Posted on 05/20/2007 2:54:16 PM PDT by Reaganesque
The new Des Moines Register poll shows an AMAZING jump for Romney up to 30%!!! He has a double digit lead over Giuliani and McCain (17% and 18% respectively). This is among "Likely Republican Caucus-goers" and exclude unannounced possible candidates (F. Thompson and Newt namely).
However, these figures are far from "set in stone":
The race at this early stage could take many twists and turns before the Iowa finish line is reached in January.
Twelve percent of those polled are undecided or declare themselves uncommitted. Among those stating a preference, 87 percent say they could still be persuaded to support another candidate as their first choice.
Why is he surging? Some ideas below:
Romney’s front-runner status in the new Des Moines Register poll could stem in part from solid performances in the two national debates, his work in building a network of supporters in Iowa, his fundraising prowess and money spent on TV ads, said J. Ann Selzer, The Register’s pollster.
“His success raising money seems to have aroused caucusgoers’ interest, prompting them to take a serious look at the candidate,” Selzer said. “He’s helped by the top two qualifications Republican caucusgoers are looking for in a candidate — experience as a governor and as CEO.”
The poll shows Romney is regarded favorably by 74 percent of likely caucus participants and unfavorably by just 13 percent, with the rest unsure how they feel about him.
He does better in the poll among older Iowans, who tend to be more faithful in attending the caucuses, than he does among younger ones. Roughly one-third of those 55 or older make him their first choice, compared with support from about one-fifth of adults younger than 35.
Some opinions from participants:
Republican caucusgoers place a premium on a candidate who has experience as a governor, with 60 percent saying they are more likely to support a person with that experience on their resume.
“Just being elected out east, where the hard core of the Democrats are, speaks pretty highly of” Romney, said poll participant Edward Green, 57, of Davenport.
“He’s got a good family and his children are on the right track,” said Green, a minister who does missions work for Assemblies of God International.
Green wonders, however, whether Romney — a Mormon — can win the Republican nomination because of his religion. “People will poke and prod at his religion — a lot like they did with Kennedy in the ’60s.” John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, was the first Catholic elected president.
Most likely Republican caucus participants — 71 percent — say it makes no difference in their choice of a candidate if that person would be elected the first Mormon president. However, 22 percent say that would make their support for the candidate less likely.
Six percent say electing the first Mormon president would make them more apt to support that person and 1 percent are unsure.
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Iowa is a nice microcosm proving that those who get to know Romney . . . like Romney. His campaign is picking up steam and will be hard to derail. Full steam ahead to the Ames Straw Poll!!!
Well, from your tone, and your lack of the civility to condemn their tactics, it would seem that you have no problem with it. So be it.
Cold Heat and EV have been long time adversaries, arguing political strategy long, long (a number of years) before Mitt began his presidential bid. They have had quite a contentious relationship. EV should have explained that to you, instead of making it appear it was only about Mitt. It's about so much more.
Tell me, how are these folks any different from Ed Rendell’s union thugs? Personally, I don’t see one ounce of difference...they are those who use threats of physical violence to attempt to silence their political foes.
By the way, my opinion of Reaganesque has skyrocketed today.
One way it's different from the situation we experienced is that it occurred in Cyberspace (not in person) and you didn't actually get physically intimidated and beaten up.
No, and I won’t be “intimidated or beat up”, either.
Really? It's still up on this thread in post #303. His further merely libelous comments were taken down.
When someone talks about "knowing where you live," that's pretty "personal" don't you think?
And I won't be tainted by a disagreement and contention between two people going back a number of years, either. Nor will I allow it to be used to intimidate, curtail or stifle me.
Wow! I was out of the loop. Don’t know exactly what transpired but hopefully you feel vindicated. Sorry ‘bout that.
Looks orange, like he’s had one too many hits on the self-tanner bottle. Reminds me of someone...I just can’t figure out who.....hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Hey, if you want to brush off the fact that two people in two days threatened me with physical violence, saying that they’re going to come to my home and to do me and mine harm, that’s your call.
But, I’d still stand between you and Rendell’s goons given the opportunity.
JR, his mods, myself, and Reaganesque had this handled, until several others, then yourself, decided to come along and stir it all up again. Leave it be, and I will. I’ve only continued to discuss it at all because you folks have made it impossible not to.
Obviously he was most wrong to have threatened you that way, and he should have been banned.
And you were wrong to opportunistically use it, to pretend it was all about Mitt and to taint Mitt's supporters, when the disagreement that began between the two of you started long ago. Two wrongs don't make a right.
In such a situation none of us owe you an apology. However, Cold Heat does.
It’s fine. And it’s no reflection on anybody but the perpetrators.
The first threat came two days ago. I made no use of that in the way you suggest at all. The second came today. I made no use of that in the way you suggest at all. I've posted only in response to those who have posted to me on this thread. Thank you.
Yes, you did in post #304.
No I didn’t. I made a factual statement.
That was a direct response to the words, “I know where you live.” If you think you’d react any better, I think you’re kidding yourself.
Your inference that I’ve used it against other Romney supporters in some sort of broadbrush way is false and malicious. I haven’t. However, your continued personal attacks and badgering are making me want to.
Our family will always been grateful to the Mormon boys (19 & 20 Year old blonde headed boys) that re-introduced us to the Bible. That Book o’ Mormon thingy got tossed forthwith but we always thank the Mormons for showing us the glaring differences.
You are REALLY full of yourself if you honestly believe anyone has the slightest interest in doing actual physical harm to you over your tedious posts.
My sister was brutally murdered three short years ago. Since then, if someone makes a threat, our family takes that threat very seriously. We also take precautions to make sure that those threats cannot ever be carried out.
Your continuation of this thread is reflecting very badly on you.
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