Romney, in a rare visit to Iowa, says he has `good shot’ at winning the presidency

Boston.com ^ | 10/20/2011 | Matt Viser

[Baladas]

TREYNOR, Iowa – Mitt Romney today returned to Iowa, a state that delivered a crippling blow to his candidacy in 2008, exuding a certain amount of confidence.

“There’s a good shot I might become the next president of the United States,” he told community leaders here at a business roundtable at Treynor State Bank. “It’s not a sure thing, but it’s a good shot.”

Romney has generally not focused his campaign on Iowa, a state that he staked much of his candidacy four years ago only to lose both the caucus vote and, perhaps more importantly, the game of expectations. This time around he is spending far more attention on New Hampshire and is keeping his Iowa strategy closer to the vest. He has a small staff, spends little money, and makes only sporadic appearances.

Still, many consider the door open to a potential Romney victory in the caucus because conservative support is fractured among multiple competing candidates -- from Rick Perry to Herman Cain to Ron Paul to Michele Bachmann.

During a town hall meeting this morning at Morningside College in Sioux City, Romney was asked bluntly whether he planned to court Iowans. He said he has, and will.

During appearances he made jokes. “Czars? I thought you were taking about SARS, remember that infectious disease?” He issued a self-critique. “Number one weakness? Come on Mitt, come on Republicans. Do a better job at communicating our message.”

He demonstrated a working knowledge of local agriculture. To a cattle farmer he asked: “Can you tell me how many head of cattle you have? And are they black Angus?” To a corn grower, he said: “What’s corn going for a bushel now? $4.50?” (The comment drew laughter; it’s approaching $6.50}

[Michael Barnes]

Welp, he’s gonna have to do it without my vote. No way I vote for Obie-white..

[RJS1950]

He says that because he figures he has enough special interest money right now to buy the nomination and the election. He’s not much different than der Fuehrer. Worse, if he does not get the nomination he will pick up his dolly (and money) and go home like he did in 2008.

FUBO, FAD & FUMR