Wait, was that a Santorum Endorsement?

Rick Santorum has endorsed Mitt Romney...at least I think that is what it should be called.

(I debated even mentioning it because his endorsement was pathetic).

Image from Reuters

It was reported today that shortly before midnight, Rick Santorum sent an email to his supporters expressing his endorsement for his one-time rival, Mitt Romney.

He said that he had waited to endorse Romney because he wanted to first sit down and meet face-to-face.  He wrote, "I felt that it was completely impossible for me to even consider an endorsement until after a meeting to discuss issues critical to those of us who often feel our voices are not heard by the establishment: social conservatives, tea party supporters, lower and middle income working families."

Wow.  "Completely impossible?"

Finally by paragraph 13 of his email, he wrote that after meeting with Romney, "We both agree that President Obama must be defeated.  The task will not be easy.  It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious.  Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win the most critical election of our lifetime."

Um...Nice job Rick.

***

As I have always said, politics is much more of an art than a science.  Rick Santorum's uninspiring and forgettable endorsement proves that he doesn't get it.

He is no longer on the stage yet, he still wants it to be about him.

Santorum has somehow forgotten that he was never the first choice leader for the conservative cause.  During the primaries, Rick Santorum was the last "pair of shoes" that the "Anyone-but-Mitt" Republicans tried on.  He was not the first (Michelle Bachman), he was not the second (Herman Cain), he was not the third (Rick Perry) and he was not the fourth (Newt Gingrich).

Truth is, Rick Santorum was the last attempt for ultra conservatives to find an alternative to the "Mormon Governor from Massachusetts" and although Rick Santorum may have been the last, he certainly didn't prove to be "last-the-best-of-all-the-game."

Although his run was solid, it was still not enough.  He was not enough---Republicans still chose his rival.

***

There are two key principles that every candidate must master in the "art" of politics:

1) It can't be personal...it's politics.
2) If you can't take the heat, then get out of the kitchen...(and then once you have left, suck it up and praise and encourage the cook left standing in the heat.  Because in politics, everything can change in a day and you never know when you'll be back in the kitchen desperate for the support of those on the outside).

That is the art of politics.

But his pathetic endorsement for Mitt Romney simply proves that Rick Santorum doesn't get it.  His weak endorsement is simply, too little, too late.  Conservatives are already rallying behind Mitt and he didn't need Santorum to get it.

So, unfortunately, Rick Santorum is close to becoming like his endorsement....forgettable and of little influence.

Conservatives got it right when they chose Mitt.

Go Mitt.

A Santorum Endorsement?

It has been 3 weeks since Senator Rick Santorum finally saw the writing on the wall and ended his pursuit of the GOP nomination.  (This should not come as a surprise...I have not missed him).

AP Photo/Eric Gay

Santorum's brief yet, strong surge in the polls was always a bit of a puzzler to me.  I never understood how he won the loyalty of so many.  Because although he gave Mitt Romney a strong challenge, I never felt he had a prayer to beat this sitting president.

Since ending his campaign, Santorum has been remarkably quiet in endorsing his rival.  I can understand.  After such a bitter primary season, a quick endorsement of the man he once called "the worst Republican in the country to run against Obama," it might be a little hard for him to face.

But this is politics.  Endorsements are the the custom.  Endorsements are the traditional step following any concession.

But this is also Rick Santorum.  It should be no surprise that his endorsement is coming with a few strings attached.

The Associated Press reported today that Rick Santorum is planning on endorsing Mitt Romney, but only if he can receive an assurance that Romney is going to "embrace the conservative policy platform."

Wow.

Santorum is expected to meet privately with Mitt Romney on Friday.

MSNBC quoted a former Santorum adviser who said, "We want to make sure he (Romney) doesn't replace his platform with any kind of mandate."

This really irritates me.

Why does Rick Santorum think that because he narrowly won a few primary contests that he is now the gatekeeper of conservative principles?

Sorry.  I can't help myself, I think it is time for one last letter to Rick Santorum. (Click here and here for previous letters to Rick).

***

Dear Mr. Santorum,

The primary offered us the choice between you and Romney.  Millions and millions of conservative voters chose Mitt Romney over you.  We are not idiots.  We were not tricked.  We saw Mitt Romney as the best conservative candidate.  We saw Mitt Romney as the candidate with the best chance to beat President Obama.

We chose Mitt Romney because we saw him as the candidate with a remarkable resume with the right experience to help America and guide our country back to the path of prosperity.

Romney's resume shows that he knows how to do it.  Your resume does not.

We have been anxiously awaiting your endorsement.  Hopefully, it will be sincere.  Hopefully, it will be believable and enough to rally your disheartened supporters to embrace this candidate.  Otherwise you will appear as a sore loser and it goes without saying that your future in politics is bright, and whether you want to admit it or not, you will need Mitt Romney down the road.

So please Mr. Santorum, get behind Mitt Romney.  Please encourage your followers to rally behind him.  As the newly self-declared "protector of the conservative policy platform," I would caution you to realize that you too, have a responsibility to protect it.  Not by acting as the "Big Brother" to Mitt Romney, but by doing everything you can to ensure that Barack Obama is packing his bags on November 7th.

That is truly the best way that you can protect conservative principles in America.

Otherwise, conservatives will have 4 more years to do what we do best...complain about President Obama.

Sincerely,


Alecia Williams
- A believer that conservatives got it right with Mitt.

So Long and Farewell...

Earlier today, standing in front of reporters with his family behind him, Rick Santorum officially ended his presidential bid.

(I'll be honest, I have been waiting for this day since early January).

Given my past sentiments here and here to this candidate, it wouldn't be right if I didn't take the opportunity to write him one final letter.

Getty Image/Jeff Swensen 

Dear Mr. Santorum,

Thank you for your press conference today.  Thank you for seeing the writing on the wall.  Thank you for dropping out of the race before further damage was done to our party.

Thank you for not attempting to push the "fat lady" off the stage--she has been up there for some time trying to sing.  Thank you for finally letting her have her moment.

Although you failed to mention him by name in your speech, thank you for conceding the race to Mitt Romney--a man who more Americans believe is the better, stronger, more prepared, best and more electable candidate to face President Obama this fall.

I congratulate you for getting as far as you did in this race.  As a Mitt Romney supporter, I would now like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your supporters.

Please recognize as soon as possible that your fight cannot end today.  Your passion for the conservative cause should not end when you walked off that stage.  There is now an urgency to unite conservatives in the fight to restore integrity, fiscal accountability and moderation to our federal government.

Our party needed a unique candidate with an exceptional resume to unseat this president.  Now that we have identified that candidate--Mitt Romney--we must unite behind him to defeat Barack Obama--a president who is remarkably persuasive, charismatic and surprisingly, still popular despite all that he has been unable to achieve during his time in office.

I believe that it is going to be a fight like America has never before witnessed.  It is only April and the president has already launched his general election campaign on a theme of negativity.  It is going to get vicious.  It will undoubtedly be a nasty and venomous fight for Obama's second term.

A few of disconcerting things about President Obama and why conservatives need to unite:

• The president encourages an ideologically divided nation.  He incites an "Us vs. Them" in every legislative effort of his party.  This doesn't feel American.  It doesn't feel like democracy at its finest.  It no longer feels like a country founded on the principle of "We, the People."  Rather, it appears to be, "We, at the White House."  Americans deserve better.

• The president is satisfied with the rate of our economic recovery.  This is intolerable.  Too many of us are uncertain about the future.  Americans deserve better.

• This president encourages Americans to be dependent on expensive government-run programs.  I do not believe that this is what our founders intended.  Americans deserve more.

• This president is unaffected by our growing national debt. For over three years, we have watched our government attempt to spend its way out of financial crisis.  It has not worked.  Trillions of dollars have been added to our debt--$4 trillion under Obama. America is now more dependent on foreign money than any other time in history and we have nothing to show for it.  Americans deserve better.

• Above all, this president ran on a campaign theme of "radical and fundamental change."  He wants a different America.  Granting him a second term will undoubtedly make it a reality.  We must stop him.  

So Mr. Santorum, I know I have said it before but on a football team, not everyone can be the quarterback, however, every player in every position has a crucial and pivotal role to play.

Please find your role as soon as possible.  Although we have known for sometime that you were never meant to be the quarterback, you can still play a role that will undoubtedly make a difference in the conservative cause.  

Please get behind Mitt Romney.  Please unite your followers.  Please help to unite our party to restore prosperity to America's future.

It has been an exhausting three years under this president.  America deserves better--including you.

Best regards,


Alecia Williams

P.S. Romney supporters anxiously await your endorsement.

An Intervention? Let's Hope

CNN reported today that Rick Santorum met privately with conservative leaders in a meeting somewhere in Virginia.  A source close to the Santorum campaign claims that the meeting "was requested by conservative leaders to discuss the best path moving forward in terms of getting conservatives to stop Mitt Romney."

While I do believe that conservatives leaders wanted to meet with Santorum behind closed doors, I would be willing to be that their motives were much different than a "private strategy session" to help Santorum secure the nomination.  The time for that meeting has long passed.

Image from USA Today, Jae C. Hong, AP

The source was however, quick to stress to CNN that the meeting "does not have anything to do about Rick getting out of the race." (Click to read CNN article).

Uh huh. Sure it doesn't.

I picture that this meeting was actually quite serene, non-confrontational and with very little need for conversation.  I assume that leaders (most likely leaders who have already endorsed Romney) simply, gently and directly pointed Santorum to the obvious writing on the wall: "Romney is the GOP nominee."

Time will tell if Santorum got it.

*** 

After Tuesday's significant losses by Santorum in Wisconsin (a state where he led a few weeks ago), Maryland (where he lost 49% - 28%) and Washington DC (where Santorum didn't even get his name on the ballot), Romney walked away with 86 delegates while Santorum gained a total of 6.

Yet, that night, Santorum stood before cameras, blatantly avoided the traditional words of congratulations to the winner--Mitt Romney, somehow avoided thanking his supporters and then boldly claimed that it was only "halftime."  He said, "Who's ready to charge out of the locker room in Pennsylvania for a strong second half?"

Halftime?

Charles Krauthammer--an American Pulitzer Prize winning syndicated columnist and political commentator said, "Santorum said in his speech that it is halftime.  It's not halftime.  It's the 4th quarter, there's two minutes left and he's out of timeouts.  It's really over.  He should courageously drop out before Pennsylvania...I think the general election started today."

Who is his helping Santorum?  Where is his senior advisor?

Image from AP Photo, Eric Gay

Isn't anyone at the Santorum camp aware that the Santorum surge has ended?  He is losing and losing badly.  Does Santorum realize that it will be catastrophic to his future political ambitions if he stays in this race just a little too long?

More importantly, hasn't anyone convinced him that destroying Mitt Romney's reputation not only accelerates an Obama 2nd term, but poisons the water of a much-needed Romney endorsement down the road?

***

At this point, it is clear that Santorum is placing all his eggs in the "Pennsylvania Basket," but if he is not careful, it could prove to be disastrous for his political future.

USA Today reported today that a survey released by Public Policy Polling shows Romney leading 42% to 37% in Pennsylvania.  This poll shows that Romney has made significant gains among evangelical voters, Tea Party supporters and voters who say that they are "very conservative"--all demographics where Santorum has dominated.  (Click to read USA Today article).

Getty Images, Scott Olson

Romney is staking claim on Santorum's front yard.

Is Santorum paying attention?

Or has he become so fixated on his political pursuits that he is now vulnerable to costly mistakes?  I fear that in his quest for the nomination and his ferocity in attacking Romney it will be virtually impossible to make a graceful exit.  The only outcome will be a weakened front-runner, a divided party and an embarrassed exiting candidate.

But, it appears that Santorum is betting on the numbers, not reality and unfortunately, this could go on and on.

***

Santorum needs an intervention.  Hopefully, the private meeting today with conservative leaders provided the first step to a dignified and graceful end to the 2012 Santorum presidential bid.

As I have said before, politics is much more of an art than a science.  So far, Santorum is demonstrating that he doesn't get it.  Let's hope he received some clarity today--even if it was pressured and behind closed doors.

Go Mitt!

Cringe Worthy Confidence

It takes a lot of guts to be a politician--especially on the national stage.  The constant beatings, the endless scrutiny, the cautious dance of knowing what to say, what not to say and more importantly, when to say it.  After years of observation, I have decided that there is definitely an art to the science of politics and very few ever learn how to master it.

This morning Rick Santorum proved that he is far from mastering it when he confidently told reporters, "I'll absolutely win Pennsylvania."

Um...I think Mr. Santorum just might need an intervention.  Hasn't someone told him about the most recent poll numbers for his home state?

Although the Pennsylvania primary is not until April 24th, a poll conducted by Franklin & Marshall College shows that Santorum's support in Pennsylvania is waning.  He now holds a mere lead over Mitt Romney by only 2 points 30% - 28%.  What is most fascinating however, is that just one month ago, Santorum led 45% - 16%.  This is a 29 point slide in just one month.

Support for Santorum in Pennsylvania is evaporating and he seems to be the only person who isn't paying attention.

Yesterday on Fox News Sunday, Santorum defiantly charged Franklin & Marshall College Poll director Terry Madonna as distorting these results and referred to Madonna as a "Democratic Hack."  He also blamed the media and the "Romney Establishment" for mounting the pressure for his concession.

Cringe.  This is getting hard to watch.

Is Santorum really surprised by this poll?  Has he forgotten that in 2006 he lost his Senate re-election bid for his third term to Democrat Bob Casey by an unprecedented 18 percentage points?  In that election, he was blatantly rejected by the voters in his home state.  It should not come as a surprise that these same voters are not ready to fully embrace him as their future president.

***

Despite drops in poll numbers, endless endorsements for his rival and growing national support for Mitt Romney among registered Republicans, Santorum has vowed to keep fighting.  He is determined to press forward until the convention in August.

But at what cost?

If the polls are accurate and Romney does well tomorrow in Wisconsin, Maryland and Washington DC, Santorum's drive for a brokered convention will be more unlikely than ever.  And with Pennsylvania just a few weeks away, can he really afford another loss in his home state?

Santorum's arguments are becoming irrelevant.  Quite honestly, Santorum is very close to becoming a distraction.

The media is bored.  Republican leadership is ready to rally and the country seems eager to look towards November.  Mitt Romney is poised and ready to take on President Obama.  Why isn't Santorum listening?

It is always a dangerous line when a politician stops listening and instead asserts their will on the people.

We saw this happen with President Obama and his fixation on health care reform.  Despite lack of support for his monumental and astronomically expensive legislation, President Obama pressed forward.  He stopped listening.  People protested.  People asked him to slow down.  He didn't listen.  Instead, he used any means necessary to get the needed votes and crammed the legislation through the House and Senate.  He boldly asserted that he knew what was best for us.  He was wrong and I hope he pays for it this November.

***

As I said, politics is much more of an art than a science.  It appears that Santorum doesn't get it.  He is missing the mark.

If he continues to fight and assert himself in this Primary election, voters will undoubtedly begin to cringe when they see his spots on the evening news.  It will be like watching someone crash a wedding.    Although this premise was charming in the 2005 movie, politics is a different beast entirely.

Mr. Santorum, it is becoming more and more obvious that you don't' have an invitation to this "wedding."  Everyone knows it except you.  We are beginning to cringe at your confidence.  Please reevaluate and concede while your head is still high.

Steven Senne/Associated Press

It is time to join hands with your colleagues and rally behind Mitt Romney--the candidate who most Americans feel is better suited to restore conservative principles to the White House.  I agree.  He is.

Go Mitt!

A Thank You Note to Mr. Santorum

Dear Mr. Santorum,

As a Mitt Romney supporter, I feel some obligation to thank you for your recent campaign tactics.  Over the past few days, your spontaneity and campaign blunders have undoubtedly shortened Romney's path to the nomination.

Here are a few reasons why my heart is full of gratitude:

First of all, thank you for rarely thinking before your speak.  It has given your rivals choice opportunities to use your own words against you.  When you said that Republicans would be "better off voting for Obama over Mitt Romney" and when you declared that you "didn't care about unemployment rates" or most recently when you told supporters that Mitt Romney is the "worst Republican to go up against Barack Obama."  In each of these instances, you have rallied rank and file Republicans around Mitt Romney.  It has been a pleasure to watch you attempt to clarify your own words...again.

Secondly, thank you for your gaffes--especially during times of visible frustration.  Your recent outburst with the New York Times reporter was perfectly timed.  I realize that today Sarah Palin also congratulated you for sticking it to the "Gotcha' Media," but my congrats is different.  By trying to claim that this reporter had somehow "distorted" your words and your use of that choice expletive, perfectly demonstrated that you are becoming unhinged.  Let's be honest, your chances of securing the nomination are diminishing and your frustration is visible.  It is taking its toll.   It isn't professional.  It isn't presidential.  Furthermore, it only seems to highlight the fact that Mitt Romney has never had one of "those" moments.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Thank you for effectively letting the Etch A Sketch gaffe made by a Romney spokesman blow up in your face.  When you tried to say that the country would be "better off with Obama than an Etch A Sketch president," it was a terrible mistake.   Ironically, this gaffe has now lost its effectiveness and is now more associated with you than with Romney.

Also, congratulations on your Louisiana win.  It only seemed to highlight that your coalition of supporters struggles to reach beyond evangelical Christians.

Lastly, Mr. Santorum, I hope that you see the writing on the wall, especially before another possible loss in your home state of Pennsylvania.  I can't imagine that would help your political aspirations in the future.

All that said, thank you.  Your efforts, tactics, blunders and gaffes have made a difference.  Mitt Romney looks more more prepared, more organized, more mature and quite frankly, more presidential than ever. 

Romney supporters are anxiously awaiting your endorsement.  It goes without saying, the fat lady has entered the stage.


Best regards,

Alecia Williams
-A conservative who is more convinced than ever that Mitt Romney is the right candidate with the right experience who has emerged at the right time.

Crossing The Line

Let's be honest, watching a presidential primary race is exhausting.  It is tricky for candidates to differentiate themselves on shared ideology.  It is kind of like watching two comrades argue about who likes the color blue better than the other.  They both like blue, so each must carefully articulate their case over their rival.  They try to be persuasive.  They try to differentiate.  They try to be clever, but inevitably somone always goes too far and ends up actually covering themselves in blue paint.

It never works.  They look foolish and wind up appearing less and less like a viable candidate and more like a wanna-be contestant for the Blue Man Group.

Well, I think the GOP race has officially entered the "covered-in-blue-paint" phase.  Rick Santorum just may have crossed that fine line of desire and ridiculousness.  He is officially covered in "blue paint."

***

Last night, standing in front a crowd in Texas, Santorum suggested that voters would be better off sticking with Obama than supporting his rival Mitt Romney.  He argued that Mitt is no diffferent than Obama and therefore, "If you are going to be a little different, we might as well stay with what we have (President Obama) instead of taking a risk with what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate of the future."

It is exhausting to think about how damaging his statement really is. 

Photo from Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

Are you serious Mr. Santorum?  America would be better off with a President who has quadrupled the debt, driven the economy to near ruin, used any means necessary to pass his very controversial legislation "Obamacare," has radically changed the culture of our government and who continues to encourage a deeply ideologically divided America?

I cannot believe that Santorum has resorted to this.  I cannot believe that he said that.  It is foolish. It is offensive.  It is damaging.  And he is wrong.  Santorum should be ashamed of himself.  He is no longer fighting for the greatest good, he seems to be fighting for his political pursuits.

***

Our party is looking for the best, most prepared candidate to take on the difficult fight to defeat an incumbent president.  So much is on the line this election and voters know the importance of getting it right.  Voters have had months to get to know these candidates.  They have looked at the candidates, scrutinized their records and are beginning to coalesce around one. 

Millions of voters overwhelmingly agree that Mitt Romney is our best chance.  He has the best organization.  He has the most money, but above all of that, Mitt Romney has the best record.  His experiences and successes will swallow President Obama's.  But more importantly, his resume shows that he knows how to lead America out of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. 

Santorum has lost sight of the real goal which is to replace President Obama.  Unforutunately it appears that his desire to be that replacement has become his obsession and will stop at nothing to be the replacement.  It is not what is best for our party and it is not what is best for our nation.

Perhaps that is why Newt Gingrich came out today and said that Rick Santorum may have gone too far.   In reference to Santorum's remarks, Gingrich said, "I frankly was very surprised that he said it and that I hope he's taking it back."

 Gingrich went on to say, "I may have some very substantial disagreements with Governor Romney.  There is no doubt in my mind that if the choice was Governor Romney or Barack Obama, we would have no choice.  The danger of Obama is so great that I would hope that every candidate running--Ron Paul, Governor Romney, and Senator Santorum--that we would all agree that whoever becomes the Republican nonimee, we have one common goal and that is to defeat Barack Obama."

I couldn't agree more.

Santorum has made a foolish and novice mistake.  He has forgotten that the fight is bigger than one man.  He has also forgotten that it if he drops out, he will be expected to endorse his rival--even if that rival is Mitt.

Santorum has also forgotten that his political future is bright.  He will need a political figure like Romney to help down the road.  He needs to be careful not to poison the waters. 

I hope that Santorum will remember the analogy of frogs in a bucket which I talked about here.  If a frog is placed in an empty bucket, within minutes it can climb and hop its way out, but when multiple frogs are placed in the same bucket, they continually pull each other down and none of them can escape.

If left long enough, all of the frogs will die.

Santorum needs to recognize that the strongest candidate has emerged and it is not him.  Santorum needs to stop pulling and start the role of pushing his rival ahead. 

Mitt Romney is the stronger candidate.  His record is remarkable.  Our party will benefit from his experience and America will prosper under his vision.  Millions of people have recognized it, it might be time for one particular candidate to realize it as well.

Sorry Mr. Satorum, your latest antics demonstrate that you no longer understand the fragile line between political pursuits and looking foolish.  I hate to say it, but I think you are now covered in "blue paint." It isn't working.

A Huge Win and Why This One is Different

Today is undoubtedly a good day for the Romney camp.  A pivotal corner was turned in Romney's landslide victory last night in Illinois.

Image from CBSnews.com

For days, critics were mounting pressure calling the Illinois race a "must-win" for the former governor.  The pressure was real.  The stakes were high.  The outcome was supposed to be a game-changer.

Illinois was supposed to be different.  The question is were they right?  Was it?

Because let's be honest, hasn't every race essentially been a "must-win" for the front runner?  Despite wins in other "must-win" contests, he continues to be labeled as a "weak front runner."

Was Illinois different?  Was it the game changer?

Getty Images

My answer is that they were absolutely right.  The game changed last night and whether or not the rivals want to see it, the writing is on the wall: Mitt Romney is the presumptive nominee.

***

I think one of the most interesting factors in the Illinois primary was that it was really the first time that Republicans were offered a true one-on-one contest.  Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul had all but conceded the state to their rivals.  Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum were entering the state with impressive wins from last week, but it was hard to tell who really had the wind at their back.

Illinois is also a very diverse state where neither Romney nor Santorum had a predominant base.   It is a blue collar, industrial and a suburban rich state--demographics where each candidate seems to have a stronghold.

Truly, Illinois was either man's for the taking.

Reuters Image

So what happened last night?  The answer, Mitt Romney pummeled his rivals in nearly every demographic.  He won handily among blue collar, industrial, suburban, conservative, Tea Party supporting, Catholics, moderates, men, women, nearly every age group and income bracket over $50,000.

It was a landslide victory. Mitt Romney is closing the gaps.  Conservatives are coalescing around him.

CNN reported that among those who identify themselves as "True Conservatives" Mitt Romney won 43% over 39% for Santorum.  Among Tea Party supporters, Romney won 43% to 37% for Santorum.  This is significant because Romney has struggled with these conservatives, but it appears that his message is beginning to resonate.

***

In his victory speech last night, Romney said, "Today, hundreds of thousands of people in Illinois have joined millions of people around the country to join our cause."  He congratulated his rivals for a hard-fought contest and then began confidently address President Obama--a fight Romney would argue he is best suited to fight in November.

In reference to Obama he said, "After the years of too many apologies and not enough jobs, historic drops in income and historic highs in gas prices from a president who doesn't hesitate to use all the means necessary to force Obamacare on the American public, but leads from behind in world affairs, it's time to say, "Enough."

One of the strongest messages of his speech was when he contrasted his experience to that of President Obama.  He said, "For 25 years, I lived and breathed jobs, business and the economy.  I had successes and failures, but each step of the way, I learned a little more about what it is that makes our American system so powerful.

"You can't learn that teaching Constitutional Law.  You can't learn that as a community organizer.  The simple truth is that this President just doesn't understand the genius of America's economy--or the secret of our successes."

Image from Washingtonpost.com

He warned that government regulations like Dodd-Frank have stifled the business culture in America.  He illustrated how much harder it currently is for the entrepreneurial spirit to thrive.  He confidently said, "When we replace a law professor with a businessman, that will end."

He invited others to join his cause,  "This election will be about principle.  Our economic freedom will be on the ballot.  I'm running for president because I have the experience and vision to get us out of this mess."

He ended by reminding us of his vision for America.  "I see an America where we know the prospects for our children will be better than our own...where the values we pass on to our children are greater than the debts we leave them, where poverty is defeated by opportunity, not enabled by a government check."

"I see an America that is humble, but never humbled, that leads but is never led.  Join us.  Together we will ensure that America's greatest days are still ahead."

It was a great speech.  It was inspiring.  It was presidential.

So, was Illinois different?  Absolutely.  Last night's victory was undoubtedly, a game changer.

***

Romney now has 563 delegates.  The Washington Post reported today that he has won 55 percent of the delegates and he only needs to win 46 percent of the remaining delegates to win the nomination.

Santorum has vowed to fight, but sooner or later he will have to realize that his message is now muddied and is becoming less and less effective.  Saying, "Vote for me, I'll block Romney" doesn't feel inspiring.  It doesn't feel motivating.  It doesn't feel presidential.

History has shown that this approach is not how Presidential nominees are chosen.

AFP/Getty Images

Although this race is far from over and there are still many hard contests left, one thing is clear, the tide has shifted.  Romney's superior campaign, unparalleled organization, fundraising skills, lead in delegates, numbers of states won, and his growing number of supporters can give voters the confidence that he best suited to lead our conservative cause and restore conservative principles to the White House.

People are listening.  Perhaps that is why Mitt Romney won the coveted endorsement today of GOP favorite Jeb Bush. In his endorsement, Bush congratulated Romney on his impressive Illinois win and then said it was "time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney."

AP/Steve Senne/Wilfredo Lee)

As of today,  4 million people have voted for Mitt Romney--over 1 million more than those who have voted for Rick Santorum.  The surge is mounting.

It is about time.

Time to Send an "Executive" to the Lead the Executive Branch of Government

Mitt Romney had his most commanding victory yesterday in Puerto Rico.  He won 83% of the votes and was awarded all of the delegates.  His rival Rick Santorum was at a distant second with 8%.

Romney's total delegate count now stands at 521, Rick Santorum at 253, Gingrich at 136 and Ron Paul at 50.  Romney has nearly half of the 1144 delegates needed to secure the nomination.

Mr. Santorum is doing his best to spin the attention away from this mathematical reality.  He continues to slam Mitt Romney and insists on telling Americans that, "Romney cannot be trusted to tell the truth."

(Wow.  Nice job Mr. Santorum.  Have fun clearing that one up when you are forced to endorse him in a few weeks...)

Mr. Santorum's presidential bid is in real trouble.  It is becoming a mathematical reality that he cannot leapfrog Mitt Romney without a brokered convention in August.  A brokered convention is clearly his best chance to secure the nomination.

So what does he do from this point on?  Is his campaign message, "Vote for me so I can block Mitt Romney?"  Really?  I question how much longer that is going to resonate.

Abc News Photo

The bigger question?  What compelling argument will Santorum present at the convention which will motivate hundreds of delegates to switch their allegiance from Romney to Santorum?

Santorum will undoubtedly still be trailing Romney in delegates.  What case can he present to convince the Romney delegates to switch their allegiance?  What is he going to say?  "Please switch and give me your votes.  Mitt Romney might be only 50 votes shy, but I am only 600?"

Not compelling.  Not effective.  Not going to happen.  If his message isn't enough to wipe out Mitt Romney now, I can't imagine it will work in August either.

 ***

The bottom line is simple and Santorum is choosing to overlook this simple fact: People are voting for Mitt Romney because they like him.  These voters didn't accidentally vote for Romney.  They weren't tricked.  Voters have scrutinized Romney's record and more voters want him to be the Republican nominee.   Period.

So, although the races are close, Mitt Romney continues to win.  He has won more states, delegates, and votes than any other candidate.  More people are voting for Romney over Santorum, by choice.

AP Photo

The years that Mr. Santorum spent in Washington DC, voting for expensive programs, voting to raise the debt ceiling 5 times and securing $1 billion in earmarks for his home state, and defending it all now by saying that he voted against his principles to, "take one for the team" is not a record that appears to be convincing enough.

It is not convincing enough now.  I am willing to bet that it won't be convincing enough in August either.

***

Mr. Santorum wants Newt Gingrich to drop out of the race.  He believes it will give him the support needed to win more contests.   He argues that Gingrich supporters would overwhelmingly support him.  Too bad that his theory isn't exactly correct.  A Gallup Survey conducted last week shows that 40% of Gingrich supporters said they would pick Romney, while 39% said they would pick Santorum.

Evan Vucci/AP Photo

Tomorrow is another major contest in Illinois.  Santorum was quoted over the weekend saying, "If I win Illinois, I will be the nominee."  So how would Santorum define a loss in Illinois?  Because according to the most recent American Research Group poll, Romney has widened his lead in Illinois by 14 points.

CNN reported today that 44% of likely Illinois GOP voters support Romney compared to 30% who back Santorum.  This is significant because two weeks ago, Romney's lead was only 4 points. Mitt's message appears to be resonating--Santorum's message is not.  (Click here to read CNN article).

***

I firmly believe that sending an "Executive" with years of "Executive" experience to lead the "Executive Branch of Government" is the best thing we could do for our country.

Mitt Romney is a unique candidate with a remarkable resume.  It is time to rally.  America needs Mitt.

Damage Control...Again

One of the most memorable moments of the 2004 presidential campaign was when Senator Kerry infamously explained his mixed voting record on funding for the Iraq war.  He said, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it."

Image from lattimes.com

Disaster.   (It was as confusing then and as it is today).  Kerry tried to defend his remarks by claiming that it was one of those "inarticulate moments" for a politician.  But damage control couldn't help.  Many argue that his blunder was the final blow to his already faltering campaign.

***

Fast forward.

Rick Santorum is having an "inarticulate moment" of his own...again.  His campaign is in full damage control for another Santorum misstep.

Santorum has been in Puerto Rico ahead of Saturday's primary.  He gave an interview to a San Juan newspaper and responded to questions regarding the island's bid to become the 51state.

AP Photo/Politico.com

Santorum plunged himself into a controversial firestorm when he began to assert that in order for Puerto Rico to become a state, English would have to be the primary language.  He said, "Like in any other state, you have to comply with this and any federal law--and that is that English has to be the main language.  There are states with more than one language...but to be a state in the United States, English has to be the main language."

Hmmm.

Problem?  He is wrong.  There is no federal law requiring English to be the primary language.  In fact, language is never even mentioned in the Constitution.

Many Puerto Ricans were offended.  The New York Times reported here that one state delegate actually admitted withdrawing his support for Santorum.

The Santorum camp is now in full damage control.  They are claiming of course that the senator was "maliciously misquoted" and what he really meant to say was that it is "important for young people to learn English--the language of opportunity."

Really?

The only problem with that defense is that the interview was recorded.  He wasn't "misquoted."  He simply made a foolish statement and asserted himself in a way that was out-of-line, out-of-touch and extreme. Period.

***

A distinct pattern is emerging from the surging candidate:  Controversial statements.  Rescind.  Controversial statements.  Rescind.

A few recent examples of this pattern:

• Obama is a snob for wanting everyone to go to college.  Wait, no, my grandma, wife and daughter went to college.  College is a good idea...

• In reference to women working outside the home, "Too many women want too many things because radical feminists conned them."  Wait no, what he meant to say was....

• Military women should not be on the front lines of combat due to "certain emotions."  Wait, no, what he meant to say was....

• In reference to President Obama and his "Radical Islamic Policies, Phony Ideology, and Comparison to Hilter."  Wait, what he meant to say was...

Patterns.  Santorum continues to make controversial statements and is forced to rescind them every time.

Image from Rawstory.com

I think it is becoming increasingly clear.  Santorum might be in over his head.  Santorum is not learning from his mistakes.  Santorum might not ready for this level of political play.  Santorum's mistakes are a distraction from the real issues.

If he can somehow win the nomination, these continual misstatements will provide the perfect distraction for Obama's failed policies.  The focus won't be on jobs, the fragile economy, the broken housing market, astronomical debt and an inept Congress.  The focus will be on Santorum's "inarticulate moments" and the inevitable damage control that follows.

I hope conservatives are paying attention.  Because I have no doubt that the Obama campaign is watching it all like a hawk.  They can't wait to portray Santorum as extreme and out-of-touch.

The problem is they'll be right.

Costly Mistakes From a Would-Be President

Many people have been captivated by some of the folksy qualities of Rick Santorum.  He drives around in a pickup truck, he wears a sweater vest and just might use the word "folks" more than any candidate on record.   

A lot of people find it endearing.

But, outside of his down-to-earth campaign,  I can't help but ask, do his repeated costly mistakes also make him endearing?

Voters have seemed willing to brush off the fact that Mr. Santorum failed to qualify for nearly a quarter of the delegates in Ohio.  Mistakes which made him ineligible for those coveted delegates.

Did voters also find it endearing when Santorum's tiny campaign staff completely missed the mark in Virginia and they failed to even get his name on the ballot?  Virginia, his birth state and the state where he owns a second home.  Those were gimme delegates that were awarded to his rival.

Costly mistakes continue to follow him.

The next crucial contest is this Tuesday March 20th in Illinois.  The polls are tightening, but it really doesn't matter too much.  Santorum failed to gather enough signatures for 10 of Illinois' 18 congressional districts.  This means that he will not be eligible for 10 delegates of the 54 delegates.

Even bigger mistakes?

In the coming months, there will be four winner-take-all contests, Washington DC, Delaware, New Jersey and Utah.  Mr. Santorum failed to even get his name on the ballot in DC.

According to Abc News, candidates had two easy options to get their name on the DC ballot and they had until January 4th to meet the requirements.  One option, collect 296 signatures and pay $5,000 fee.  The other option was to completely forgo the 296 signatures and instead opt to pay a $10,000 fee.

Santorum failed completely.  He did not obtain 296 signatures.  He did not pay the fee.  In fact, according to DC Board of Elections, the Santorum camp never even made contact with them.

The result? Santorum's name is not on the ballot in a winner-take-all state.

It should be mentioned that Mitt Romney sent his son to personally deliver the fee along with 700 signatures three weeks before the January 4th deadline. (click here to read Abc News article).

Organization.  Priorities.  Quality.

***

The list of missteps continues to get worse--ballot problems, continually saying inappropriate things, continually rescinding those inappropriate comments and his campaign's organization problems.

Costly mistakes.  Novice missteps.  Completely unprofessional organization.

Still endearing?

Are these the qualities we want for a candidate who is going to face an extremely organized, disciplined and brilliant campaigner in the general election?  Furthermore, are these the qualities we want in the leader of the most powerful country in the world?

No wonder the left is salivating at the thought of facing Rick Santorum.

Carlson/AP Photo

It is important to ask, are these mistakes evidence of an individual who just might be in over his head?  In a race that is now all about delegates, these mistakes just might be catastrophic missteps.

I would argue that they should be.

***

In the meantime, Romney's name will be on every ballot.  He'll continue to advocate for more jobs, smaller government and less debt.  He'll continue to manage his world-class campaign, but above all, Mitt Romney will continue to rack up the endorsements from Santorum's colleagues.

(Today, Romney's campaign announced the support of Illinois House Republican Leader and the endorsement of seventeen State Representatives and one State Senator).

Organization matters.

Go Mitt!

Can Mitt Overcome his Evangelical Problem?

Last night's election results were obviously disappointing--

Well, actually, let me clarify--half the results of yesterday's contests were disappointing.  Mitt Romney lost two tight battles in Alabama and Mississippi, but he still won the American Samoa's and the state of Hawaii.

Ironically, despite the hype over Santorum's wins, Romney won 41 total delegates from Tuesday's contests, compared to 35 for Rick Santorum.  So, despite Santorum wins, Romney continues to come out ahead--with every race, he cushions his lead.

But I am not going to lie, a win in the deep south would have been a much needed boost for Romney. Oddly enough, exit polls showed that Romney was overwhelmingly seen as the best candidate to beat President Obama, yet, somehow his electability wasn't enough to win him a check mark on the ballot.

Why is that?

The answer is becoming increasingly clear.  Mitt Romney continues to face a deep resistance and prejudice to his Mormon faith.

The site politico.com ran an interesting article about it.  (Click here to read).  The article cited that 20 percent of Republican said they would not vote for a Mormon for president.  The bias is even deeper among Southern evangelicals--31 percent said they were unwilling to vote for a Mormon.

This is a huge problem.

Image from evangelicalsformitt.org

This bias is real.  The prejudice is deep.

The result? Voters are justifying support for a weaker general election candidate, Rick Santorum.  A candidate whose business and economic leadership pales in comparison to Mitt Romney.

The trick for Romney?  He cannot ignore this portion of the base.  He could of course, continue to secure the nomination, but without them, he cannot expect to win the general election.

***

Question for the day:  How can Mitt Romney help evangelicals overcome concerns about his faith and focus on his resume not his religion? 


Furthermore, why is the burden only on Mitt?  Do evangelicals have a role to play?

***

A few weeks ago, I stumbled on a fascinating website called, "Evangelicals for Mitt."  It is a collection of articles written by 4 individuals--all evangelicals--who although do not endorse Mormon theology--are supporting and strongly endorsing Mitt Romney.

These individuals are convinced that he is the best candidate.  They argue that he is driven by the right principles, values and has the resume that should silence all critics.

Yesterday, they dedicated a post to answer some reader mail.  A question was asked, "How do you think Mitt Romney can overcome his "Evangelical problem?"

Their answer was quite remarkable.

The writer replied:

"I'm not sure that Gov. Romney has an "evangelical problem" to overcome so much as evangelicals have a confusion problem to overcome.  That is, we get confused about the difference between pulpits and politics, between theology and values.  We need to overcome our ill-considered insistence that the people we elect as presidents meet the same criteria we'd use to elect our pastors.  We need to understand that while it is proper--indeed, to take theology very seriously, it is foolish to insist that our politicians share it.  Rather what matters when it comes to politicians is how their theology manifests itself in terms of their values and their policy priorities." (Click here to read entire post).

Wow.  Interesting take on a very real issue.

The site has an interesting section called, "Why We Support Mitt."  I highly recommend taking a minute to read their perspective and analysis of Mitt Romney.  They are brave individuals who despite the hate mail they receive, are tirelessly working to break down prejudices and help elect the best conservative candidate.

Image from Politico.com

I truly appreciate their efforts.  I agree with them and I hope their efforts will continue to break down barriers and eradicate deeply rooted resistance.

***

Intolerance in the political arena is not okay.  Martin Luther King Jr. imagined a day in our nation when all would be judged by nothing but the content of our character.

How different would America feel today if we truly let that wisdom dictate our actions?

I am hopeful that prejudices can erode and that bigotry will no longer have such a prominent place in America.

I am hopeful that when it comes to choosing our leaders, Americans will continue to place greater weight on an individual's values and the content of their character rather than how that individual chooses to address their Maker.

A Refreshing Perspective from...The Washington Post?

According to headlines and cable talk show programs, today marks another day of "must-win" primaries for Mitt Romney.

Really?

Mitt Romney has a significant lead in delegates, he is leading in all national polls and yet the focus today is that the primaries in Alabama and Mississippi are must-wins for Romney?  Is he the only candidate with something to prove today?  Of course not,  but you would never know it.

Getty Images

Last time I checked, Newt Gingrich has won only 2 contests out of 27.   I think it goes without saying that today should mark a lethal turning point for the future of the Gingrich campaign.   

Why isn't today a "must-win" for Rick Santorum? 

He is losing this race.  He trails Mitt Romney in delegate totals by more than double.  It should be mentioned that ironically, in every future primary where Santorum is set to win, not one of those states is a "winner take all" primary.  Meaning that even if Santorum wins, Romney will still get delegates.  In other words, Santorum wins will continue to cushion Mitt Romney's lead.

When is anyone it the media going to hold Santorum accountable for the future of his campaign?  Instead we just get incessant scrutiny of the front-runner Mitt Romney.

***

Even Fox news host Sean Hannity is contributing to the bias.

I have never heard him scrutinize Santorum's costly mistakes or the fact that Santorum connects only with the ultra conservatives.  He also never mentions Newt Gingrich's inability to win pivotal races.  Instead, Hannity leads discussions discrediting Romney's victories and continues to advocate a drawn out primary.  He even encourages the idea of a brokered Republican convention.

It is ridiculous.

Image from Huffingtonpost.com

Truth of the matter is Mr. Hannity, I don't care that Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton battled it out until June.  They were not facing an incumbent president.  It is a much different fight for us.  A drawn out fight will undoubtedly devastate the conservative cause.

I realize that you are desperate for Newt Gingrich to pull this off, but he is done.  Sorry.  But the good news is that our party is rallying behind an amazing candidate who will be a remarkable president.   I know this candidate is not your first choice, but Romney will most likely be the nominee.  It might be time to rally the troops.

***

There is however, one steady voice of reason from someone in the elite media.  Someone that isn't blogging on a pro-Mitt Romney website.  (Not that there is anything wrong with that!) That voice of reason is Jennifer Rubin, an opinion writer for The Washington Post.

Image from washingtonpost.com

Rubin is closely observing the GOP race and she is doing an excellent job of saying it like it is.  Namely, that Mitt Romney has emerged as the more impressive candidate.  Day after day, she raises questions about Rick Santorum's costly mistakes.  She also highlights the damage he has done to the conservative cause with his inability to control his tongue.  She often mentions that these mistakes have simply demonstrated Santorum's distinct inability to lead.

(I think it should be mentioned that Rubin originally supported Rick Santorum).

She wrote a remarkable column yesterday called, "Santorum's Executive Deficit." (Click here to read the article).  I highly recommend taking a minute to read this short column.  Her perspective on the candidates is quite refreshing and extremely enlightening.

Thank you Ms. Rubin for telling it like it is.  Thank you for not downplaying Romney's wins or choosing to simply focus on his inability to connect with a portion of the base.

I completely agree with you, Mitt Romney is a remarkable candidate.