Posted on 12/26/2007 9:51:16 PM PST by Ol' Sparky
WARNINGS ARE written like a billboard all over Mitt Romney. He has used his fortune to buy the most transparently shameless act of political plastic surgery I've ever seen. His blatant flip flops on a laundry list of key issues are pure calculation to win conservative votes. His loose regard for truth puts him in league with Bill and Hillary Clinton.
To measure Mitt Romney's allegiance to our party, look no further than the words of top Massachusetts Republicans who have seen him in operation over four years.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci, former state treasurer Joe Malone, former state GOP Chairman Jim Rappaport and three of Massachusetts' five Republican state senators all oppose Mitt Romney (and support Rudy Giuliani, as I do). "I think a lot of people in the state definitely feel abandoned," said Senate Republican leader Richard Tisei. "Gov. Romney spent three of the four years of his governorship out of state running for President."
In 2006, Massachusetts Republicans did not even run candidates in 130 of 200 legislative seats and in seven of 10 congressional districts. The Green-Rainbow Party put up more candidates for statewide office than Republicans. "The Massachusetts Republican Party died last Tuesday [Nov. 7, 2006] . . . In lieu of flowers, send messages to New Hampshire Republican voters warning them about a certain presidential candidate named Romney," editorialized the Boston Herald.
Consider the timing of Mitt Romney's flips: are they evidence of late-blooming enlightenment or political calculation?
-- Illegal Immigration. In a November 30, 2005, interview with The Boston Globe, Romney called the elements of the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill "reasonable proposals." By March 2007, finger to the wind, Romney was roundly denouncing the same bill.
-- Casino gambling. Campaigning for governor in 2002, Mitt Romney indicated his support for slots casinos in Massachusetts. He flipped on Sept. 16, 2005, when Iowa conservatives threatened to boycott his campaign fundraisers.
-- Abortion. In his 2002 governor's race, Romney's platform stated, "The choice to have an abortion is a deeply personal one. Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not the government's." In a July 26, 2005, Boston Globe op-ed, Romney wrote, "I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. . . . I believe that the states . . . should determine their own abortion laws."
-- Gay and lesbian issues. "We must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern," Romney wrote in 1994. Romney promised to outdo Ted Kennedy by winning "full equality" for gays and lesbians, by opposing a federal constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, and by advocating gays serving openly in the military. During his 2002 campaign for governor, Romney distributed flyers at a gay pride parade reaffirming his support. Then, on Dec. 14, 2006, Mitt Romney announced his flip on gay issues in an interview with National Review.
-- Global warming. On Nov. 7, 2005, Gov. Romney touted the 30 months and half a million dollars his administration had spent shaping the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will reduce global warming gas pollution by 10 percent by 2019. "I'm convinced it is good business," said Romney. On Dec. 14, 2005, one hour before clearing the way for his presidential ambitions by announcing that he would not run again for governor, Mitt Romney abruptly pulled Massachusetts out of the agreement, saying it would be bad for business.
-- Health care mandate. In 2005, Gov. Romney proposed and in 2006 signed into law an under-funded universal health care plan, including a mandate that all individuals lacking it buy health insurance, substantially similar to Hillary Clinton's proposed plan. On the stump in 2007, Romney reversed and now opposes his own plan and its central feature, the insurance mandate.
Republicans willing to grant Romney a full pass on his litany of flips may be more disturbed by his slick treatment of the truth. For example: "I've been a hunter pretty much all my life," Romney told a gun rights activist in Keene in April. It turns out Romney has hunted only twice in his life, once when he was 15 and again at 60.
Likewise, earlier this year, Romney said, "I have a gun of my own." When questioned two days later, he admitted that, while his son owned a gun, he did not.
And finally, "My father and I marched with Martin Luther King Jr. through the streets of Detroit," Romney told The Boston Globe in 1978. The story was adjusted as of December 2007, when he said that he "saw" his father march with MLK. Both claims are false. In attempting to explain his way out, Mitt Romney turns ominously Clintonian: "If you look at the literature, if you look at the dictionary, the term 'saw' includes being aware of in the sense I've described."
It is impossible to determine what Mitt Romney believes. He cannot be trusted to stick with his promises or positions on the major issues. If Republicans allow Mitt Romney to win on Jan. 8, we will have abjectly failed our single most persuasive claim to the first primary: that we are scrupulous in uncovering the real candidate and that we cannot be fooled.
Jim Rubens is a former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party platform committee and was a state senator from 1994 to 1998.
Or.. in case that wasn't meant to be sarcastic, as some other juvenile posts of yours might indicate, then you are saying:
- GET THIS, EVERYBODY -
That Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani are the "real leaders" of the Republican Party!!!
You are TRULY out to lunch.
And what's with this "kos kid" business? What is "kos"? Is this some obscure slur?
Kos is where the liberalloons hang out, no doubt Ridge’s first stop on the internet expressway every morn’... ;-)
What is this all about I still am trying to understand the heart of man.
Each of us who claim to follow Jesus Christ are told to be
Matt. 16: 24
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8: 34
34 ¶ And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 9: 23
23 ¶ And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Did not Jesus tell us to forget self and strive to do good and be kind towards each other.
So how can that be when the children among themselves at times disagree, and instead of lettings their fellowman be when their different opinion and having an option to choose to agree to disagree.
But instead some choose words to hurled at another such as “sycophant” which is such a caustic reply to someone that has a contrary thought!
I have seen this time and time again take place.
What does that do for the person who says it, does it pay the rent, feed the baby, or being mean make one feel happy to make another feel rejected etc? (which does not come from a fellower of Jesus)
Why do professing Christians treat each other like this and when the Lord said forget self, which is impossible when one is acting mean towards another child of God, surely the Spirit of the Lord is not with them that show no love towards their fellowman!
When are the followers of Jesus going to follow Jesus?
romney’s former tax/immigration/health insurance policies don’t create a warm fuzzy feeling toward the future!!!!
Truth hurts.
This is the conclusion to which I have come. I don't have the slightest idea what he believes or will do. The same with Huck. The more I hear about these two, the less I know.
I do know Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter are the only two conservatives running for president and I do know that Hunter has no chance. Therefore, it's full speed ahead for Fred.
Yet these guys are endorsing Giuliani, who’s even more liberal (if, perhaps, more honest about admitting it!).
Look, neither Romney nor Giuliani is a BAD guy. Just way too liberal for me to support in the PRIMARY. (Of course I’d support either in a general election, but let’s try for someone to their right first.)
Mitt is more liberal the your Austrian Gov. but that is OK.
Many conservatives in MA feel this way, myself included. The only difference is, we voted for him in 2002. As Pete Townsend says, won't get fooled again.
They did. He governed conservatively. It wasn't too popular with the folks in Massachusetts who are 75% democrat, I guess. Too bad. The more MSM liberal newspapers who diss him, and the more Rudy supporters who trash him, the better! Who needs them?
_______________________________
I'll stick with these guys instead:
.
Dr. John Willke, a Founder of the Pro-Life Movement Nationally and Internationally, Served for 10 Years as President of The National Right To Life Committee and Helped Found the Organization: "Unlike other candidates who only speak to the importance of confronting the major social issues of the day, Governor Romney has a record of action in defending life. Every decision he made as Governor was on the side of life. I know he will be the strong pro-life President we need in the White House. Governor Romney is the only candidate who can lead our pro-life and pro-family conservative movement to victory in 2008."
Paul Weyrich, Chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, current National Chairman of Coalitions for America, founder and past director of the American Legislative Exchange Council, the founding president of the Heritage Foundation, and co-founder of the Moral Majority with the late Jerry Falwell: "As he travels across the country, Governor Romney has outlined a blueprint to build a stronger America rooted in our common conservative principles. With a clear conservative vision to move America forward, he will strengthen our economy, our military and our families. More importantly, he already has an exceptional record of putting conservative values to work. Because of his experience, vision and values, I am proud to support Governor Romney."
Dr. Bob Jones III, Chancellor of Christian fundamentalist Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC: "This is all about beating Hillary [Clinton]. And I just believe that this man has the credentials both personally and ideologically in terms of his view about what American government should be to best represent the rank and file of conservative Americans. As a Christian I am completely opposed to the doctrines of Mormonism, but I’m not voting for a preacher. I’m voting for a president. It boils down to who can best represent conservative American beliefs, not religious beliefs."
Robert R. Taylor, Dean of the college of arts and sciences at Bob Jones University: "We’re not electing a pastor — we’re electing a president."
Mark DeMoss, president of The DeMoss Group, a public relations firm for evangelical Christian groups and causes: "After spending months researching his life and his record, and hours with him (and his wife and staff) in his home, his office and on the road, I am convinced his values practically mirror my own—values about the sanctity of life, the sacredness of marriage, the importance of the family, character and integrity, free enterprise and smaller government.
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), National Co-Chair of Romney for President Campaign: "I believe that he is exactly the leader America needs to secure our future. Americans are tired of the same old ideas that keep coming out of Washington. They are hungry for a leader who will draw on America’s strength. I would like Governor Romney to know that key Republicans like you want him to run for President."
U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), National Co-Chair of Romney for President Campaign: "I am proud to stand alongside Governor Romney as he campaigns to build a stronger America. For months, the people of New Hampshire have had the opportunity to meet Governor Romney all over the state and listen to his ideas for bringing change to Washington. Mitt Romney embodies New Hampshire's values – values that stress government living within its means, lower taxes, a stronger military and stronger families. Governor Romney is the strong leader we need to lead America forward. He has the experience, vision and values needed to be our next President."
U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO): "While several of the candidates appear to be committed to our cause [immigration reform], there are others whose records as public servants are abysmal on this issue. They have been on the other side of the battle for years and encouraging and even inviting, in a way, illegal immigrants into the country. I fear that remaining in this race, when I know I cannot win, could contribute to the nomination of one of those candidates. We have done too much. We have come too far. The stakes are way too high for me to allow that to happen. And so today I’m doing two things that I believe are in the best interests of this cause, and that cause is, of course, a secure America. I am withdrawing from the race and I’m endorsing Governor Romney for president of the United States."
Sheriff Joe Arpaio - Maricopa County, Arizona: “I like him,” Arpaio said of Mitt Romney. “He’s a man of principle, of good character. He did a great job in Massachusetts and I feel he’s going to make a great president.” “I’m sure the governor believes in my philosophy too,” Arpaio said. “He sure would not be asking for my endorsement if he didn’t believe in what I’m doing.”
Kay Granger, Highest Ranking Republican Woman In The U.S. House Of Representatives: “Governor Romney is a proven leader and natural problem solver. He has demonstrated the ability to turn problems into successes. As Americans, we need his leadership in Washington. He is the only candidate to demonstrate that he has a strategy to make America stronger by returning to our core conservative principles that have made this country so great. I am proud to join his campaign.”
U.S. Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), top Republican on the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: "Governor Romney understands that a President must focus on both current and emerging threats to our nation and that an agile and aggressive intelligence community provides America's first line of defense against those threats."
U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), Ranking Republican Member of the House Judiciary Committee: "Governor Romney is the only candidate in this race who has the ability to take Washington apart and put it back together, so that it works better for the American people. I am happy to endorse his candidacy for President. He understands the importance of getting America back to conservative principles and common sense leadership. Governor Romney is the right choice for Americans who want to see change in Washington."
U.S. Congressman Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), former research physicist, member of the Science and Technology Committee: "When I evaluate candidates, I look first for integrity, competence, and a good, common sense philosophy of governance. Mitt Romney scores astoundingly high on all points. Governor Romney is a candidate with an innovative vision for America. In the course of his impressive career, he has earned a solid reputation for successfully solving enormous problems that others thought couldn't be solved. With Governor Romney in the White House, we will have the strongest possible leader to enhance America's competitiveness through science, technology, engineering and education. I proudly endorse his campaign."
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt: “Mitt Romney's strong conservative principles are right for America. He is a strong leader and a proven problem solver - in private business, the Olympics, and as Governor. Governor Romney lives the American values that we cherish. I believe he has a great vision for the future of the United States.”
Former Governor of Colorado Bill Owens: "Well, I think he's one of the brightest people I've ever seen in public office. He's a businessman, he's a manager. He understands markets, he understands the private sector. He is a conservative, he wants to cut taxes. You know, he's a Republican who was elected in Massachusetts, which has about 12% of its voters who are Republican. He was able to win that election, and we saw what he did at the Olympics."
Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: “Mitt Romney also has the right vision for the future of our country. We can trust him to keep America safe at home by defeating the Jihadists abroad; and keep America strong by reigning in government spending, keeping taxes low, protecting the values we believe in, and confronting head on the new generation of challenges currently facing our nation.”
Lou Sheldon, head of the Traditional Values Coalition: “When I give my support for a candidate, I am giving the green light, if he wins, all the way down the line in terms of so many moral and social issues...My thinking is that Mitt Romney is a person with the experience and with the Jude[o-]Christian moral values,” Sheldon told CBN’s David Brody, adding that he’d “been around Mormons long enough to know that when they pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ they are sincere about that-- that he is the Lord and the redeemer and the one that they have to be answerable to."
Jay Sekulow, Constitutional Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate: "Governor Romney has a strong record of defending traditional values and supporting the faith community. He is the one candidate who has spoken to the importance of promoting stronger families. In Washington, he will stand alongside those defending our most important values."
James Bopp, Jr., Pro-Life Advocate, Campaign Finance and Election Law Attorney: "I believe that Governor Romney is the best qualified person for President. He is a fiscal and social conservative, he has impressive administrative experience in the private, non-profit and public sectors, and he is a proven and successful politician."
Camille Solberg, past President of the Wisconsin Coalition for Traditional Marriage: "Governor Romney has a strong record on the issues that matter most to social conservative voters. Facing unprecedented challenges to some of our most basic values, he acted to promote a culture of life, defend traditional marriage and strengthen the family. His is a record of action and a platform social conservatives can and are supporting. I am honored to be a part of his team."
Romney has the most GOP endorsements (but, of course, they are all RINOs, and paid off and liars and brainwashed and such). View a list of U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives endorsing Gov. Romney (32 as of 12/01/2007) compiled by TheHill.com
View a list of state legislators endorsing Gov. Romney in Iowa (16), Michigan (40), Nevada (5), New Hampshire (14) and South Carolina (10) compiled by The Washington Post.
Yes, that was what happened months ago, but now people are posting stuff like this from Rudy supporters and saying we should LISTEN to their opinions because they are attacking Romney.
Don’t respond to the words, attack the poster.
I’m no fan of Romney, but if that left-wing scumbag Paul Cellucci hates him, that’s a blazing endorsement in my book.
Republicans from that part of the country have displayed political cowardice for decades, which is why Ted Kennedy still has a freakin job....
Pro-choice RINOs oppose Mitt Romney, support Rudy/McCain. No surprise.
The surprise is that lots of conservatives Support Mitt Romney because they've figured out he is a genuine leader who will do a great job as President.
Romney’s real competition isn’t Fred ... but Huckabee, Rudy and McCain are. Those are the top 4 now.
Those Fredheads clamoring for Romney’s defeat are just paving the way for a Rudy, McCain or Huckabee victory.
Is that what you want? A lot of these attacks on Mitt have from the McCain/Rudy RINOs, and it all just ends up serving them:
http://race42008.com/2007/12/26/mitt-will-win/
Romney is the best candidate among these top four - Romney needs to be nominated.
“I am out to change the Republican Party. It needs changing. It needs to be inclusive of all those people across America for whom this party should stand,” - Mike Huckabee
Is there something about the definition of synchophant that you don’t understand.
I’ve notices something about you. As aMormon apologist, why don’t you ever cite the Book of Mormon since you consider it to be more “perfect” than the Bible? If you do cite the BoM, it is very rarely.
I didn’t know you cared I will keep it in mind, sunshine!:)
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