Romney couldn't connect with S.C. voters

Mitt Romney had it all — money, looks, organization, endorsements and a seasoned staff.

But he still couldn’t crack South Carolina. There was something about the former Massachusetts governor that turned off Palmetto State voters.

“He came across as a luxury car salesman,” said Francis Marion University political scientist Neal Thigpen, a Republican.

Romney spent about $280,000 a week to make his name known across South Carolina.

Realizing he couldn’t win here, Romney fled South Carolina last week with no plans to return. He hopped a plane to Nevada to claim his caucus win there Saturday.

The way South Carolinians saw it, Romney was ceding the state to three rivals — U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee.

Romney made a mistake earlier in the month when he pulled all of his money out of South Carolina to go campaigning in Michigan, said Clemson University professor Dave Woodard.

“His timing was just terrible,” said Woodard, a Republican. “It couldn’t have been worse. What Romney was saying was, ‘I really don’t care about South Carolina.’

Romney’s campaign never did catch fire here. After a brief period leading in S.C. polls last fall, he lost steam, slumping to third, fourth or fifth in the polls.

Romney is from Massachusetts, automatically making him suspect in South Carolina. Voters here don’t trust politicians from the home of Teddy Kennedy, Mike Dukakis and John Kerry.

Voters also questioned Romney’s conservative credentials. His flip-flopping on key social issues — abortion and gay rights —caused S.C. voters to wonder about his claims of being a conservative.

Among S.C. voters who told exit pollsters Saturday the main reason they voted for a candidate was because he “says what he believes,” Romney finished last among the five candidates who actively campaigned here.

Romney’s Mormon faith also hurt him among evangelical voters in the Republican primary. Many Southern Baptists, who comprise the largest denomination in the state, see Mormonism as a cult. Romney ran fourth among S.C. voters who identified themselves in exit polls as born-again or evangelical Christians.

However, Thigpen rejects the notion that Romney lost South Carolina because of his faith.

Romney’s decision to pack up to Nevada and its caucus were an attempt to build on his lone primary victory, in Michigan. Romney also won Wyoming’s little-watched caucus.

His departure from South Carolina served to lower expectations for him here, even though he started to advertise again in the primary’s days and made a get-out-the-vote effort.

The other high-profile Republican candidates decided to ignore Nevada in favor of South Carolina with its history of creating and demolishing Republican hopefuls.

For Romney, Nevada presented a particular opportunity. His faith was an asset in that state with its large Mormon population.

One in four Nevada caucus-goers was Mormon; 95 percent supported Romney, according to entrance polls there.

Romney aides have attributed their candidate’s Iowa caucus loss to suspicion about his faith among evangelicals, who rallied behind Huckabee, a Baptist preacher.

“Why kick a dead horse?” he asked, referring to South Carolina. “Why waste your money on something that doesn’t look promising?”

But in essentially declaring that South Carolina didn’t count, Romney missed a chance to prove he can be a winning candidate nationwide.

South Carolina is “a test-tube state,” said Chip Felker, a Greenville-based Republican consultant. “If you win here, you have shown you can win elsewhere.”

You said he passed AWB in Massachusetts. that is false, it was already in place. As Romney said the bill “provided for a relaxation of licensing requirements for gun owners in Massachusetts, which was a big plus.” which is accurate. All the gun bills he signed as Governor were NRA-supported bills.

If you are going to talk about Romney’s record on guns, talk about the whole record and the correct record. it’s not perfect but neither is it as bad as you want to paint it.

http://www.freerepublic.com/~UnmarkedPackage/#guns

Governor Romney: “Americans should have the right to own and possess firearms as guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. I’m proud to be among the many decent, law-abiding men and women who safely use firearms.”
(Ted Novin, “Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Visits Firearms Industry’s Trade Show,” National Shooting Sports Foundation, 1/12/2007)

Hasn’t Gov. Romney been against the right to bear arms?

No. Governor Romney has always supported the individual right to keep and bear arms. The firearms bills that Governor Romney signed into law (see below) were all endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and/or the Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL), which bills itself as “The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts.”

The NRA gave Mitt Romney a rating of ‘B’ in the 2002 election race for Governor of Massachusetts.
(Scott Helman, “Romney retreats on gun control,” The Boston Globe, 1/14/2007)

Craig Sandler, former Director of General Operations of the National Rifle Association and former Nashua Police Chief, endorses Governor Mitt Romney for President.

In endorsing Governor Romney, Craig Sandler said, “Throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, Mitt Romney has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability, integrity, and commitment to principle. As a New Hampshire resident, former law enforcement officer, and avid sportsman, I am supporting Governor Romney because he is the candidate who will protect our Constitutional rights and strengthen our nation.”

Governor Romney On Parker v. District of Columbia:

Governor Romney: “It is my hope that the Supreme Court will reaffirm the individual right to keep and bear arms as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and protect law abiding gun owners everywhere. To further guard this fundamental liberty, as President, I will take care to appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench but will instead strictly interpret the Constitution.”
(Romney for President, “Governor Romney On The U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision To Review Second Amendment Case,” Press Release, 11/21/2007)

Question for Romney from Human Events editor Jed Babbin: Do you view the second amendment as vesting an individual right to keep and bear arms? I know the Supreme Court is about to consider the Parker v. District of Columbia case. Aside from the legalities: as you personally look at the Second Amendment, do you think that’s the right of the state or is that the right of the individual gun owner?

Governor Romney: “It’s the right of the individual. I believe that our Constitution vests in the citizens of the United States the right to bear arms, to have weapons for their personal protection, for hunting and for any legal and lawful purpose. I’d like to see our gun laws enforced, to see people who use guns in the committing of crimes in jail for a long time, but I believe that individuals have the right to bear arms, and any incursion on that right, I would find in violation of the constitution.”
(Editors of Human Events, “Romney’s Four Wedge Issues,” Human Events, 11/21/2007)

Governor Romney Believes The Second Amendment Is About More Than Just Self-Defense Or Sport; It’s About The Basic Freedom Of Lawful Citizens To Live Their Lives. The Second Amendment was enshrined by the Founding Fathers in our Constitution and our Bill of Rights to protect the rights of our citizens to own firearms. Bumper sticker gun control does not protect the individual but instead takes away protections and penalizes law-abiding citizens. Criminals do not buy guns in stores nor subject themselves to background checks. Law-abiding citizens certainly have a right to protect their homes and their families.

Governor Romney Believes We Need To Focus On Enforcing Our Current Laws Rather Than Creating More Laws That Burden Lawful Gun Owners.

Governor Romney addressed the National Rifle Association in a videotaped message at the NRA’s “Celebration of American Values” in Washington, D.C. on 9/21/2007. Gov. Romney discussed his position and record in support of the Second Amendment and his intent to oppose McCain-Feingold legislation, liberal judicial activism and tort claims being used to erode our 2nd Amendment rights. Must See Mitt TV!

Governor Romney Supports The Rights Of Pro-Second Amendment Groups To Be Involved In The Political Process. “And I’ll ask Congress to repeal the McCain-Feingold law which sought to impose restrictions on the First Amendment rights of groups like the NRA to advocate for issues we care about. Some parts have already been declared unconstitutional. We ought to get rid of the entire bill.”
(Governor Mitt Romney, “Remarks To The NRA,” Washington, D.C., 9/21/2007)

Governor Romney Opposes Backdoor Attempts To Ban Guns. “We need tort reform as well. That’s the way we fight the backdoor attempt to ban guns by bankrupting manufacturers.”
(Governor Mitt Romney, “Remarks To The NRA,” Washington, D.C., 9/21/2007)

Governor Romney’s Statement On The Second Amendment — Dec 28, 2007

“I believe that the Second Amendment protects a truly fundamental individual right.

“I believe that every law-abiding American has the right to own a firearm for hunting, personal protection, skeet, trap or target shooting, or for any other sporting purpose or as part of a collection.

“I do not support any new gun laws including any new ban on semi-automatic firearms. As president, I will follow President Bush’s precedent of opposing any laws that go beyond the restrictions in place when I take office. The laws I do and will support include decades-old restrictions on weapons of unusual lethality like grenades, rocket launchers, fully automatic firearms and what are legally known as destructive devices and would include similar restrictions on new and exotic weapons of similar or even greater lethality.

“I believe in safe and responsible gun ownership. I also applaud the efforts of Second Amendment supporters – particularly in the aftermath of the terrible crimes at Virginia Tech – to support measures to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System as a screening tool to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those judged mentally incompetent. I will protect the promise of a fair and instant check and oppose any effort to expand the NICS beyond its original purpose. I was pleased, in fact, that recently, Congress passed the NICS Improvement Act with NRA support and over liberal opposition to finance, improve, and streamline the current NICS system.

“I believe that any discussion regarding firearms and crime control must focus on the criminal. Unfortunately, many in Washington believe that restricting the rights of law-abiding gun owners will diminish violent crime. They are wrong. Over the years, the idea that it is possible to curtail crime by banning firearms has run up against a mountain of empirical evidence that forces one to conclude that gun control laws fail because they rely on the cooperation of a very unlikely element – the criminal. Any measure that fails to focus on the criminal and infringes on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans will be a non-starter for me.

“My message on the Second Amendment is simple: the rights of law-abiding gun owners will be protected in a Romney administration.

“On the other hand, if you’re a criminal, here is your warning: I will ask every law enforcement agency across this great land to enforce the gun laws that are already on the books so that those who use guns illegally will know that they will be caught, prosecuted, convicted and jailed.

“I believe the right to keep and bear arms is a cornerstone of our personal freedoms. Should I be fortunate enough to become President, I will stand up and fight against any attempt to weaken or infringe upon our Second Amendment rights. And I will do this without any apology and without any hesitation.”

In July 2006, despite a heavily Democratic anti-gun Legislature in Massachusetts, Gov. Romney signed a NRA-backed bill (H. 4552) reversing burdensome regulations for the makers of customized target pistols sold in Massachusetts. The Gun Owners’ Action League praised Gov. Romney for his support of H. 4552.

“Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation approving an exemption for the makers of customized target pistols, who due to a provision within state law have found it increasingly difficult to do business in Massachusetts.”

...”Target shooters are an important part of our membership and I know they will be very pleased with this change,” said James Wallace, Executive Director of the Gun Owners’ Action League.
(Office of Gov. Mitt Romney, “Governor Romney Approves Exemption for Target Pistols,” Press Release, 7/26/2006)

Governor Mitt Romney signed legislation aimed at providing one clear definition of a loaded shotgun or rifle for the state’s hunting enthusiasts. For years, two competing definitions had existed on the books, leaving law abiding gun owners wondering when and how they can enter or cross a public way with their firearms.

“On behalf of the lawful gun owners of the Commonwealth, I would like to thank Governor Romney and all who took part in the passage of this legislation. We have taken another important step in reforming the 1998 gun laws,” said Jim Wallace, Executive Director of the Gun Owners’ Action League. “This new law addresses a conflict that had previously caused great concern in those who use traditional muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. Now they confidently know what is expected of them and can enjoy their heritage without the fear of being prosecuted for violating a poorly written law.”
(”Massachusetts Clarifies Muzzleloader Law,” Buckmasters, 11/22/2005)

In 2005, Governor Romney Signed Into Law A Provision Providing Free Replacement Licenses.
(Gun Owners’ Action League Official Website, “GOAL’s Record of Success,” Accessed 12/31/2007)

In 2005, Governor Mitt Romney Suspended ‘Administrative Fees’ To The Natural Heritage And Endangered Species Fund Of Massachusetts.
(Gun Owners’ Action League Official Website, “GOAL’s Record of Success,” Accessed 12/31/2007)

In July 2006, Gov. Romney signed legislation requiring all new hunters to take a hunter education course. The measure had the strong support of sportsmen and gun owners.

“We are pleased with the passage of yet another correction of Chapter 180 of the Acts of 1998, which created a confusing standard for acquiring a hunting, sporting or fishing license,” said James Wallace, GOAL’s executive director. “Prior to the passage of this law some eight years ago, hunter education was mandatory for all first time hunters. While GOAL does not normally support mandatory training, it is our belief that every first time hunter should be exposed to the ethics, safety aspects and laws in Massachusetts regarding hunting before taking to the field for the first time.”
(Office of Gov. Mitt Romney, “Romney Signs Legislation to Promote Hunter Safety,” Press Release, 7/06/2006)

On the 31st anniversary of the Gun Owners’ Action League, Governor Romney declared May 7, 2005 as “The Right to Bear Arms Day” in Massachusetts to honor “the right of decent, law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms in defense of their families, persons, and property and for all lawful purposes, including the common defense.”
(Scott Helman, “Romney retreats on gun control,” The Boston Globe, 1/14/2007)

Opponents of gun control and critics of Governor Romney point to the fact that he signed firearms legislation in July, 2004 that included a ban of assault weapons in Massachusetts (S.2367). However, the bill only reaffirmed an existing Massachusetts state ban on assault weapons that was enacted as part of sweeping gun control laws passed in Massachusetts in 1998, five years before Romney took office, and didn’t ban any additional guns. … The state ban of assault weapons enacted in 1998 was not due to disappear, nor would it have become invalid with the sunset of the federal ban in September, 2004. … The bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 36 - 1 in favor and the House passed it with no amendments or debate on a “voice” vote. This represented by far the broadest support a reform bill has ever seen in the Massachusetts State House. Only one legislator in the entire building voiced opposition to the bill.
(National Rifle Association - Institute for Legislative Action, “Massachusetts - Firearms Reform Bill Sent to the Governor`s Desk,” Press Release, 6/29/2004)

The firearms reform bill signed by Governor Romney in 2004 had the endorsement of the NRA (a MUST READ). It was also supported by the Gun Owners’ Action League, law enforcement and Massachusetts gun owners. The Executive Director of GOAL attended the signing ceremony for the bill. The legislation added several measures these groups favored, including a lengthening of the terms of firearm identification cards and licenses to carry, namely;

1) Extending the term of a firearm identification card and a license to carry firearms from four years to six years,
2) Granting a 90-day grace period for holders of firearm identification cards and licenses to carry who have applied for renewal, and
3) Creating a seven-member Firearm License Review Board to review firearm license applications that have been denied.

“This is truly a great day for Massachusetts’ sportsmen and women. These reforms correct some serious mistakes that were made during the gun debate in 1998, when many of our state’s gun owners were stripped of their long-standing rights to own firearms.”
(MA State Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D), Press Release, 7/01/2004)

“I want to congratulate everyone that has worked so hard on this issue. Because of their dedication, we are here today to sign into law this consensus piece of legislation. This change will go a long way toward fixing the flaws created by the 1998 law. Another key piece to this legislation addresses those citizens who have applied for renewals. If the government does not process their renewal in a timely fashion, those citizens won’t be put at risk because of the 90 day grace period that is being adopted today.”
(MA State Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. (R), Press Release, 7/01/2004)

“There are a lot of good things in the bill,” said Jim Wallace, legislative director of the Gun Owners’ Action League, the state’s leading pro-gun group. “In all, the bill represents a healing process, or the beginning of the healing process, between lawful gun owners and the Massachusetts Legislature.”
(Scott S. Greenberger, “State moves on assault weapons ban,” The Boston Globe, 6/24/2004)

The firearms reform bill signed in 2004 prohibited the sale of the same weapons in Massachusetts banned in the 1998 legislation but loosened other restrictions imposed by the 1998 gun bill. Furthermore, it protected Massachusetts’ gun owners with a permanent reference to federal definitions that provided them with a list of exempt firearms, numbering nearly 700, which could not be declared “assault weapons.” Therefore, after Governor Romney signed the gun bill in 2004, gun owners in Massachusetts had fewer restrictions on gun ownership than at any time since 1998.

Mitt Romney joined the NRA in August, 2006 and signed up for a lifetime membership. Romney said of the NRA, “I think they’re doing good things, and I believe in supporting the right to bear arms.”
(George Stephanopoulos, “Mitt Romney: The Complete Interview,” ABC News This Week, 2/18/2007)

Governor Romney: “I know the NRA does not support an assault weapon ban. So I don’t line up on that particular issue with the NRA, either does President Bush. He likewise says he supported an assault weapon ban.”

“Today we don’t have the Brady bill because we have instantaneous background checks. That’s no longer a operative or needed measure.”

“But I’m a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. I believe people, under our Constitution, have the right to bear arms.”

“We have a gun in one of our homes. It’s not owned by me, it’s owned by my son, but I’ve always considered it sort of mine.”

“I’ve been a hunter all my life, not frequently, but as a boy, when I worked on a ranch in Idaho, we used to go out shooting rabbits, because they were eating all the barley, and I got pretty good with a single shot .22 rifle, and been quail hunting more recently.”

“So I’m a hunter and believe in Second Amendment rights, but I also believe that assault weapons are not needed in the public population.”
(George Stephanopoulos, “Mitt Romney: The Complete Interview,” ABC News This Week, 2/18/2007)

Like President Bush, Governor Romney Would Have Signed The Assault Weapons Ban Extension At That Time (2004) But Will Not Seek To Reinstate The Ban. As Governor Romney stated on CNN and “Meet the Press,” had he been President and had the Assault Weapons Ban extension reached his desk, like President Bush, he would have signed it. That bill did not pass Congress. Governor Romney has stated that he would not reinstate that Assault Weapons Ban. In fact, Governor Romney does not support any new gun laws including a ban on semi-automatic firearms. He would consider limitations on weapons of unusual lethality like grenades, rocket launchers, fully automatic firearms and what are legally known as destructive weapons.
(NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/16/2007; CNN’s “The Situation Room,” 11/26/2007; The Des Moines Register, 10/23/2007)

Campaigning in Indianapolis on Thursday, Romney said he has hunted small game since his youth. “I’m not a big-game hunter. I’ve made that very clear,” he said. “I’ve always been a rodent and rabbit hunter. Small varmints, if you will. I began when I was 15 or so, and I have hunted those kinds of varmints since then. More than two times.”
(Emily Udell, “Romney Aims Again to Explain Hunting,” The Associated Press, 4/06/2007)

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