Poll: Romney opens up lead on McCain, Giuliani [Zogby NH]

UniionLeader.com ^ | May 17, 2007 | By GARRY RAYNO

[Jim Robinson]

MANCHESTER – According to a nationally recognized pollster, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has opened up a double-digit lead in New Hampshire over his two closest rivals.

A New Zogby International telephone poll posted on its Web site shows Romney jumping to 35 percent support from 25 percent a month ago.

His closest competitors, Arizona Sen. John McCain, who won the 2000 New Hampshire Presidential Primary, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, both stand at 19 percent in the poll conducted May 15 and 16 with a margin or error of plus or minus 4.5 percent.

McCain's support has dropped from 25 percent a month ago, while Giuliani's remains steady.

Romney regional campaign spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said she did not want to speak specifically about the poll, but did say the campaign has had great success building its grass roots organization in New Hampshire.

"The more Governor Romney actively campaigns in New Hampshire and voters have a chance to see him and hear him speak, the more his message of bringing change Washington resonates and the more excitement builds for our campaign," she said.

Romney also has a slight lead in an Iowa poll released Wednesday. Iowa holds the first caucus in the presidential sweepstakes.

Pollster John Zogby said in a statement "For Romney, this is a good couple of weeks. The real news is his significant gains in support in both Iowa . . . and now New Hampshire. He clearly already has the three M's : media, money and momentum. For critics, who will pooh-pooh his lead in neighboring New Hampshire, he has actually widened his lead against two party icons, one of whom, Giuliani, has stayed static since January, and the other, McCain, who has declined."

[GregH]

It is pretty obvious that as more and more people get to know more about Mitt Romney, they like him.
Compare this to Giuliani which is the opposite.

A majority of American men will vote for Romney because he is positive, business minded and inspiring and one who is a American success story who will bring about change in washington if elected. Lots of women will like him too because of his looks and speaking style.

[ears_to_hear]

I am looking for newt to enter the race very soon. He will carry true conservative voters .

I am afraid Romney is ‘Bush lite’

[Unmarked Package]

"Also, his dealing with Iran needs to be updated, as we’ve now witnessed all of those points initiated by both the US and the UN with no isolation and no containment."

I don't see evidence that the U.S. or U.N. have implemented the elements of Gov. Romney's 5-Point Plan to confront Iran anywhere near the degree he proposes

Romney's proposals go much further than the status quo, particularly in regards to complete strategic divestment from companies that support Iran, indictment of Ahmadinejad under the terms of the Genocide Convention for incitement to genocide, a policy from the President made public warning Iran that nuclear material used by terrorists traced to them will reap a devastating response, and a new alliance with moderate Islamic states to address socio-economic needs to fight radical Jihadists.

The plan is more confrontational with Iran, with the military option clearly on the table, and more creative in recognizing that threatened Islamic states must solve the problem of radical Jihad internally with non-Wahabi public schools, micro credit and banking, the rule of law, human rights, basic health care, and competitive economic policies.

[jedward]

“I don’t see evidence that the U.S. or U.N. have implemented the elements of Gov. Romney’s 5-Point Plan to confront Iran anywhere near the degree he proposes”

I must say that your response was impressive. I’d like to note the below resolutions of what’s been the status quo so far.

S/RES/1696 (2006) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1696%20(2006)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC

S/RES/1737 (2006) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1737%20(2006)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC

S/RES/1747 (2007) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1747%20(2007)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC

Dept. of State and Exec supported these resolutions/sactions. See Annex 1 in RES 1747 for the most recent additions of companies included in the sanctioning.

A key difference I did notice was the indictment of Ahmedinejad.

Regarding point 1: We’re not going to get any more help from the EU on sanctioning Iran, so the sanctioning gig is up in my eyes. Regarding the general word “sanctions” I would just point one toward North Korea as a failed example of sactions.

Point 2: “Second, we need to impose diplomatic isolation of Iran’s Government.” I agree with that. Would Mitt Romney in your opinion discourage President Karzi of Aghanistan to welcome a visit from Ahedinejad?

Point 3: From the comments in the link you provided, it sounds good, but it’ll never happen. Read the Arab League Charter for my reasoning.

Point 4: Ok.

Point 5: He would have to have a DOS with a backbone. I liked the very last part of Point 5.

He mentioned in point 3, ‘...telling the Palestinians they must drop terror and recognize Israel’s right to exist.’ If only it were that easy. He seems to recognize the pivotal role with Palestine, but if he says “cut the flow of funds”, I would hope he would stick to it. North Korea has played us with the money game and freeze/thaw of funds. I’d like to see us stick to our committments in those areas.

[Unmarked Package]

"Would Mitt Romney in your opinion discourage President Karzi of Aghanistan to welcome a visit from Ahedinejad?"

I certainly think Gov. Romney would apply pressure on President Karzi of Afghanistan, and any other of our allies, to refuse visits by Ahmadinejad and make the leadership of Iran a pariah on the world stage. An important part of Romney's strategy to isolate Iran diplomatically is to present the leadership of Iran as unworthy of the world's respect. He used his limited authority as governor in MA to shame the Iranians in a symbolic way.

Mitt Romney denied Massachusetts state police protection to Iran’s former President Khatami when he visited Boston to speak at Harvard. Romney thought it was a mistake for Harvard to invite Khatami to the U.S., calling it, "a disgrace to the memory of all Americans who have lost their lives at the hands of extremists, especially on the eve of the five-year anniversary of 9/11."
^{(Romney Denounces Khatami Visit to Harvard, September 5, 2006)}

[redgirlinabluestate]

I must say that your response was impressive.

As always UP! We, Romney fans, are lucky to have a resource like you. It's a plus that you always remain a gentlemen as well. Wish it would rub off on more people around here.

[jedward]

Thanks for the reply Unmarked Package. Below is the reason I asked that question. When I originally read the story I was shocked, and then waited for word from DOS or Exec, and nothing. I personally was dissapointed not to see any pressure. There aren’t too many crystal clear opportunities to be successful at diplomatic isolation, but I definately view that as one. Also, I remember the State Police story! That was very good to hear!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Iran president to visit Afghanistan
www.chinaview.cn 2007-04-15 18:53:33
Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

KABUL, April 15 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would pay an official visit to Afghanistan within the next two months, Afghan Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta said Sunday.

“At the invitation of President Karzai, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would visit Afghanistan possibly in June and the exact date would be decided through mutual consultations,” Spanta told newsmen here.

~Excerpt~

Full
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/15/content_5979481.htm

[jedward]

“It’s a plus that you always remain a gentlemen as well. Wish it would rub off on more people around here.”

I do try. If someone’s motives towards me are ill, I’m not quite as friendly :) You guys/gals have been awsome in discussing a candidate. If you didn’t see the other attitudes, you wouldn’t appreciate the good one’s near as much :)