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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Hey I’m as surprised as you are. But apparently sanity prevailed for once.
drdroo on February 3, 2008 at 1:44 AM
BTW just for the record I grew up in Portland.
F15Mech on February 3, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Super Tuesday Polling Charts
http://www.pollster.com/ARepSuperTuesday.php
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 1:48 AM
Coleman’s another of those ~60% ACU 2006 rating RINOS, just a few points above McCain.
I sent him money a couple of times when he was first running for Senate even though he is a thousand miles away from my state. Other than on a couple of his pet projects that he ‘done good’ on, he has been a huge disappointment overall.
LegendHasIt on February 3, 2008 at 2:34 AM
SECOND LOOK AT MITTMENTUM!
sulla on February 3, 2008 at 2:38 AM
Might as well enjoy it while we can. Before it’s over, we’ll show even a god-king RINO can bleed.
“Eat hearty lads. For tonight…we dine…in hell!”
–Leonidas
sulla on February 3, 2008 at 2:44 AM
A vote for McCain is a vote for hatred of Hillary.
A vote for Romney is a vote for the future of the GOP.
unamused on February 3, 2008 at 5:53 AM
“A vote for McCain is a vote for hatred of Hillary.
A vote for Romney is a vote for the future of the GOP.”
What utter bullsh*t.
A vote for McCain is a vote for McCain. A vote for Romney is a vote for flip-flopping and pandering. A vote for Huckabee is a vote for the future of the GOP.
Think for yourselves for a change and quit listening to these big-headed idiots online and on the air.
Be an AMERICAN, for crying out loud.
Al-Ozarka on February 3, 2008 at 7:47 AM
A vote for Huckabee is a vote for a hypocrite.
Besides, Huckabee already told us that his “soul” wouldn’t let him enforce anti-illegal immigration laws when he was governor of Arkansas. How can we trust a man who is now telling us that he’ll gladly go against what his “soul” was telling him just a few years ago? And Romney is supposed to be the flip-flopper and panderer? Please. I trust Romney more based on what he actually DID in Massachusetts (had state police trained in immigration enforcement by feds; denied in-state tuition to illegals), not on what he says. I also distrust McCain and Huckabee based on what they’ve done in office (McCain: massive amnesty bill; Huckabee: in-state tuition for illegals, $1 a year rent for Mexican consulate in Little Rock, etc.).
I AM an American who cares about my nation’s sovereignty, the security of its borders, and the rule of law. That’ why I’m voting for Romney in Arizona.
AZCoyote on February 3, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Unfortunately for Romney, more Republicans at a margin of almost 2 to 1 are lining up behind Johnny Mac.
tommylotto on February 3, 2008 at 8:21 AM
I’m with Mitt!!
madmonkphotog on February 3, 2008 at 8:31 AM
2-1?
That’s a bit much.
I think McCain might crack fifty percent in a few of the bigger states, but let’s not pretend that the Capt. Queeg sloop is some sort of unbeatable juggernaut.
Fifty percent of the Republican Party still despises the man.
Gerard on February 3, 2008 at 8:50 AM
Regarding McCain, both he and his wife have been exposed by federal investigations as criminals, yet never went to trial. They BELONG. They do not and CAN NOT represent citizens.
Cindy McCain, who was the heir to a brewery distribution business worth millions was secretly taking pills stolen from a charity she had created called the American Voluntary Medical Team, which sent mobile surgical units to war zones. When federal agents began to investigate gaps in the charity’s records, her husband got her off in 1994. McCain himself was let off for his criminal behavior with Keating against private American citizens and corporate America as well. It was McCain who destroyed Gingrich and DeLay and everyone that we elected to go clean up Washington and cut the damn pork! Remember, DeLay did nothing criminal; he was indicted without a law and with malicious prejudice from the real criminal McCain, both Gingrich and DeLay were forced to resign until their names were cleared. TO THIS DAY, Travis County DA Ronnie Earle has yet to bring DeLay his day in court, denying him the Constitutional Right to a speedy trial. Ronnie Earle is retiring from office, leaving DeLay strung up by the rope that McCain & Co. used in Congressional lynching. By all rights, the temporary rules of protocol that McCain instigated to destroy Gingrich and DeLay (in order to protect the established “old guard” powers) would PRECISELY have shot the silver bullet through McCain’s own career. And as soon as McCain swept our elected voices out of power, he rescinded the temporary GOP rule of protocol.
On that basis alone, I vote against McCain.
maverick muse on February 3, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Been gone for a few days, who are you supporting now?
csdeven on February 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Republican Primaries 2008:
Giuliani! 9/11 hero!
Fred may get in!
Eh there’s nobody that great in the race really…
Fred may get in!
Well maybe it will shake out as we go along
Mike Huckabee for the win!
Mike Huckabee? Really?
Maybe Fred will get in!
Romney is ok.
RON PAUL!
Shut up!
Huckabee wins!
Fred is in!
Fred is out…
This field sucks, there’s nobody good to vote for.
McCain takes the lead!
MITT ROMNEY IS THE BEST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE INCLUDING RONALD WILSON REAGAN AND I HOPE MCCAIN DIES OF GONORRHEA.
:)
Dash on February 3, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Gretchen Carlson said that Mitt is ahead in California for the first time. Don’t know what poll she was looking at.
Great stuff on Hucketer’s record!
Excellent point.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 9:23 AM
MITT ROMNEY IS THE BEST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE INCLUDING RONALD WILSON REAGAN AND I HOPE MCCAIN DIES OF GONORRHEA.
Been up all night Dash? You can’t possibly be serious. Mitt”Timetables” Romney couldn’t carry Ronnie Reagan’s jock strap.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 9:25 AM
just as your “mav” youre showing a lack of basic reading comprehension skills in Mitts statement.
palefaced on February 3, 2008 at 9:29 AM
I’m watching Hillary lie through her teeth on Chris Wallace’s show. I can’t wait til Mav destroys her in the general.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 9:30 AM
And John “Benchmarks or we leave” McCain can carry Reagan’s jockstrap?
McCain is a lying sack of crap.
csdeven on February 3, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Sounds like surrender to me. Thank god we have a veteran with the grapefruits to push the president to drop Rummy and increase troop levels. Now al-quaeda is on the run, normalcy is returning, and Mav will be rewarded for having the guts to see it through.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Thanks for the link to Patterico. McCain is McCrazy.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 9:45 AM
the mav wasnt the brains behind the surge, he was a supporter and if i remember correctly he was wanting 3-4 times the amount of troops. where were they going to come from ? where was the mav when the WTC was bombed back in the 90’s, the Cole was bombed, our Embassys bombed ? where was tough guy McLoser then on his military genius ?
examine his record not his military service.
palefaced on February 3, 2008 at 9:48 AM
What makes you think that McCain’s statements had any bearing on the decision by the former Sec’y of Defense to resign?
Gerard on February 3, 2008 at 9:48 AM
You are not going to get away with pushing that dishonest BS here. The readers are far too well-informed.
Does The View have a blog? Try going over there.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 9:49 AM
If Hillary wins the democratic primary, a lot of Obama’s folks will stay home. If Mav win the republican primary, conservatives will stay home. The presidency could be decided by the fewest pct of registered voters in history.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I have not met him but people I would trust enough to raise my children have. Their assesments is he is churlish, petty and a bully. He hates people of faith and loves to act boorishly when he has them cornered. That he and his wife are both vindictive and immature. I fear them and what they would do to civil liberties as much as I do the Clintons.
Beto Ochoa on February 3, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I can’t vote for the Huckster, ’cause I’m one of those Shi’ite Republicans who wants to cut taxes. Say, would you mind telling us why the Mexican consulate in Little Rock only has to pay a dollar a year lease? Who put that deal together? And, you’re telling us to be American?
a capella on February 3, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Thanks. I imagine his staffers posting here at HA will suggest that is all neutralized by his POW status.
a capella on February 3, 2008 at 10:29 AM
And that’s being generous.
jdawg on February 3, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Huckamania should be commended for staying in the race. The Romney folks feel entitled to those votes, since there buying their way into the later part of the primary. If Romney can’t win over Huckamania supporters, then he doesn’t deserve their votes.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Watch for the MSM to perform McCain duty over the next few days.
Hiding all news that might hamper his “victory”.
They are annointing him for the slaughter.
It’s an ancient rite.
McDole 2008.
profitsbeard on February 3, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I hope the last few days I don’t have to hear Rommnee act like Barak Obama with his “change” Washington message.
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Indeed. Which leaves a complete absence of one compelling reason to vote for him.
Spirit of 1776 on February 3, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the comments made by Beto Ochoa, who seems to have fairly accurate information. Of course, you can just ignore them, if you prefer.
a capella on February 3, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Yes, he is the virgin selected to be thrown into the MSM volcano, directly after he secures the nomination. Look for HA poster, The Chosen One, to disappear about that time.
a capella on February 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Look, I hate to admonish you, because you seem to be backing McCain and frankly, he’s the only one I can see winning the White House, but Jesus, man – learn to appreciate sarcasm.
Dash was clearly poking fun at those people (plenty of them posting here) who are now acting as if Romney is the Great Savior of REAL CONSERVATISM, BY GOD, that all of the hopes and dreams of the Republican party lie with him, Saint Romney coming to slay the dragon McCain.
Vyce on February 3, 2008 at 11:27 AM
The vindictive bullying streak is readily apparent. Observing his behavior during this campaign, I am now struck by his ruthless dishonesty.
I’ve never liked people who simmer with rage and walk around with a chip on their shoulder. I certainly don’t want those qualities to define our President and Commander in Chief.
fwiw, I like your poetry.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I found out why the previous MA Republican govonor doesn’t like Romney read:
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 11:49 AM
THE CHOSEN ONE on February 3, 2008 at 9:25 AM
Since Reagan’s strap remains on Reagan, drop that.
As per Romney vs. McCain, on record alone we have absolutely no reason to trust McCain.
McCain has lobbied and legislated to defunct our Bill or Rights.
McCain’s swindling was the core of the Keating Scandal that ruined every Mom&Pop savings&loan and small businesses, as well as corporations and all tax payers whom McCain legislated bear responsibility for McCain’s criminal acts against America. McCain lobbied the official Republican Party to remove our elected officials from office with NO LEGAL BASIS, only obedience to the powers-that-be that flexed maintainance of domination over citizens, the vote, and the rapid decimation of the Constitution.
McCain’s wife not only was a thief, but thieved from the very charities that she controlled. Mrs. McCain is the worse kind of criminal, stealing from the most vulnerable population who truly suffer the greatest human pains imaginable. Mrs. McCain had the money and influence to get her pain-meds through the same legal channels that Hollywood uses. But she’d rather just steal from those victims to whom she feigned charity and for whom she was legally responsible. She remains guilty of federal offenses for which she was not prosecuted because AGAIN her husband thwarts the legal system.
WHO ON GOD’S EARTH VOTES FOR McCAIN?
Those who want in on the kill of their neighbor for profit.
McCain suffered tremendously as a POW. THAT suffering gives NO ONE the “right” to be a criminal. No criminal has the right to seek confirmation as President of the United States. The only “capital” McCain criminally trades with is AMERICA.
maverick muse on February 3, 2008 at 11:53 AM
worseWORST sortmaverick muse on February 3, 2008 at 11:55 AM
The New York Post Endorses John McCain For President
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 11:57 AM
That may contain a bit of exaggeration. Romney is a fallback position for many, and the first choice of many. The evaluations are relative in nature, not absolute. I think the most critical question is whether Romney’s changes are sincere versus politically expedient, and whether McCain can be trusted in any objective sense, if one eliminates the emotionalism regarding his military service.
a capella on February 3, 2008 at 11:59 AM
…Fuel on thet there fire…
http://cartoonbox.slate.com/lisabenson/
TEH FUNNY (and true IMO)
-Wasteland Man.
WastelandMan on February 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Good toon!
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Thankee…
OH! and… GOOOOO MITT!!!!!!!!
-Wasteland Man.
WastelandMan on February 3, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I agree. My gut tells me strongly that Romney is not philosophically sincere, but will dance with the one who brought him to the dance. McCain, never.
Pick your poison.
JiangxiDad on February 3, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Yah pretty much what Vyce said. Sorry if I wasnt clear. It’s just absurd to see this Mitt movement as if he’s some great conservative savior. Not liking McCain is one thing but the radio/blog surge for Mitt is pretty transparently “Anyone but McCain”. I mean it’s embarrassing now.
I dont hate Mitt and I dont love McCain, I’m just saying get a grip here people. I get that politics is you know… emotional and highly charged but wow some of you should hear yourselves.
Dash on February 3, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I don’t know what their record is vis a vis accuracy, but here’s one poll which has Mitt in the lead in California. This is a closed primary state, which benefits Mitt.
OT, just heard more BS from the Hucketer who is lying again when he claims that Mitt said Huck should step aside. Mitt never said that and in fact said he has every right to stay in.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 12:08 PM
[Huckster]…
McCain will dance with whoever spits in the face of conservatives.
As for Mitt, he has moved steadily to the right, as have many of us. He certainly governed as a conservative and I don’t believe that required any compromise of values on his part. He has consistently led his life as a conservative and when I look at his biography, I see an honorable man of sterling character who would make us proud as Americans.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I think I should have said that I worry that he is not philosophically strong, instead of saying that he is not sincere. However, I respect your opinion and will vote for him with little real reservation.
JiangxiDad on February 3, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Gotcha. I respect your opinion too, that’s why I was sorta stunned by the earlier comment.
Anyhoo -
Here’s another poll, which indicates that Mitt has a chance in Georgia.
Interesting.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Poll: Romney 84, McCain 4
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Mitt will get a bunch of delegates from CA. They allot them by congresional district, so if you win the district, you will their delegates. You don’t have to win the entire state.
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Here is another poll from Rasmussen today. What is happening is McCain and Romney are taking voters from Huck:
Georgia: McCain 31% Romney 29% Huckabee 28%
bnelson44 on February 3, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I used to be A lot more to the left on social issues but as I grew older my views on those issues matured too.
I used to be pro choice. Now I’m pro life, so I cant fault Romney for that. Romney worries me on the Gun issue because I think the assault weapons ban was a farce. I mean no bayonets on rifles? I suppose that was because of all those drive by bayonetings…. Other than that I support Romney, and if my State wasn’t the last state to republican primary I’d vote for him, but alas I fear that decision will be taken out of my hands.
New Mexico’s Primary is in June long after I am sure the primaries will be deteremined who the nominee is.
-Wasteland Man.
WastelandMan on February 3, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Thanks for the Rasmussen Georgia poll.
I know about California not being a winner take all state. I like the fact that Independents can’t vote in the Republican primary.
Buy Danish on February 3, 2008 at 12:45 PM
My thoughts also. He is currently the best candidate against illegal immigration which is very important to me. His business background is the best of the bunch. Because of this he will probably not bankrupt our county with global warming spew. I think he can be trusted to do what is right for the military. His practical foreign policy experience is not too good but he has enough IQ to surround himself with people who do know the essentials. His personal temperament for the position is good–he does not have the anger managemnet problem that McCain does. I also believe that he will provide better judges than McCain. Although his was not my first choice, I think Romney is someone I could live with as President without fearing for my country or having to do constant battle with on policy issues.
maxine on February 3, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Romney needs to admit these words freely from his heart:
“I accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior.” Give him the microphone and buy the advertisement time slots NOW.
That he failed to do so in his “faith” speech is his own undoing. But it isn’t Tuesday YET.
Evangelicals fail to see the very fallacy in their dogma vs. Mormonism; i.e., God as Man. Get past 19th-century man’s imagination to the now-traditional then-heretical God/Man image painted atop the 15th-century Sistine Chapel by Michael Angelo Renaissance of Greek traditions permeating Christianity from Paul the self-proclaimed apostle. Whatever! God remains God, a mystery whether a non-embodied force or an embodiment. Man’s concept has no bearing on what God is or is not. Those who believe Moses know God from a burning bush as Moses saw it, heard it and wrote it to be. Those who believe Jesus know God as our Father and the Creator. That Mormons embellish God with their own designs is the same human fault shared by all others, each in their own manner. Here is the point, Mormons do believe in Jesus. Therefore, so long as they accept Jesus as their personal Savior, Baptists must stop their pretense of holier-than-thou, just as Baptists can tell Catholics to quit their holier-than-thou via chronology despite corruption in practices, and Christians can tell Mormons to quit their holier-than-thou Celestial Kingdom elitism, etc., etc., etc.
If Romney does not get elected this time, and chooses to run next time, I would strongly suggest that he get OTHERS (preferably NOT Mormons so as to establish a broad conservative consensus) to collect his political war chest so as not to “buy” the office of our Presidency. He need not apologize for being born a Mormon. He need not explain Mormonism. But if he wants the Evangelical vote, he needs for them to understand that he really does accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Do them the sincere courtesy that they require. That Evangelicals refuse to see goodness from Mitt’s life (that Mitt is as “Christian” as any other–no more, no less) is their own failing as “Christians”, removing themselves from the realm of sharing the Grace of God with all those who seek unity in the Holy Spirit.
If Evangelicals inflict the worst criminal McCain upon America, empowering that maniacal puppet as POTUS to reek havoc upon the entire world, then may God have mercy on us all as we will lose further Constitutional recourse, and suffer all the more misery due to Evangelical folly. Baptists, get off your high horse and realize it’s our Constitutional blessings from God that you will spite out of your own self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is the very sin for which Protestants broke from the universal Catholic Church. The Baptists broke from that universal Christian body proclaiming each man’s God given right to baptise and be saved in the name of Jesus by virtue of Jesus as God’s own beloved Son. So to be true to themselves, Baptists must stop persecuting Mormons; to each their own without damning the other. Teach the Mormons Christianity by your own acts of mercy, Baptists. It is unAmerican to blame Mitt for being born a Mormon, as though being a Mormon is to bear blame whereas ignoring the criminal McCain and wife guilt is reasonable!
Be logical. Place whatever dogmatic arguments on topic, not against Mitt, but against Mormonism and against those authorities who dictate what doctrines are and are not, and those who REVISE history and destroy lives, eschewing the very humility and repentance that they require of their subjects/members. Currently, a new Mormon President is getting elected as their authorities decide how to become more Christian, at least on paper and in their sales pitch.
Meanwhile, on the third day Mitt will either rise again or miss the trump of the first resurrection.
maverick muse on February 3, 2008 at 1:05 PM
This “winner take all” nonsense is what got McCain the Florida booster seat.
That should end.
You shouldn’t get your opponents’ votes just by winning a slim majority.
Prepare for DOLE II if the “war hero” gets it on Tuesday.
profitsbeard on February 3, 2008 at 1:08 PM
I am not McCain’s friend. Kennedy is his friend. Feinstein is his friend. Juan Hernandez is his friend. Lindsay is his friend. Reid is his friend. Pelosi is his friend. I am not his f&^&^&&^% friend.
SIJ6141 on February 3, 2008 at 4:15 PM
WastelandMan on February 3, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Just curious Watelandman, does your name tie in with the Stephen King books, The Gunslinger series?
kcd on February 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Watelandmanoops, Wastelandmankcd on February 3, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Could not agree more.
The vitriol that’s been spewed against McCain these past few days – on this blog alone – has been embarrassing.
It really felt at times like I’d stumbled across the Dailykos or Huffingtonpost or DU, just with less death threats being tossed about.
Vyce on February 3, 2008 at 5:14 PM
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