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
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »
He’s the only one here with signs at every street corner in AZ too. I guess we know what he spent his money on.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Anybody know how my man Norm Coleman is doing against Stuart Smalley?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:53 PM
That would fit href=”http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1070522&srvc=home&position=emailed”>with the thoughts in this article.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:54 PM
That would fit in with what this article says.
bnelson44 on February 2, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Norm Coleman is definately presidential material, can I get an amen? He beat Mondale right after Wellstone was killed in a traggic accident. They used his funeral as a disgusting campaign stunt and it backfired.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Google is your friend.
Spirit of 1776 on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM
They actually bothered to put Ron Paul signs up here in Bangor. Those were the only signs up even that I saw, maybe except over by the caucus location.
I thought he’d take the state. This state gets things wrong all the time (like Baldacci). This was a pleasant surprise.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Spirit of 1776 on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Bring it.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Bangor? A fellow Bang…uh…orian?
Did you caucus today?
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Yeah basically. I don’t think everyone feels that way, but it is a difficult situation to be a Republican governor in the bluest state in the US too. Land of Kennedy farts (that some think smell like roses) and everything.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I can’t believe I can’t get an AMEN for Norm f’n Coleman.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 10:59 PM
The weather messed up stuff with one of the companies I work for in the area. Unfortunately that messed up my caucus going interest. But I am glad many were able to.
I’m up by the High School area, born and raised and still here. :)
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Re: Republican Governors not liking Mitt. Last I looked, Governor Blunt has an (R) next to his name and he has endorsed Mitt in Missouri.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 11:01 PM
ROFLMAO!!!
FloatingRock on February 2, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Spirit of 1776 on February 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Chosen has no interest in serious debate. He/she is just throwing out any and all issues to distract and blunt on-topic comments. Chosen is being intentionally obtuse on a variety of “off-topics.”
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 11:01 PM
From a few months ago sorry nothing more receint
Rasmussen reports”
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Cold Steel on February 2, 2008 at 11:01 PM
reminds me of a toned down Harry/Apocolips
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Maine has got it started. Look for more big wins on Tuesday. Anyone else noticed that the Romney wins have been by huge margins, but the Romney losses have him in a close 2nd place. The McCain wins have been by the skin of his teeth.
ROMNEY! ROMNEY! ROMNEY!
joncoltonis on February 2, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Small world. I’m more in the neighborhood of the Standpipe.
And I’m from away, so no ‘true Mainah’ cred here.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Yep it’s been good to see. The fact that Ron Paul didn’t blow out this state also makes me happy. I really thought that they were the only ones passionate about the caucus ultimately.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Interesting. Not paying much attention because I already voted absentee. My vote goes on paper and I like to hear the county whine about it, heh. Also, I don’t watch that much regular TV anymore. Trying to temper my Millennium Frank Black view of the world, but I can’t help it. Millennium is still relevant after 10 years and I have the DVDs. :-)
Mmmkayyy.
Feedie on February 2, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Rasmussen collection of polls
State Date McCain Romney Huckabee
Alabama 01/31/08 38% 20% 30%
California 01/29/08 32% 28% 11%
Connecticut 01/27/08 42% 26% 8%
Georgia 01/24/08 19% 16% 34%
Illinois 01/29/08 34% 26% 16%
Missouri 01/31/08 32% 28% 29%
New Jersey 01/30/08 43% 29% 7%
New York 02/01/08 49% 30% 8%
Tennessee 01/30/08 32% 29% 23%
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Ahh the water tank of lights (and T-mobile). I know that well.. :)
Mainahs like the state, the people, and living here, that’s all it boils out to.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 11:09 PM
And this is encouraging
State Date Clinton Obama
Alabama 01/31/08 46% 41%
California 01/29/08 43% 40%
Connecticut 01/29/08 40% 40%
Georgia 01/25/08 35% 41%
Massachusetts 01/28/08 43% 37%
Missouri 01/31/08 47% 38%
New Jersey 01/30/08 49% 37%
New York 02/01/08 52% 34%
Tennessee 01/30/08 49% 35%
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 11:09 PM
NY, NJ, AZ, CT, winner take all. Then basically he splits delegates the rest of the way and dukes it out for GA and Mizzou with Mitt and Hucktown. I’m no mathematician, if someone can show me some scenario where Romely wins, I’m willing to listen. The most dangerous thing we can all do is give false hope. With everything my conservative friends have been through lately, wouldn’t it be more humane just to end it now?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:10 PM
OMG…some tool on FOX’s Journal Business Review just said Romney is a hypocrite for promising to bring jobs to people when it was Romney who made people lose their jobs by buying companies then reselling them for a profit after downsizing them! LAME-O!
SouthernGent on February 2, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Romney wins by staying in the race and letting McCain be McCain. He will self-destruct AND OR the conservatives will beat him back like we did Harriet Miers and McCain’s amnesty bill last year.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Nah. I prefer the whole ‘let people cast their votes and see what happens’ thing.
But that’s just me.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 11:14 PM
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 11:12 PM
You keep forgetting Moderates outnumber conservatives in the republican party.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Clinton leading in Massachusetts? That does my heart good after the Kennedy/Kerry machine endorsed Obama.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 11:14 PM
And today, they just handed McCain a loss.
Maine is full of moderates.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Queen Hillary envoking the royal “we” at the convention if she wins the nomination.
To Kerry and Kennedy
“you back our foes and WE are not amused. We shall recall this insult to our person”
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Lot of moderates and democrats in Maine, many of the republicans are relatively moderate too socially. However, we’re tired of democrats (and RINOs) trying to ruin our economy by putting the state on a credit card too.
drdroo on February 2, 2008 at 11:18 PM
You keep forgetting
Moderateslibs outnumber conservatives in the republican party.THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:14 PM
fify
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Here you go, person that takes threads off-topic.
In case that doesn’t work for you, try this.
Spirit of 1776 on February 2, 2008 at 11:23 PM
ATLANTA — Georgia’s two U.S. senators endorsed John McCain on Saturday night, a move designed to give the Republican presidential hopeful a boost with conservatives in the South.
Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson appeared with McCain at a Cobb County rally just days before Super Tuesday, when Georgia and 21 other states will vote.
If Mavericks starts beating Huckmania in southern states, it will be over Wednesday in the a.m.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:23 PM
You are all grown people, ignore me if you can.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Actually, I agree with the last line of your 11:23 post. If McCain takes a few southern states away from Huckabee, he’s going to have a strong Super Tuesday.
Slublog on February 2, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I’m no fan of Romney’s but he at least appears to be sane. He may be corporate slime, but he’s consistent. Huckster and Insane are clearly whacked.
Feedie on February 2, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Mitt’s BIG win in ME.
loaner on February 2, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Now we can start talking about getting out with grace.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:27 PM
You keep forgetting that EVERY TIME we nominate a MODERATE we LOSE.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 11:30 PM
RONALD REAGAN GOVERNED FROM THE CENTER.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Let’s loosen this thread up a little bit. Ummph.umm. umm. Gentleman, whose is a hotter piece of conservative love: Fox Correspondants Megyn Kelly or Laurie Dhue?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:33 PM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I asked you last night if you were a McCain operative and you never answered me.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:34 PM
At least I think it was you.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:34 PM
It’s not as if I were a police officer and would have to answer yes.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:35 PM
I’ll take Laurie Dhue by a nose. Megyn has that comical youthful hip thang, however I would have to go Dhue on this one. I’ve also noticed when she’s on O’reilly she is giving Bill green lights.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Fair enough. Are you a paid op or a vol
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:38 PM
I was just curious. I know a few and I was wondering if you drink a lot of sparkling water with lime.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Megyn Kelly
and go Mitt :)
trailortrash on February 2, 2008 at 11:45 PM
slol!!!! have a good nite.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Say, you never did get a chance to comment on McCain’s bid to become John Kerry’s VP candidate. Why do you think Kerry turned him down? Too liberal? Speakin’ of straight talk, character, and all that stuff.
a capella on February 2, 2008 at 11:49 PM
McCain – Not the Direction We Want to Go.
I like it.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 11:50 PM
I was at the Bangor event.
McCain lost 36 to 64 in spite of our RINO senators support.
I doubt if they will get the message as they are both self serving insiders, but one can always hope.
woodswalking1 on February 2, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Newsweek’s Evan Thomas Profiles John McCain. Patterico has it excerpted. I thought the TimesOnline piece was a hit piece on McCain, this is worse than that.
Pal2Pal on February 2, 2008 at 11:59 PM
a capella on February 2, 2008 at 11:49 PM
What do you want me to say? You will say Mav has hurt conservatives. I say conservatives have hurt Mav. 83% ranking by CU, cmon dude. Pro life, strong national defense, fiscal responsibility.YOU WANT A PERFECT CANDIDATE. I and most of America understand Mav’s dislike for some in the conservative movement.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 2, 2008 at 11:59 PM
All anyone asks of him is this “Please, please Senator McCain can you restrain yourself from destroying this country by legalizing all the illegals and letting them bring in millions of relatives thus destroying the economy and making the election of another Republican President impossible for the rest of time?”
IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FROM MR. CONSERVATIVE UNIFIER??? WELL IS IT???
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:04 AM
I promise you this my friends. I would love to beat Hillary into a political oblivian. Nominees who get defeated never come back and are always a lesser candidate than before. ala Ted Kennedy. If you folks can get on board that Straight Talk Express it’s gonna be a very fun victory. You will get to see Bill and Hilllary torn to shreds and you will tell your children and your children’ children about it. It will be like where were you when we landed on the moon. This is my promise to conservatives: A vote for McCain and you can have a hand in destroying Billary the beast that it is FOREVER. Mav will probably die in a year and then Lindsey will take over and be fine.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Yeah it’s time for Maine to get some new people in the senate. They can take our butthead Governor with them.
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Mav will not die until he can whisper to Juan Hernandez “we did , my friend, for the glory of Mexico! Viva la Raza!” Plus Lindsey is just as bad.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:09 AM
No joke. I’m not voting for Collins this year. I’ve about had it with her.
Maybe I’ll write in Allahpundit.
Slublog on February 3, 2008 at 12:12 AM
very nice Igor. I give it a 9.8 Lol
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Allahpundit… That’d be pretty good actually.
I was rather disappointed that Peter Mills wasn’t the Republican pick for Governor against Baldacci. Chandler Woodcock is a TABOR guy, amongst other things, which made him no more electable than the incumbent.
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Mav will not die until he can whisper to Juan Hernandez “we did , my friend, for the glory of Mexico! Viva la Raza!” Plus Lindsey is just as bad.
The funniest thing I’ve ever heard. rolling on ground. lol
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Gracias a mi amigo.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:14 AM
In tears funny.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:15 AM
What if Mav lost in a historic Romney comeback, then in revolt led a calvary of mexican horseman throught washington with swords and stuff.?
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Chosen One, first you say that Reagan was a centrist, which really isn’t true and now you say no one ever comes back to win. I clearly remember Reagan losing in ‘76. I guess 2 terms as President doesn’t qualify as coming back to win. And, if you think just little harder, you might also discover that Nixon lost to Kennedy in 1960 and came back to win in ‘68 and ‘72.
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Damn. Facts.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Nah, they’ll just rent a couple of Chevies at the Reagan International Alamo Rent-a-car which will be enough to fit an entire Mexican Army special forces battallion.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:20 AM
What if we just send him to Mexico to start a revolution there and clean it up? Make it a place where its citizens can live and work and prosper.
sloopy on February 3, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Reagan governed as a centrist. Don’t forget his amnesty bill and two moderate supreme court justices. There, that will make up for my bad statistic concerning second time nominees.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:22 AM
sloopy on February 3, 2008 at 12:22 AM
THE SMARTEST GUY IN THE ROOM SCORE 10.0
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:23 AM
I know of a great deal on 1957 Bel-airs near Miami. Seller says they’re ‘water tight’, whatever the heck that means. :)
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 12:27 AM
I voted for Norm Coleman last time and will be Voting for him again, so yes you can get an Amen..
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Chosen One, it was the “Moral Majority” that brought Reagan to office, remember them?
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Hopefully we will not have to see Smalley on the TV.. :Shutter:
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:28 AM
What in the world is going on with Smalley/Coleman in the land of 10.000 lakes? Please tell me the same common sense folks who elected him will not stand for Franken. Also, Minnesotans have the best voter turnout in the nation. I think that is like one of those facts, or somethin.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:33 AM
I was independent during Reagan-Bush, I’m not trying to return to Reagan-Bush
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Have you ever heard of the “Silent Majority”. We only show our faces every thirty years to straighten out the republican establishment. Some can call Mav a Washington insider, but the reality is he has gone against the grain of that corrupt institution since his arrival.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Who knows, I’m not an a Minnesotan..
I’m an import from Indiana, I’m just a Hoosier still trying to figure out Minnesota politics.
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Awake the Sleeping Giant
Mobilize for Mitt!
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 12:39 AM
Irritate the center, and it will overwhelm absolutely.
Chakra Hammer on February 3, 2008 at 12:41 AM
That just means “never driven by Ted Kennedy”.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Talk about political ads. Arnold is trying to get us to Vote Yes on the proposition that grabs millions in profits from the casinos to support state taxes. The tribes say we already give the money to schools, etc. in our area. I can attest this is true in my area. Between the 2 sides, I just saw 4 ads in row telling me to vote Yes, followed by 2 more on No. If they would take all those millions they are spending on ads in one of the most expensive media markets in the country and use it, this wouldn’t even be an issue.
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 12:48 AM
True, I was aiming more for a Cuban joke, unfortunately it probably bombed. Your response was pretty good.
Ted K proves you can in fact get away with murder.
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Reagan Bush has become a mighty oak, but has now been splintered by the likes of Huck and McCain.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:49 AM
The “center” just as the “left” means “unconstitutional”: activist judges, the Federal government usurping states’ powers “for the common good”. It also means “tolerance” for the Islamo-fascists and the illegals, otherwise knowing as loving enemies, foreign and domestic.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:52 AM
I know they drive them in Havana, I just wasn’t sure whether “water tight” refered to their suitability for the local climate or to their method of delivery to Florida.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 12:54 AM
A mantle he could legitimately run on, if it were not for all the other issues that impede that inherently conservative message. I image he will tout that at cpac.
Spirit of 1776 on February 3, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Yep. I figured that out after I hit submit, doh.
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Yeah. Too bad he can’t stop lying at the same time.
seanrobins on February 3, 2008 at 1:03 AM
Unfortunately, this election is about 6 to 12 months too early. Another year and all American citizens will be totally fed up with Shanesty and really understand McCain, his sidekick Juan Hernandez, all the Dems, etc.
Hazleton’s major won BOTH the Republican primary AND the Democrat primary (as a write-in!) last year, and is about to announce his run for Congress.
Mitt needs an endorsement from Mayor Barletta. STAT!
fred5678 on February 3, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Americans were fed up with Shamnesty last May, but their memories are short and they no longer associate John McCain with it. Also, if you look at multiple polls, this issue isn’t THAT important to many voters, mainly because they don’t think through all the implications.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 1:12 AM
ABC News’ Teddy Davis Reports: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told ABC’s David Muir Saturday that his support for driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants will not block his path to the White House because he and G.O.P. frontrunner John McCain share substantial overlap on immigration.
Igor R. on February 3, 2008 at 1:19 AM
In Denver the Paul nuts are calling all the talk shows, and If get one more call from those nut jobs I am going to explode. Romney is ahead here
KBird on February 3, 2008 at 1:20 AM
I heard someone on TV or radio, can’t remember, say that Romney was up by 19 in Colorado. Since I never heard it again and later I heard he was expected to lose Colorado, I decided I’d either misheard or the reporter was wrong.
Pal2Pal on February 3, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Please.
Maine is the same state that elected people like Snowe/Collins, and also an independent gov.
Frankly I am surprised “Dr Paul” did not do better in Maine.
F15Mech on February 3, 2008 at 1:42 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 Next »