Our Platform for Outlining Colorado’s Future

Yes, Romney has superior organization. Yes, he outspent McCain 2-1. Yes, he’s a native son. Yes, weather likely played a factor (how about the irony of global warming-panicked McCain losing voters because of cold, snowy weather?). But Michigan plays to all McCain’s strengths. He won it over a Romney-esque Bush in 2000 because the state has a large independent vote, plenty of Reagan Democrats ready to cross over, and a primary where only the Republican vote mattered. Yet, McCain stepped all over himself with a careless, “straight-talking” strategy of telling Michiganians their jobs weren’t coming back. And then he stubbornly stuck to the line despite its obvious damage. The comment came across as callous and out-of-touch, independents stayed home, and Romney rode it all the way to a nine-point shellacking. Even Huckabee, who had been playing tag team with McCain against Romney, couldn’t resist jabbing at McCain’s defeatism. Once ...

Winning sounds good. Listening to Romney people this morning – on the phone, over e-mail, on the radio (Vin Weber just now on Bennett’s radio show), they sound like people I haven’t talked to, frankly, in months. They sound reenergized and determined. (Have you ever seen the governor himself that revved up?) They also have that lucky-to-be-here and in-love-with-America tone I heard in Jeri Thompson’s voice on Mark Levin’s show last night, too. I have no real point here, other than they’re encouraging sounds from the Right. That and maybe we have encouraging days to come in this primary season. 01/16 06:53 AM

NO!   Not among those voters old enough to remember George Romney. McCain won voters over 65 by 39-38%.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Republican Party mistakenly sent out a news release Tuesday night congratulating John McCain for winning the state's GOP primary. It quickly issued a second statement praising Mitt Romney for his win. "Heading into tonight, this race was too close to call, so we prepared a release for either scenario," state GOP spokesman Bill Nowling said. "We simply pushed the wrong button." The Associated Press named Romney the GOP winner when polls closed in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula at 9 p.m. EST. The first GOP release went out just minutes later and stated, "In a close-fought victory, Senator John McCain succeeded again (in) the Michigan Republican primary, winning over a traditionally unpredictable voter base in Michigan."

This maybe old news and if it is I apologize, but I've never heard any of this regarding Mike Huckabee's ethic issues in Arkansas and if it is true the DNC will eat him alive. The article is by Ms. Kimberly Strassel, written 21 Dec 07, a member of The Wall Street Journal's editorial board.  Here are some highlights: In Arkansas, Mr. Huckabee was investigated by the state ethics committee at least 14 times. Most of the complaints centered on what appears to be a serial disregard for government rules about gifts and outside financial compensation. He reported $112,000 worth of gifts in one year alone, nearly double his $67,000 salary. Five of the 14 investigations resulted in admonishments: Two for failing to report gifts (one was later overturned), the other three for some $80,000 that Mr. Huckabee and his wife received but failed to initially report. One of these admonishments involved a $23,500 payment to Mr. Huckabee from an opaque organization called Action Americ...

From Jeff: Most of us are/were pretty peeved about how downplayed the WY victory was.  But I can see how it was easy to ignore them as the least populous state and due to the odd caucus system they used (mostly party insiders and/or major activists)  However, their 12 delegates were as many as NH awarded.  But Nevada should count, however we're already seeing how downplayed it is in the national media coverage. They're covering it for the Dems, but relatively ignoring it for the GOP.  Figures, since most think Romney will win it and win it big.  But it's the same day as the SC primary and that is monopolizing the media's coverage. But is SC inherently more important than NV for this nomination? OK, so we know that in recent history, no GOP candidate has won the nomination without winning SC.  But this year is very different with at least three candidates still with very credible claims to taking it all, and two others who are still co...

U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona: Why have you allowed the mass invasion of illegal immigration through your southern state since you pledged your oath of  office in the late 1980's? Each and every year since the late 1980's as U.S. Senator  and "Sheriff" of Arizona, you have promised to protect and defend our U.S. boarder's from the foreign invasion of other nations. Sen. John McCain: You have failed miserably as a national U.S. Senator and Republican leader. Why is the real top Sheriff of Arizona, Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, supporting and voting for Mitt Romney? AMERICA - WAKE UP!

Today, Governor Romney addressed the members of the Detroit Economic Club about the steps we need to keep Michigan and America economically strong.    http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/DEC_Remarks_1.13.08   Speaking to Michigan leaders, Governor Romney laid out his vision for strengthening our economy to the benefit of Michigan and all American families.   Below Are Governor Romney's Remarks As Delivered:   Governor Romney:  "Thank you.  This is quite an institution.  It's good to be back here with you.  It's good to be back in Michigan.   "You know, somehow everything just seems right here.  In the winter, of course, the skies are cloudy all day.  Most of the cars you see on the roads are made here in the good old U-S-of A.   "People know that pop is not a relative, it's a soft drink, and they know that Vernors is the best ginger ale in the world.   "And of course, fo...

Today, addressing members of the Detroit Economic Club, Governor Romney will give an address on "Keeping Michigan and America Economically Strong."    http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/DEC_Excerpts_1.14   Our country faces extraordinary economic challenges both here at home and abroad.  No where is this more known than in Michigan which has been enduring a one-state recession for the last ten years.  Speaking to Michigan leaders, Governor Romney detailed his vision for strengthening our economy to the benefit of Michigan and all American families.   Excerpts Of Governor Romney's Remarks (As Prepared For Delivery):   …   "A lot of Washington politicians are aware of Michigan's pain, but they haven't done anything about it.  I hear people say it's Michigan's problem.  Or, the car companies just brought it on themselves.  But that's where they are wrong.  What Michigan is feeling will be felt by the ...

In case you missed it, on "Face The Nation" this morning, Governor Huckabee was forced to admit that he did raise net taxes by over $500 million to pay for increased government spending: http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Huckabee_Hearts_1.13 www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPh67alcYSI "BUT YOU DID RAISE TAXES, DIDN'T YOU, GOVERNOR?" Gov. Huckabee Supported Higher Taxes & More Government Spending "Taxes are a necessary part of funding a reasonable and responsible government. Taxing too little can result in financial imbalances and deficits as well as underfunding truly vital roles the government should fill…" – Gov. Mike Huckabee (Gov. Mike Huckabee, From Hope To Higher Ground, 2007, p. 101) Gov. Huckabee's Record Of Higher Taxes And More Big-Government Spending: This Morning, Gov. Huckabee Admitted That He Raised Taxes To Pay For Increased Government Spending. CBS' BOB SCHIEFFER: "But you did raise taxes, didn't you, Governor? ...

Q. Does my vote really make a difference? A. "Just" one vote can and often does make a difference in the outcome of an election. Here are some recent examples of real elections decided by one vote. In 1997, Vermont State representative Sydney Nixon was seated as an apparent one vote winner, 570 to 569. Mr Nixon resigned when the State House determined, after a recount, that he had actually lost to his opponent Robert Emond 572 to 571. In 1989, a Lansing, Michigan School District millage proposition failed when the final recount produced a tie vote 5,147 for, and 5,147 against. On the original vote count, votes against the proposition were ten more than those in favor. The result meant that the school district had to reduce its budget by $2.5 million. In 1994, Republican Randall Luthi and Independent Larry Call tied for a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives from the Jackson Hole area with 1,941 votes each. A recount produced the same...

Today, outside the General Motors Willow Run plant, Governor Romney held a media availability to address the indefinite lay-off of 200 GM workers that was just announced yesterday.  Tragically, announcements like this have become all too typical in Michigan today.   Below are excerpts of Governor Romney's remarks:             http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Michigan_Layoffs_1.12 "The reason that I came here today is because General Motors announced today that they are laying-off another 200 people from this facility." … "This is not something which is designed just to get things back on track as part of a strategy to re-build and grow.  This is instead an indication of a long-term slide in the automotive industry, the domestic automotive industry.  America is not buying fewer cars.  Instead, we're seeing the domestic automobile industry continue to slide....

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney laughs with his wife Ann on a jet in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All right reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Pride of America."              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJ7LnyID7k   The ad features Governor Romney discussing the need to change Washington so we can invest in unleashing the power of Michigan.  Governor Romney grew up in Michigan and knows Michigan's potential.  For him, Michigan is personal, and he will work to end the state's one-state recession.  Governor Romney is asking the people of Michigan to vote for building a better future for their state and our nation.   The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation tomorrow in Michigan .  Script and ad facts follow.   Script For "Pride Of America" (TV:30):   GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I grew up in Michigan when Michigan was the pride of America.   "It breaks my heart to see us in a one-state rece...

I believe that John McCain is not being confronted enough on these debates with his immigration record.  What is not getting enough coverage is that when asked about his immigration bill, he never apoligizes for it.  He says we need to restore trust in goverment first by securing the borders.  Translation: you guys are very mad at me, once you come down a little bit, you are getting amnesty for ilegals.  This needs to be brought up in one of these debates, someone needs to get the senator to answer whether he still supports alowing illegals to stay here or not. And Gov Romney shouldnt let him keep reminding us about his stand in Iraq.  Next time he brings it up he should ask him if we are supposed to forget about amnesty for illegals because of his support of the surge.  Or are we supposed to forget about Campaign finance reform, or forget about describing the Bush Tax cuts using the democrats talking points that they were tax cuts for the rich? Romney shou...

John Nevin penned an op/ed for the Detroit Free Press yesterday. In that op/ed he argued that Mitt Romney is the best candidate for the Michigan and the Great Lakes:   Mitt Romney grew up in that tradition and has a firsthand appreciation of how important the Great Lakes are to Michigan's high quality of life. Romney knows that Michigan's ecology and economy depend on healthy Great Lakes and clean water that is safe for drinking, beaches that are safe for swimming, and fish that are safe for eating. We go ahold of Mr. Nevin and asked him a few follow-up questions. MMM: What part of Michigan are you from? JN: I am from Holt, a suburb of Lansing, right near Michigan State University. MMM: What is your occupation? JN: I am a policy adviser to a binational group that provides advice to governments regarding water quality and water quantity issues. Previously, I wrote speeches and provided communications advice to Governor John Engler for 12 years. MMM: How would you descr...

Return to the Article January 08, 2008 Remember, We're Choosing a President By Thomas Sowell It was not that long ago that the big political question was how Rudolph Giuliani would do against Hillary Clinton in the November election. The Iowa caucus votes have made that question sound like ancient history, if not science fiction. The results of the Iowa caucus are only a small part of the story of this election year but their implications are significant. One implication that reaches well beyond politics is that a state that is 95 percent white gave its biggest vote total to a black man. More Iowa women voted for Obama than for Hillary. So much for the "race, class and gender" mantra among the intelligentsia. So much also for the "inevitable" or "invincible" candidacy of Hillary Clinton. Perhaps the biggest story out of Iowa is that 71 percent of Democrats voted against Hillary. The next biggest story is that no one in either party won a majo...

http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NTIwZDQ2YjVmNWZlMGE5ZWVmODRjMzM3MGY2YjU4Nzk = RUSH: I want to remind all my Republican friends that there are many states after Iowa and New Hampshire where the Republican populations are far more indicative of the conservative base, and to get caught up in what happened in Iowa, to get caught up in what's going to happen in New Hampshire as though they're the only two states that matter and that they're going to determine the fallout on both parties is a little bit over the top. Iowa is a caucus; it's a weird setup. New Hampshire allows independents to vote in the Republican primary, which is why McCain is doing as well as he is doing, and it's why the media want this to be a bellwether against Romney. I mean, Pat Buchanan came in second. He came in a very strong second in New Hampshire in 1992. Now, I'm not saying that these contests are not to be taken seriously here, and that they're not to be fought and to be...

Saturday, Jan 05, 2008 "No one votes for yesterday. We vote for tomorrow. Elections are about the future – our future, our families' future, our nation's future." – Governor Romney In The Past Year, Governor Romney Has Outlined His Vision For Building A Stronger America And A Brighter Future For Generations To Come. The future is now and the only by changing Washington will we be able to solve the great challenges confronting our country today. Washington is broken and unable to meet the challenges ahead. Governor Romney has proposed a Strategy for a Stronger America that will strengthen our economy, our military and our families. TO DO: Make America Safer: Governor Romney Will Strengthen Our Military. Across America, there are thousands of families with members in the Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard who need more support from Washington. To make America safer, Governor Romney will: - Add At Least 100,000 More Troops To Our Armed Forces . - Commit A...

http://corner.nationalreview.com/ "Huckabee took 14% of the vote and came in fourth in the Iowa caucus among non-evangelicals according to the NBC Republican exit poll. Huckabee's principal voting block was female born-again Christian Republicans living in non-urban rural areas with a population below 10,000. I dearly love such people, but demographically in the country at large there aren't that many of them.When Huckabee moves out of caucus Iowa and into primary state America, he's going to get killed." Michael Medved just said that is a lie, and that the majority of evangelicals voted against Huckabee. This is were Medved lies with statistics. You see, evangelicals split their votes among Huckabee, Romney, McCain, and Fred Thompson. So perhaps a "majority" of evangelicals did not support Huckabee, but what Rich Lowry said above. Huckabee came in 4rth among non-evangelicals. But who cares? Why point this out? Am I offending Evangelicals? Well it ...

Rush on Mitt Romney: • Mitt Romney Raised the Bar • Romney Looked Great on MTP • Drive-By Media Out to Get Mitt • Romney Speech Freaks Out Libs • Mitt Romney's Inspiring Speech • Mitt, Buckley, the GOP's Future   El Rushbo on Mike Huckabee: •  What if Huckabee Wins Iowa? • Analyzing This: The Mike Huckabee Appeal • Huckabee Campaign Chairman Ed Rollins Trashes Rush Instead of Debating Conservatism • Governor Huckabee Forces Attack El Rushbo • Callers React to Huckabee Attacks on Rush • Democrats Want Mike Huckabee Identity Politics and the Hucksters We've seen this phenomenon before with Ross Perot.

Mickey Kaus and Ramesh Ponuru (who is a McCain supporter) both say that Romney got the immigration position of McCain right in the contrast ad he's aired. Kaus says: Santora [of the NY Times] has to be wrong. ... [pause for Googling] ... He is. Under McCain's bill, legal immigrants wouldn't collect Social Security "only after they are citizens." They would collect Social Security after they had become legal. In fact, legal immigrants apparently don't even have to become citizens now, under current law--if they're legalized, they can collect Social Security, even for work they performed here when they were illegal. The distinction between "citizen" and "legal" is important, because it's easier to become a legal worker than it is to "wait" and become a full-fledged citizen. And McCain's "comprehensive immigration reform" would have legalized millions of current illegals fairly quickly. Hence, it would ... how ...