So it’s two, two, two bits of good news in one.
Romney’s wide victory margin nonetheless surprised some local observers, who had been impressed with the big crowds drawn to campaign events by Paul, the only candidate who personally campaigned in Maine. Paul has developed a core group of fervent supporters around his agenda, which includes a sharp reduction in the size and reach of government and — alone among the Republican presidential contenders — strong opposition to the U.S. military involvement in the Iraq war.
The results are non-binding since it’s only a caucus but it makes for some nice weekend buzz for Mitt, especially since Snowe and Collins both endorsed their fellow “maverick.” Mitt’s coming on strong in Missouri too, although even Huckabee’s in the thick of that one. Exit question: Mittmentum?
Update: Romney 2008: At least he’s not John McCain.
Could work.
Despite John McCain’s building political momentum, Mitt Romney said Saturday he does not expect the Republican presidential nomination to be settled during the coming week and he is planning to continue campaigning beyond Super Tuesday.
The former Massachusetts governor said the number of states up for grabs, his prospects of succeeding in some of the 20-plus GOP contests that day, as well as a growing concern within the Republican Party about conferring the nomination on McCain give him reason to fight on…
Romney also said his campaign has seen an uptick in donations — $345,000 in one day last week versus a typical daily take of $50,000 — as the race has crystallized into a two-man contest between him and McCain.
“I think one of the dynamics that changed is that conservative Republican and mainstream Republicans, all over the country, in the last 48 hours or so, have concentrated on the prospect of Senator McCain being our nominee and are saying, `That’s not the direction we want to go,’” Romney said.
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Yea, well, I guess if he didn’t campaign in it, yea.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Thanks for putting this on “The Blog” part of the page.
Mitt-mentum!
Mitt just gave McCain a stone cold stunner.
CABE on February 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Dr. Mitt should be the main antitode prescribed for Maverickitis.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Yeah, I don’t think it’s any kind of big deal but Tuesday is shaping up to be black enough that our commenters might as well have a little joy now.
Allahpundit on February 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I read on one poll..don’t remember where…that McCain’s strongest area is in Saint Louis. The poll suggestedt that turnout in Saint Louis would be the decider. I’ll say the turn out in Saint Louis will be high, but for the other 2 democrats running, not McCain.
Also, I had a brush with Olympia Snowe in the Capitol Building. She bumped into me after she abrutly turned around. She’s rather small and petite.
SouthernGent on February 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Black Tuesday?
We’re all doomed, game over man!
(btw. Allah, try SOME optimism plox >_>)
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Romney didn’t campaign in the state, either.
Given Maine’s political makeup, though, this should have been an easy win for McCain. This state has had two independent governors in the last 30 years. We routinely re-elect Snowe and Collins to the Senate (sorry about that, BTW), who are quite a bit like McCain in political temperament, popular in this state and who both endorsed him. Maine was the only state Ross Perot won in 1992. I’m surprised McCain conceded it, to be honest. I expected him to win.
And yet we still get no love from the media or the candidates.
I blame the weather.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Not that I think these results mean anything in the long run.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
So is Barbara Boxer, to the point where they refer to the box she stands on as the “Boxer Box.”
It just means there’s more liberal tool stuffed into a smaller package.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
You know who Romney winning Maine really helps?
Mitt Romney.
Good Lt on February 2, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Ah..it was a SurveyUSA poll that said McCain’s strongest area is St. Louis.
SouthernGent on February 2, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Mormontum!
zane on February 2, 2008 at 9:34 PM
If I might enjoy a moment of bliss as a former Maniac – Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.
Buy Danish on February 2, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Sorry if I’m brining already-reported news here, but Drudge has a link to the country’s largest Spanish-language newspaper’s endorsement of McCain.
Tzetzes on February 2, 2008 at 9:35 PM
Well done Mitt. Thank you Maine.
Zorro on February 2, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Agreed. And I apologize if I came over snippy.
And it is important to note that there are some bright areas for Mitt for Tuesday. I can see him picking up a lot of delegates in CA for example. Also, this election has, well, not exactly been predictable. Anything might happen on Tuesday. This isn’t a time for anyone to give up.
(except maybe the Paulites)
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Canadians.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 9:37 PM
Some of my conservative buddies from Maine told me they were voting for Paul. It surprised me but then again, Maine is a hippie state
zerodamage on February 2, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Of course. There’s two viable candidates left, and amnesty is tied to one of them.
amerpundit on February 2, 2008 at 9:39 PM
I was very surprised by Paul’s weak showing. The only lawn signs I’ve seen this week have been his, and he’s the only one who’s campaigned here and run television advertisements.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Dude, thanks for clearing that up – I thought it was totally about something else!
Gack! Gack!
mksmithwriter on February 2, 2008 at 9:42 PM
…more cowbell!
CABE on February 2, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Slublog, you don’t need to apologize for Snowe and Collins.
You may apologize for Stephen King, however.
Man, talk about someone who drove off a cliff….
Vinnie on February 2, 2008 at 9:46 PM
I echo that sentiment.
….
I think what we saw in Maine was a movement of conservatives against the forces of McShamnesty liberalism that will carry over to Super Tuesday. Conservatives who care about America know who to vote for.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:47 PM
It has to be remembered that all of the Super Tuesday states aren’t winner takes all. Romney can finish first in a couple, second in several more and even third, while still picking up a significant number of delegates.
amerpundit on February 2, 2008 at 9:47 PM
I’m surprised Hucakbee doesn’t whine about how unfair it is that Mitt has 5 sons who go around campaigning for him.
*****
Forgot to mention earlier- I got a robo call from Mitt today in Georgia. It mentioned that Laura Ingraham, Michael Reagan and Hannity endorsed him.
Buy Danish on February 2, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Step in the right direction.
davidk on February 2, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Hey, now…his early books are great.
His recent ones…um…maybe not so good.
I like these results not just for Romney’s sake, but because they represent a bit of a repudiation of Snowe and Collins by GOP voters.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Exit question: Mittmentum? Maybe, but a recent Marist poll out of New York, post-Rudy dropout, has McCain 61% and Romney at 24%. Unlike Maine New York gives 98 delegates winner take all. The delegates from Maine won’t be alloted until later. And McCain also recently won Louisiana, another largely ignored state caucus, he will likely receive all 47 of their delegates.
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 9:50 PM
That’s important.
Good job forcing your state to your will, Slu.
Spirit of 1776 on February 2, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Hey, now…his early books are great.
I heartily agree, I used to be a huge fan.
But I wasn’t talking books, I was talking about his unfettered descent into raving moonbattery.
:-)
Vinnie on February 2, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Run Mitt, run!
imshocked on February 2, 2008 at 9:52 PM
He didn’t run ads?
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Oh, Romney’s going to lose New York, big time. Still, the huge uptick in donations? Not bad at all. If this win does anything, I hope it puts those donations up even further.
Heh. Yeah. I drive by his house a few times a week (his street is a handy shortcut between two major arteries) and this Christmas, he had wreaths made up to look like peace signs, and a peace sign made up of Christmas lights.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:55 PM
None that I saw. No one ran ads in this state other than Paul.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 9:56 PM
one of Romney’s sons, spent yesterday and today attending caucuses in Maine.
Mr. Romney’s campaign spent money to turn out voters, whereas Mr. McCain’s did not.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Well, thankfully Maine gets it right!
Go Mitt!
SimplyKimberly on February 2, 2008 at 9:58 PM
Yes, take our joy when and where we can find it as soon now our world may be bleak indeed.
MB4 on February 2, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Anyway, good for him for picking up some delegates. That’s the name of the game.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 9:59 PM
His own son’s out in the kennel, tort… oh never mind.
Tzetzes on February 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM
He expended somewhat minimal resources. The only thing I got was a robo-call and a call from a volunteer this morning.
I didn’t go see Tagg, though.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Saw a couple of Mitt commercials here in CA last night. He’s using Hildebeast as the scarecrow. Doh! Mitt, you should be campaigning against Insane’s record. Makes me wonder if it’s true that the whole thing is rigged. Cue Bush II on 60 Minutes last year: Duh-huh-huh Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton.
Boom-Boom Boxer — what a blue county joke. Maine redeems itself with Romney. How did that happen considering their Senate morons?
Feedie on February 2, 2008 at 10:01 PM
His son did a visit and he spent a bit of cash there. No where near what viable campaigns usually exercise.
amerpundit on February 2, 2008 at 10:04 PM
If you had to guess what kind of music Mitt Romney preferred, would these be on your list?
From his YouTube profile:
Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Eagles, The Kingston Trio, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks
I was never a big Beatles fan, but the Eagles, Alan Jackson, and Toby Keith would be on my list. The Kingston Trio was very big with Romney and I were teenagers, so I think that one is a generational thing as much as anything.
Somehow I didn’t picture Mitt a C&W guy. Everyone says he needs to loosen up. Maybe he should go into Texas or one of the southern states and pull a Lyndon Johnson and have a giant BBQ and downhome country jamboree at some big venue.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I thought I had read on blogs and heard on talk radio as early as Friday,, that he was not expected to win any northeasten states! Hannity had two pollsters on Friday and they both said McCain had the northeast locked up???
JellyToast on February 2, 2008 at 10:10 PM
with Romney = when Romney and I were teenagers…
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I have no idea.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I had two calls from Mitt, both robocalls. One was just to give some background info, the other was a poll about if I was going to caucus, who my first pick was, second pick was, etc. I actually took the time to handle them. They also announced they were paid for by Mitt. I had no problems with them at all.
My mother, however, received a Ron Paul call a week or two ago that didn’t even announce who he was, just asked if a candidate was a doctor if it amounted to anything. She didn’t like the presentation of that call one bit.
I wasn’t able to participate in caucus due to the weather affecting my day job negatively. I’m glad people did turn out to represent this wonderful state of Maine.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM
“[A]ll of Maine’s delegates are supposed to be unpledged, no matter what happens.” What a weird system some of these states have, can’t they just give the delegates to the winner.
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Agree totally. Maybe he’s lying in the weeds to spring a new ad tomorrow.
Buy Danish on February 2, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Exit question:
Did Mitt take Derry? I mean with how some view him… he should have easily taken the epicenter of many of SKing’s novels.
Just sayin’ (Gratuitous Huckabee Shadow Campaign Reference)
Good going Mitt!
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 10:11 PM
it’s the beauty of federalism. Gotta love it.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Ann Coulter’s endorsement of Hillary worked! Expect more of the same. Lovely
myamphibian on February 2, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I don’t blame him, but that is a pretty sad testimony to the state of his campaign if you can’t bank on your candidate winning the votes for you.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I’ve seen only one Romney commercial here in So. Calif. but it wasn’t one that had the “approve this message” so I figured it was a 3rd party ad. It compared McCain to Hillary.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Power to the People!!
Defeat the liberal Media and thier Man, Juan Miquel Dale HuckaCain.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 10:24 PM
It was not a Romney ad.
That is a Conservative group that works to get Conservatives elected all over the country.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 10:25 PM
It is legacy from when the political bosses ran things.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Hey, as long as they’re here illegally right? That’s what your Hero wants, isn’t it? Or does that only apply to the southern border?
Troy Rasmussen on February 2, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Calm down folks. This was a NON-BINDING CAUCUS. Daddy Warbucks doesn’t get any delegates. He’ll get them later in the spring maybe, if his concession speech doesn’t come first. By the way, the headline during Florida was HEAVY TURNOUT. Mitt spent all day at some funeral, tomorrow is all about cold beer and football. Monday water cooler is dominated by commercial talk, the next thing you know Mav’s the nominee.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Revise: I’ve seen one campaign ad.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I’d rather “Daddy Warbucks” than Captain McQueeg. Btw. I love how Romney’s mere existence brings out the ugliest class warfare in everyone.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 10:28 PM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Watch your mouth/typing Chosen One. Some funeral is a vicious slap and a low blow for even you. Be decent and civil at a minimum.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Technically, so was Iowa.
Saw a lot of press about that one, though, didn’t we?
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM
“the next thing you know Mav’s the nominee.”
wrong.
mav won’t have won enough to clinch.
reliapundit on February 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM
What I was wondering is why do his fellow governors not like him and why do the other people running personally not like him? There is something there we don’t know about.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:30 PM
i like the fact that mccain getting endorsements of maine’s 2 reLIBlican senators didn’t mean anything.
reliapundit on February 2, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Maybe since the Super Bowl is in Arizona, they’ll have Mav there. The game is on Fox and we all know Fox wants McCain. Right? Maybe he’ll do the coin toss, with the F-16’s flying over. Commander in chief
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:31 PM
The funeral that he attended was for the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley. He is an important man to me and to many in my faith.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Mitt Romney neither owes them anything, nor requires their money or influence. He’s also got pretty much the idyllic family life and personal history.
Quite frankly, if it isn’t envy that gets their blood to boil it’s the fact they can’t corrupt him.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Actually, Super Tuesday could finish it.
It is like what happens with exit polling. The campaigns will look at how many delegates each candidate gets, then compute how many delegates they are likely to get in future contests. Then they will make a decision to continue or not. No candidate needs to get the majority on Super Tuesday to win, just get enough delegates to make sure their opponent doesn’t have enough of a chance of getting the majority of delegates in future contests.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:30 PM
he once upon a time had a real job.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
That doesn’t explain why his fellow Republican governors don’t like him.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
The funeral that he attended was for the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley. He is an important man to me and to many in my faith.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:31 PM
me bad.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
It’s not as sad as McCain banking on Clinton-hate to motivate Republicans to vote for him in November.
FloatingRock on February 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
So have other republican governors. That doesn’t explain it, I don’t think.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Which was attended by dignitaries from around the world, broadcast worldwide and 69 languages, and opened with a touching message of condolence from President and Mrs. Bush.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 10:35 PM
My wife was in SLC today and said the whole city was closed down.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I thought John Smith was the prophet or was that Brigham Young?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I just got a email from team McLiar asking for donations i sent back a message
“I’ll give you a donation when you get back to me about the 50$ a hour lettuce picking job until them pucker up and kiss my conservative a$$”
think he will get the message ?
Mojack420 on February 2, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Haven’t a clue, and really don’t care.
Quite frankly I’m happy if he’s pissing off RINO’s like Shwarzennegar and Snowe. Democrats are always angry at Repubs anyway.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 10:38 PM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Understood. I’m cautious because the back and forth can be careless. The Willard Daddy Warbucks is typical. President Hinckley’s funeral is fresh in most Mormon’s minds. Thank you for being human.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:41 PM
And Romney, or any sane republican candidate, wouldn’t do the same thing. Romney’s current Super Tuesday ad in California attacks Hillary not McCain.
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Just announced:
MASSACHUSETTS LEADERS FOR JOHN MCCAIN
Includes ex-Republican governors. This is just wierd. Why are they not rooting for their guy?
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:44 PM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Chosen: I’m not trying to hijack this thread into a religious discussion. Many times you go off-topic. There are several resources available that can aid your knowledge, lds.org for one. For the record: Joseph Smith, 1st prophet. Brigham Young succeeded Joseph Smith after his death. Gordon B. Hinckley was the latest prophet in succession.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:44 PM
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:35 PM
greater success would be more accuate as to where I was going.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I’m totally down with that whole “True Conservative” thing, but If all of you don’t like Mav cause he’s too liberal then why not support Huckmania. He’s way more right that ol’ Mitt. You see Mitt is a phony. Huck the genuine article. I would never vote for either, however I know a conservative at least when I see one. Mitt is a moderate just like the Maverick. The only difference is that Mac has the guts to look you in the eye and give you a little straight talk. It’s good for you and builds character.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:46 PM
A lot of Mass. politicians felt he should have run for a second term. The fact that he didn’t led to some resentment.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I’m not sure why, but I do know that some in Mass were kind of jaded he didn’t take a 2nd term.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:47 PM
The only way for them to show that they got the message is to admit that “straight talk express” is a euphemism of “a shameless lie” and for McShamnesty to disappear in shame.
Igor R. on February 2, 2008 at 10:47 PM
The funniest thing about this Maine caucus is the Paulites were banking on this tiny mostly ignored state to boost, the only man who can save america, to a sweeping victory on Super Tuesday. I guess, the rEVOLution won’t be televised or voted for. (Which was crystal clear in NH, but who expects them to be in touch with reality.)
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Was there an expectation of how well Romney would do before the voting started? What were the latest pools?
Igor R. on February 2, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Since Steve Young the quarterback was Brigham Young’s great grandson, does that make his super bowl victory “devine” in your estimation?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Aside from pardoning killers, I have a few other problems with Huck.
One – Him next to any world leader comes off worse than the current President next to them. he just seems like a yokel. His jokes on air about policy issues haven’t helped that. This is ultimately a serious job.
Two – He rides the ‘God train’ more than the current President. I’m agnostic and tolerant of people’s religions, but it seems he’s not tolerant of the possibility that some of us don’t care.
It’s probably why it doesn’t bother me that Mitt’s a Mormon either. But then again, being from Maine and visiting Mass often, I know Mitt and what he’s done too.
I’m sure Mike’s a nice guy. But a nice guy isn’t an automatic vote for President.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:50 PM
That makes no sense to me. If they liked him they would help him, or at least not help his competition.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:50 PM
@Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:46 PM
GMTA. :)
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Again, hey now…:-)
I was really surprised by Paul’s weak showing. His ads ran every commercial break, and his supporters were the only ones waving signs on street corners, even in -0 weather.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Again, that makes no sense to me. If they liked him they would help him, or at least not help his competition.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Not when you feel like you were cheated necessarily. It’s kind of like if you’re adopted and then your parents send you back to the orphanage in a way.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Complete7 on February 2, 2008 at 10:48 PM
He doesn’t have too many KRAZY states left… ME and NV are now off the board. Where is his last stand? Bring the pain RP… fire up the blimp. RP is finding that it’s hard to organize chaos.
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
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