SacBee: “Romney not seeing the love or cash this time”
>>>> Billionaire Southern California developer Ed Roski, a Romney man four years ago, also remains on the sidelines, at least for now.
Sacramento consultant Rob Stutzman, a top GOP operative who was part of Romney’s effort in 2007 and 2008, hasn’t re-enlisted. Nor has Orange County GOP chairman Scott Baugh, who was key to Romney’s finance operation four years ago. Baugh isn’t endorsing anyone for now.
Former California Republican Party chairman Michael Schroeder was Romney’s California political director in 2007. This year, he is leaning toward Perry, though Perry is not expected to decide whether to enter the race until August.
“Donors and volunteers need to have a reason to get involved. You have to have someone who grabs your imagination, and there isn’t anyone yet,” Schroeder said.
Republicans are forever looking for their next Ronald Reagan. Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Chico, believes that candidate will be Perry, and circulated the letter signed by 19 legislators, including Harkey, encouraging the Texan to run for president.
Perry is playing heavily to evangelical Christians, which could help in a GOP primary but not in a general election. The safe bet is that Romney will end up with the nomination. But for now, Republicans in his sometimes home state of California are having second thoughts that he is the one.<<<<
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/21/3783542/romney-not-seeing-the-love-or.html
>>>>Potential candidate meets Valley GOP leaders — Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is mulling the possibility of seeking the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, was in and out of a Fresno meeting Wednesday afternoon in one hour.
But that was long enough to leave several invited business, political and agricultural leaders impressed.
“He was real competent, clear,” said former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson. “He spoke 40 minutes extemporaneously, and he hit all the hot-button issues.”
Wednesday’s event – which was hosted by local businessman Richard Spencer and former Assembly Member Mike Villines – was held at Spencer’s office at Harris Construction.
It was closed to the media, and Perry’s only public display was to roll down his window and wave to the television cameras as he left the event.......
What Andreas Borgeas, Brand’s fellow Fresno City Council member, liked best was that Perry took the time to visit Fresno this early in the campaign. No other Republican candidate has bothered to do that, he said.<<<
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/07/20/2471051/possible-presidential-candidate.html