Replies

“Romney taking the primary is obviously a huge disappointment, but Obama’s numbers currently are almost as bad as they were in November of 2010.”

This is a key point.

2012 wont reverse 2010, but will be a semi-continuation of it.

We never had a rock-solid credible conservative consensus candidate to be a strong ‘not-Romney’. If you want proof of that, consider that the last men standing - Newt and Santorum - were both in single digits in the summer. We turned to them out of lack of choices.

The real conservative hope - Perry - turned out to be a dud, although I think he was treated overly harshly and might today be a credible candidate despite his early misfires. It was in the end not helpful to have not-ready-forCinC folks like Cain and Bachmann attract energy and attention.

I agree that the negative attacks on others in the GOP are harmful and continue to be harmful. Part of that is vetting but we ovrfocus on the negative.

This is now water under the bridge. Newt will reportedly endorse Romney and that will seal the deal - Romney vs Obama.

The opportunity has not been blown, if we get a conservative Congress in with Romney to send him conservative bills.

I agree with what you just said. The risk is if the Democrats are able to get a large turnout because of the presidential election. In that respect having a ho-hum candidate like Romney could be a slight advantage to our congressional candidates. To me it seems like it will be hard for the Democrats to stir up their base when Romney holds so few positions that are highly objectionable to them. I am sure that they will do their best to villainize him however and the teleprompter-in-chief is a very good liar.

Unfortunately in the same respect Republicans could have a lower turnout also, however most of us have such a strong visceral reaction against Obama that I think our side will still turn out in record numbers. In midterms and elections where the electorate is not highly motivated Republicans usually have an advantage. I firmly believe that the stakes are much higher for our children and grandchildren than what seems to be understood by many. This is no time to pout around and do nothing.

The opportunity has not been blown, if we get a conservative Congress in with Romney to send him conservative bills.

Only if the R's have a 'comfortable' majority in the senate. If they have only a narrow majority, Romney will playball with Harry Reid and the Democrat minority.