St. Pete Times Poll: Bye-bye Rudy?

It’s Mitt Romney vs. John McCain in the final stretch of Florida’s crucial Republican primary.

A new St. Petersburg Times poll shows the former Massachusetts governor and Arizona senator neck and neck among Florida Republicans, while Rudy Giuliani’s Florida-or-bust strategy has been a bust.

Among Florida voters likely to vote in Tuesday’s primary, 25 percent are backing McCain and 23 percent Romney, a statistical tie, while Giuliani and Mike Huckabee were tied for third place with 15 percent each.

In Florida’s odd candidate-free, campaign-free Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton is trouncing Barack Obama by 19 percentage points in a race with stark racial divisions. The poll found 42 percent backing Clinton, 23 percent supporting Obama and 12 percent former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.

But it’s the volatile GOP race the nation is mainly watching, as Florida Republicans stand to have a huge influence over which candidates have a shot at competing as nearly two dozen states vote on Feb. 5. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani staked his candidacy on Florida, and even with 27 percent of Florida Republicans saying they might change their minds, it looks like a bad gamble.

"Giuliani's decision to pull out of the early states is going to go down in history if he finishes out of the money in Florida as one of the worst political decisions,'' said pollster Tom Eldon.

The survey was conducted Jan. 20-22 for the St. Petersburg Times, Bay News 9 and the Miami Herald. It was conducted by telephone from a list of registered and frequent voters in Florida who described themselves as likely to vote Jan. 29.

The full sample of 800 interviews has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent, while the margin of error for the Democrats is plus or minus 5.4 percent and for the Republicans it's 5.1 percent.

The poll included actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, who dropped out of the race Tuesday afternoon. But Thompson’s departure appears unlikely to change much as only 4 percent of those surveyed backed him, just ahead of Ron Paul with 3 percent.

The same pollsters in November found Giuliani leading the field by 17 percentage points, but since then his support in South Florida has dropped dramatically.

Where he dominated the region with 50 percent support in November and 70 percent support among Hispanic voters, the latest poll shows him trailing McCain by 10 percentage points in south Florida. His support among Hispanic was cut almost in half, with him and McCain effectively tied 36 percent to 33 percent.

---Adam C. Smith

See the complete results

Comments

the romney flip-flops won't sell in florida

Romney: Will say anything for a vote. Cannot be trusted. Record in Mass. is certainly not what he claims it is.

McCain: war hero, pork barrel spending fighter, right on Iraq before anyone else was, Bin Ladens worst nightmare, you know exactly where he stands on the issues, solid pro-life voting record, endorsed by the likes of Phil Gramm, Jack Kemp, Sens. Lott, Coburn, Warner, and former SOS Kissinger. He has broad support from real conservatives, but maybe not so much support from those who want to continue the status quo in Washington, DC.

Vote McCain for a better future for our children!

[mitt is pro-choice]

i just saw this for the first time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFMdK0TWtks&feature=related

Romney is a liberal at heart.

Hasn't anyone learned the lesson yet that polls aren't reliable? Every day a new poll comes out with a different 1-4 order. Personally, I'll wait till Tuesday night to say that Rudy "has no chance to win."

Mac is clearly back!

If the economy is the top issue then Mitten is really in trouble. Economic growth in Massachusetts under Romney trailed the nation, job growth was third-worst in the country, taxes went up $700 million per year and 200,000 people left the state.

I'll wait until after the FAU debate

[survey sez]

Mitt = flip-flop
Rudy = flop!

Can't wait for Mitt to start the nasty attack ads...

[Read Romney's Record]

From Wikipedia:

"Romney supported raising various fees by more than $300 million, including raising fees for driver's licenses, marriage licenses, and gun licenses. Romney increased the state gasoline tax by 2 cents per gallon, generating about $60 million per year in additional tax revenue. Romney also closed tax loopholes that brought in another $181 million from businesses over the next two years."

[Andrew]

McCain will now do great on Feb 5th even if he loses in FL.

Ahh last time I checked..McCain worked with Ted Kennedy on a bill providing amnesty for the illegals!! McCain is the liberal. McCain-Feingold bill??=He is a sellout to the Republican party. Secure the borders!!

at some point, romney's 10 kids are going to tap him on the shoulder and ask him to stop wasting the fortune his 8 great-grandmothers gave him

[allen ridge]

Washington DC is broken and McCain has been there for 25 years.

America is the largest enterprise in the world and only Mitt Romney is qualified to run that enterprise.

McCain represents the status quo.

It's time for CHANGE

It's time for Mitt Romney !!!!!

So you don't agree with McCain on illegals (it wasn't amnesty as his bill had fines and "end of the line" provisions"). But I agree, it wasn't perfect. And McCain was wrong on campaign finance reform. But those are just 2 issues from a life-long career. I personally like McCain, and think he is right on most (not all issues). His
"straight talk" is exactly what America needs, not more of the status quo from the beltway insiders and George Bush's buddies. Republicans under Bush and Tom Delay lost their way. We looked like drunken sailors on a spending spree. And what was McCain doing? Fighting pork. Thank you McCain! We need someone who will give us what we need, not just what we want!

Vote McCain for a better future for our children!

Mitt Romney is only qualified to be the manager of the WAFFLE HOUSE!

Romney was filmed participating in a Pro-Choice Planned Parenthood fundraiser in 1994.

[CWD]

This is going to get ugly enough without us. McCain has a strong record on abortion, foriegn policy, and decreased federal spending. Rudy is the strongest candidate on crime. If Romney didn't have a strong personal business record, he wouldn't have been so successful. Lets keep this in context while we attack each other.

[Mitt Wit]

I like Allan Ridge working straight from some Romney talking points.

Romney has been a strong supporter of gun control legislation and enforcement, backing the Brady Bill, a five-day waiting period on gun sales.

wow - almost all of the posts are anti-mitt - I guess mccain invested heavily in salaries for out of state bloggers.

CWD - Stong business record? He ran a company. It was profitable - as a company should be. Lets be realistic though, its not like he is Lloyd Blankfein from Goldman or something.

517 - you should now better than that... only Mitt has the personal wealth to afford something like that. Just because he feels he can buy the election doesn't mean other candidates have those luxuries

517 - you should know better than that... only Mitt has the personal wealth to afford something like that. Just because he feels he can buy the election doesn't mean other candidates have those luxuries

[Holly]

I love the new "buzz" word; change. If folks haven't figured it out by now...our government is a "machine!" If poor Obama gets in there to fight for change; he'll only get thrown into the machine, spun around, chewed up, and spit out. Wake up, people...my vote is for Senator McCain!

[Mike]

If the election is about the economy, Mitt will be the absolute worst pick for the Republicans. Mitt's private sector experience is buying companies, firing people, and selling the shell. This is how Bain Capital made its fortune. Do a quick search and see what happen to the companies after BC bot them? Massive layoffs, send workers out to the streets. A GREAT MESSAGE TO SEND IF WE HAVE A RECESSION IN 2008. Mitt the undertaker!

The RCP poll of the same time period has Rudy in second, three points behind McCain... and has Romney fully tanking

[Jay]

John McCain is earning quite the flip-flop title himself.

1. Tax Cuts - I oppose tax cuts....err, i support tax cuts.
2. Amnesty - that is the only way we can deal with 12 million people...err, the American People have spoken, and I heard them loud and clear "no amnesty!"
3. Unemployment - These jobs aren't coming back...err, we can retrain you and get you a different job.

All this not in the last 2 years - but in the last 2 months! talk about convenience.

[mike]

McCain is the Republicans only chance of getting the White House in 2008. He's done really well recently especially in primaries that allowed independents to vote. Mitt Romney is still trying to figure out who let the dogs out.

Yes. the FAU forum is going to get crazy now that Romney is down and Rudy is out.

the best debate so far has been the one between old Mitt and brand new Romney.

[Ben]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5ENwej0fpc
McCain doesn't even know who the pres of Russia is.

Great for US foreign policy. I doubt he will ever get anywhere with Putin, and he is the worst candidate for terrorism with his immigration ideas.

Go Mitt!!!

[Jay]

Romney is the man in '08. He has a spine and a moral standard he adheres to. He hasn't married for money or left a crippled wife for a young rich girl (McCain). Sorry - but in my views, character counts, and it amazes me to see Mitt's character under attack so frequently when there is such ripe fruit hanging on the other candidates trees. Just goes to show the media really, really doesn't like Mitt. Now, that said, why would they love McCain? Becuase he is the most liberal of the GOP candidates.

Strategic Vision Polling Data

McCain 25
Romney 20
Giuliani 22
Huckabee 18
Paul 5
Thompson 6

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/fl/florida_republican_primary-260.html

[Metro]

John McCain is a liberal on domestic policy.

Rush Limbaugh is right: John McCain as the Republican standard bearer would destroy the Republican Party as the home of conservatives.

McCain has spend his Senate career co-sponsoring the entire liberal agenda.

John McCain is a liberal on domestic policy. He's running in the wrong primary. No conservative that has researched his record should support him:

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjUzOGY0ODA1YzBmNjFhOWE5NWU0OTY5NTZiOGNhOGQ=

[Jay]

McCain/Leiberman
McCain/Feingold
McCain/Kennedy

All crappy, liberal, and unworthy legislation. How does this translate into GOP Nominee? Independent voters. The GOP is allowing liberals to pick their nominee - WAKE UP!

[Dan]

McCain is a pro-amnesty, anti-tax cut poltician. He's co-sponsored liberal legislation with liberals Ted Kennedy, Russ Feingold and Lieberman. He's no conservative at all. His "maverick" status just means he's been a traitor on true, Republican issues.

Romney is a guy who has turned around insitutions his entire life.

Go Mitt Romney in '08!

Real Clear Politics shows Romney in a consistent freefall. The Michigan bump has ended.

[Ben]

You can tell a lot about Mitt Romney by the friends he keeps...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9eRKT2ZhB8

Go McCain!

If you want Joe Lieberman as Vice President, elect McCain. The crazy old man will do it. Just wait

[Dan]

McCain is a pro-amnesty, anti-tax cut poltician. He's co-sponsored liberal legislation with liberals Ted Kennedy, Russ Feingold and Lieberman. He's no conservative at all. His "maverick" status just means he's been a traitor on true, Republican issues.

Romney is a guy who has turned around insitutions his entire life.

Go Mitt Romney in '08!

[Illinois Republican]

Have a look at Tom Eldon( Pollster's bio).

Thomas Eldon, MA, University of Kent
Thomas Eldon joined Schroth & Associates in 1996 after an extensive early career in electoral politics working in legislative, statewide and grassroots lobbying campaigns in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Florida. View more about Thomas »

Thomas Eldon took responsibility as managing officer during the 2004 election cycle; and in 2006 was lead pollster for the Florida House Democratic Caucus. In 2006, the caucus reversed a 14-year period of having failed to flip one single seat with a record setting seven pick-ups without a single Democratic loss.

McCain's supporters use Wikapedia as the source of their information. Maybe a little more research would have led to Mitt's business background, his turn around of the Olympics, and his success as a governor. Mitt Romney has changed enterprises and governments for the good throughout his life. I can't wait until he gets his hands on Washington. Go Mitt!

[jim]

mccains values are very strong 50% of his values are democratic values and the other half, he has no values..heres a guy that says economics is his weakest point and a guy, just because he backed the surge, this twit is taking credit for it..giuliani upported also..mccain has absolutely no criteria to be the (republican) candidate. he has never run a business, has never done payroll, has never had any city or government control..he sat on his rear-end for 25 years in the senate, just like the rest of them

[williard like taxes]

The combined state and local tax burden in Massachusetts increased during Romney's governorship. According to the Tax Foundation, that per capita burden was 9.8% in 2002, and 10.5% in 2006.

[rONALD sABO]

Supporters of Mitt the Pander Bear should ask themselves why he is a one term Gov. of Mass; likely 'cause he ran as a Mass. lib, then didn't govern that way. Those voters remember that.

Now he's gone to Mich. and promised the not real conservative $20 billion taxpayer bailout of auto workers. Next he pivots to the seniors haven of Fla. and promises to eliminate social security and medicare taxes for folks over 65. See any pattern here?

Romney is going down faster than a speeding bullet.

He has no proven experience in government cutting taxes. Neither does McCain, neither does Huckabee.

Rudy ran the 17th largest government in the world - NYC. It dwards Massachusetts and Arkansas. McCain has never, ever run anything.

[Ben]

You can tell a lot about Mitt Romney by the friends he keeps...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9eRKT2ZhB8

Go McCain!

[everyday]

There is a reason why McCain tanked to single digits this past year. He was the author of the amnesty bill! Has he changed? No.

If he can't get that one right it has no credibility on foriegn affairs, national security or straight talk. His straight talk was forcing amnesty odwn our throats after creating the amnesty bill in closed sessions.

I'll take Romney over Mc Cain or Rudy in a NY minute!

Brian G. Time to get off the computer and actually get out and campaign for Mitt

Romney's chance to change government was in Massachusetts. What did he do? Nothing. All he brought was HillaryCare to the state.

[Troy]

Vote JUAN Mccain for Democratic Nominnee. He is clearly the best liberal candidate.

[joan]

I am not concerned if McCain or Romney win Florida; I just do not want to see the crooked Giuliani be the front runner.

[joan]

I am not concerned if McCain or Romney win Florida; I just do not want to see the crooked Giuliani be the front runner.

[Metro]

John McCain is a consistent liberal on domestic policy.

Rush Limbaugh is right: John McCain as the Republican standard bearer would destroy the Republican Party as the home of conservatives.

Here is Rush Limbaugh on "The McCain Mutiny":

http://mfile.akamai.com/5020/wma/rushlimb.download.akamai.com/5020/shanklin_archives/McCain%20Mutiny.asx

McCain has spent his Senate career co-sponsoring the entire liberal agenda.

John McCain is a liberal on domestic policy. He's running in the wrong primary. No conservative that has researched his record should support him:

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjUzOGY0ODA1YzBmNjFhOWE5NWU0OTY5NTZiOGNhOGQ=

Can Mitt's fellow androids vote for him?

[Andy R]

McCain is the REAL FLIP-FLOPPER!

http://therealmccain.com/

Mitt Romney will win the nomination. McCain wouldn't even be in the race if it weren't for independants. McCain does poorly with conservative republicans. Romney beats him in every state among conservative repuplicans.

McCain is a liberal and is running against 4 conservatives (Ron Paul, Romney, Huckabee, Thompson). They have been splitting the vote. That is the ONLY reason McLiberal is winning anything. Thompson is out and Huckabee is falling. Romney is going to CRUSH McLiberal.

[Jeff]

Won't vote for McCain now or in the general. Mitt MIGHT poke his finger in eyes of conservatives, but McCain already has, once a day and twice on Sundays, for the last 20 years. He can kiss my rosy red behind. Plus, he's totally lying about his positions just to get elected. The Kennedy Shamnesty Bill was just in July, and yet six months later McCain's saying he's going to secure the border?!

I'll vote Hillary if McCain's on other side of the ballot, and hope we get a better bunch of candidates in four years.

[diannepearce]

Isn't it interesting that Mitt Romney says he is TOTALLY AGAINST POLYGAMY - yet he lives his life looking forward to an afterlife where he'll be a SUPER POLYGAMIST with his own planet and his own Goddess Wives.

Mormon men are taught that after death (and if they are righteous) they will live forever as GODS over THEIR OWN PLANET - having unlimited sexual relations with MULTIPLE GODDESS WIVES so as to populate their own planet.

How can Mitt Romney say he is against something he believes is one of the greatest rewards in the afterlife. DO YOU really want a PRESIDENT who disavows something in his earthly life that he covets and aspires to in the afterlife?

Are you aware that Mitt Romney has performed death oath rituals hundreds of times in which he has drawn his thumb across his throat from side to side as if he were slitting his own throat and another where he has drawn his thumb across his abdomen as if he were disemboweling himself?

I am a former Mormon. I graduated from BYU. I was married in the Wash, DC temple.

I vehemently believe in freedom of religion. However, I am concerned that someone who professes questionable beliefs and who has participated in cult-like rituals involving grisly death-oath might become our President.

This information is not widely available to the general public. Mormons profess - what goes on in the temple is "sacred, not secret." Well if they are so sacred and "not secret" then why was I asked to make death oaths swearing I would not divulge what I had seen and experienced in the temple?

Visit my blog at http://justicefreedom4all.blogspot.com/ to see video re-enactments of the actual temple rituals and interviews with other individuals who also experienced the Mormon Temple rituals.

After participating in these rituals myself, I could no longer hold the Mormon faith in my heart and in my mind. As I exited the Wash, DC Mormon temple after going through the rituals for the first time I was asked by other Mormon's who accompanied me what I thought about what I had seen and experienced.

My response was that if those ceremonies/teaching were indeed of God, then I would rather go to hell with non-Mormons.

I feel that this information needs to be disseminated immediately. Voters must have this "sacred, not secret" information so they can make their own decisions about whether a practicing Mormon would be their choice under all circumstances of national security.

How meaningful will an oath of office be for someone who makes death oaths to their God in the name of their religion?

And what I find even more frightening - why is mainstream media treating these Mormon issues like the naked Emperor is marching by?

I can longer live in fear of the millions of Mormons who have taken the death oaths. Citizens of America have a right to the facts.

Dianne Pearce
Phone: 636-675-5232
Email: dpearce@erols.com

The SPTimes want either Romney or McCain to win because they know that Hillary or Obama will beat them. Rudy on the otherhand, a liberal Repub, will cream both of them

[We're on to you Mitt]

We've heard about all the pandering & flip-flopping Mitt Romney has done to get votes in the previous primaries. Floridians won't fall for it.

Anyone but Willard Mitt Romney, please!

[Andrea]

JUAN MccAMNESTY

Wrong on Freedom of Speech
Wrong on Amnesty
Wrong on Tax Cuts

20+ years of being WRONG in Washington why give him 4 more.

Hey Dianne, did they really baptize dead people of other religions? Did Romney do that too? Isn't that the sickest thing you have ever seen.

Great article. I'd love to see Rudy go away.

He did have a great strategy though - who the heck wants to campaign in the snow of Iowa and New Hampshire? or listen to those backwards folks in South Carolina talk about that flag?

This has been a whirlwind vacation for him. He must like the sun.

[Jim]

If you want to see evidence of McCain's numerous flip-flops (maybe you don't!) here are two excellent sources:

http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=CAMPOS-01-22-08

http://therealmccain.com/

Mitt Romney is the only candidate who can return our party to it's true conservative roots.

[Steve Pearce (Dianne's Wife above)]

Dianne, as a Mormon myself I know for a fact you are a liar. There is nothing in church doctrine that says that Mormons will have multiple wives after this life. Nice Try, and as far as the Temple ceremonies it is all about sealing children to their parents.

Why do you lie? Does that help your candidate to misinform people on a candidates religion?

Google Dianne Pearce to find her Anti-Mormon agenda.

Anyone looking to know about Mormon's should talk to a real one, I am sure they would be happy to tell you.

[Steve]

Dianne,

You are way out of line and outrageously incorrect. You are posting lies and you know it. May God have mercy on your confused and satanic led soul.

[PTN]

Neither we nor our family or friends will vote for the amnesty man McCain even if he is the nominee.Numbersusa rates McCain just as bad on illegal immgration as the Democrats.McCain talks keeping us safe but the amnesty bill he pimped last year would do little to keep us safe.Many persons other than Mexicans come across the border.The bill he championed didn't end Chain Migration for several years which means by the time 12-20 million illegal immigrants brought in all their relation the U.S. would have had a population explosion.Entitlements would have went through the roof since most of these people have a average education level of 7th grade.We do not need to import more poverty to our country we have enough to deal with.

McCains bill also said every illegal immigrant had to have their background check completed in 24 hrs,exempted gang members if they signed a paper saying they would renounce membership in the gang,allowed all to get a Z visa re-newable indefinitely the list goes on and on in that pathetic legislation.

[Steve]

I too am a Mormon. It's amazing how far off Dianne is. It's unbelieveable that she can fall so far from grace. I am a Mormon and and know for a FACT that Dianne is telling lies just for her personal benefit. If you want the truth about our religion, please visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.com. These web sites are the true source of information. Please seek out somebody who isn't bitter and downright rude. You are just making yourself look very bad. I have been in the temple and everything you say is a complete lie. I believe in freedom of religion but I am against liars and deceivers like yourself,

[Kirk]

Dianne,

I look at candidates backgrounds to make my vote.

Mitt has had one wife unlike Rudy or McCain.

[juan pablo carrera]

I will feel relieved if either Mccain or Romney win , as long as its not the gangster motherf***** Giuliani.

[KimD]

If you really want a conservative in the white house then I sugest you get out there and vote Giuliani because none of any who can win this thing other than him are conservative at anything. He did a fantastic job in NY with economics and thats what we need.

[Mike Wilson]

Folks,

For all the Mitt supporters, please explain to me just how you see this "great " business sense that he has.

I worked for a company bought by Bain Capital. We were downsized, and many good employees lost their jobs. The business was in essence, pillaged for profit by Romney and Bain, and then sold for a hefty profit. As a VP for the business that was bought, I saw first hand how Bain operated. The business did worse bottom line, but because of expense gutting it was made to look more profitable than it was.

Do your homework on Bain Capital. Do your homework on Massachusetts under Mitt Romney. A one term governor who left the state under such bad economic times that a Democrat took office- 200,000 people left the state under Mitt.

A great record, hardly. A great distortion, truly.

How come no one is picking up on Romney's racist rant over in Jacksonville ?

[Andy]

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/fl/florida_republican_primary-260.html

Real Clear Politics shows Romney is ahead in every Poll in Florida that shows the updated information with Thompson dropping out of the race.

[D-Man]

Why are most of the comments here just spam from anti-candidate or pro-candidate commenters who post the same thing to every thread they have a chance to paste their asinine vitriol into? If Jesus were alive today, He'd punch all of you in the face. This isn't the type of thing that He would have done.

McCain surging in POLLS:

TX,CA,FL,NY,NJ,PA

here are some:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/republican_primaries.html

[Tin]

Juan MC cain is corrupt insider UNAMERICA ,anybody vote juan mc cain mean vot for billary....people GULLIBLE ..juan mc cain is MR SUCK UP!!anyting his done just dangerous. SUCK UP CHINA MEXICO INDIA CRIMIAL ALIEN .

McCain is a disaster on economic policies. He has, time-and-again, been against economic policies in the Clinton and Bush administrations that have actually benefited the economy.

His foreign policy is straight out the Joseph Lieberman handbook and what is his energy policy again?

McCain has nothing on Romney, or any other Republican. That's why they are struggling to come up with a candidate. You'll see 3 guys fighting for every state through Super Tuesday. Perhaps only then will the nominee become clear.

i'm voting for the candidate that can beat Hillary:

Which is John McCain.

Romney would lose big.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national.html

5:31 Romney is not in a freefall check the numbers.

St Pete Times is just like the liberal media were in Michigan

"NECK N NECK"

MY VERY FAVORITE 2008
LIBERAL SPIN

"NECK N NECK"
yeah right

The new St. Pete Times poll is calling this a 2 man race & has McCain up over Romney by 2.

I believe the TIMES is trying their best to put McCain over the top as our nominee as they REFUSE to print these other credible polls showing Romney leading.

Huckabee is broke and left the state. Thompson dropped out yesterday.

HOw do you spell RINO?...JOHN MCCAIN

http://www.internetnewsagency.com/

Insider Advantage Poll is showing

Republican Frontrunner:

Romney- 24% leading the state of Florida

Rudy-19%

MCCain-18%

Huckabee-12

Ron Paul-7%

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/florida/election_2008_florida_republican_primary

Election 2008: Florida Republican Primary

Romney 25%

McCain 20%

Giuliani 19%

[BJ]

Who is better for the democratic nominee Hillary, Obama, or McCain?

How is this guy even on the Republican ticket with his record?

America we should elect somebody that has experience leading not just casting votes as Senator McCain.

Rudy or Mitt anyone but Flip Flop McVain

[Hillary]

The Real Question is:

If the race is between Hillary and McCain does it really matter?

D-Man,
Because most of them have no original thoughts, and can't think for themselves. Just like the one who continues to quote Limbaugh. If Limbaugh is the 'authority' on the Republican party, I feel sorry for our party.

[Metro]

Anyone remember "The Keating Five"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_Five

John McCain has spent his entire political career trying to sell our First Amendment rights down the tube ("McCain-Feingold") to help cover up his own ethical lapses.

Did you know you can't buy a TV advertisement criticizing an incumbent Congressman by name 60 days before an election? What happened to freedom of speech? Thanks John McCain! It's the biggest incumbent re-election racket in the history of the Republic. Nice ethics Mr. Straight-Talk Express. McCain is permitted do his "straight-talk" act - but our First Amendment rights are in the trash-can. Great.

As bad as McCain's ethical lapses - and his hostility to the First Amendment - is this: he's a liberal on domestic policy issues generally.

Romney is the only conservative left in the GOP field.

Rush Limbaugh is right: John McCain as the Republican standard bearer would destroy the Republican Party as the home of conservatives.

Here is Rush Limbaugh on "The McCain Mutiny":

http://mfile.akamai.com/5020/wma/rushlimb.download.akamai.com/5020/shanklin_archives/McCain%20Mutiny.asx

McCain has spent his Senate career co-sponsoring the entire liberal agenda.

John McCain is a consistent liberal on domestic policy. (Is it any mystery why the liberal mainstream media love him so much?) He's running in the wrong primary. No conservative that has researched his record should support him:

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjUzOGY0ODA1YzBmNjFhOWE5NWU0OTY5NTZiOGNhOGQ=

[Eric]

Thank goodness for Limbaugh and Hannity calling out Juan McCAMNESTY's plan before it got past and destroyed America.

[Ci2Eye]

Mitt Romney is the only Republican that can be elected in November.

He has an impeccable resume' with law and business degrees from Harvard and an undeniable history of turning things around. Someone mentioned that there was a cost to some of his corporate turnarounds which of course is the case. A doctor usually can't save a patient without a painful surgery and likewise saving companies sometimes caused pain but it was necessary.

America is on the brink of financial collapse and John McCain hasn't demonstrated any understanding of economics. And while he is a great warrior, if we don't get our financial house in order we won't be able to afford a military for the President to command so our finances have to be Job 1.

There is no question this election will be about the economy and Romney is the only guy the Republicans can field who can win on those matters and if Mitt can win in Massachusetts which is the bluest state in the Union, he can win anywhere. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

This is in response to Steve in the post directly above this post. Steve wrote his post in response to my post which is listed above and in response to my blog which can be found at: http://floridapoliticovoter.blogspot.com/

I really appreciate hearing your views.

You said that you weren't sure why I was so anti-Mormon. I am willing to share some more details of my experience as a Mormon with you since you made that statement.

I was married in the Washington, DC Mormon temple to a gentleman who had performed a two-year mission to Japan. Prior to our marriage I had voiced my concern about how physically rough he was with me at times. I had discussions about it with my future husband, my own parents and my future father-in-law. My future father-in-law told me that once his son had his physical desires fulfilled on our wedding night he was sure he would be more gentle with me.

Unfortunately the wedding night didn't take care of the problem. In fact, that was the first night I was physically and sexually abused by my husband. I tried to stay married to him, but when I left him a year later I weighed 99lbs, was covered with black and blue bruises and was bleeding internally with severe ulcerative colitis.

I am infertile and my husband felt that to prove that we were good Mormons I must get pregnant quickly. He would grab me randomly and force me down on the bed and make me have sex with him several times a day. There were many days when I could barely walk from the pain. He would physically/sexually hurt me during these times until I cried and he would laugh as I cried.

Almost a year to the day after our marriage, my parents had just flown to Utah from back east because I was graduating from BYU. While I sat at breakfast with them one morning it was as if a light bulb came on. I looked at my husband beside me and then I looked at my parents and I got up and said, "get him away from me" and I walked out of the restaurant. My parents had seen the bruises before and had encouraged me to leave him several times before, but I had said that I took my marriage vows very seriously and I was going to stay and work on my marriage. At this moment I was able to see that I needed to go - just so I could become healthy and safe once again.

Thankfully a wonderful Mormon male attorney defended me in the divorce proceedings. I was allowed to leave Utah immediately when I filed for divorce because I was so ill. My parents stayed with me until I was stable enough to leave.

My attorney represented me at the divorce proceeding. The divorce proceeding was held three months after I left Utah. During the cross-examination of my husband, my husband broke down and admitted that he watched his father beat his mother and his grandfather beat his grandmother when he was a child. He broke down on the stand and wept.

I was granted an immediate divorce that day.

Unfortunately I wasn't the only woman in our church/ward in Provo, Utah who was being abused. There were lots of black eyes and other injuries that I observed on other ladies within the church. I experienced it and I knew other women who experienced it.

There is a new movie that has just been released called, "Happy Valley." It exposes the many challenges faced by Mormons - especially drug use. You can read about the movie at this link: http://www.happyvalleythemovie.com

I lived in Utah. I experienced and witnessed the physical abuse and drug abuse that is a result of the continued brainwashing of members and the suppression of women and children.

Here's a recent quote from the Salt Lake Tribune - a prominent Salt Lake City newspaper, "...Utah leads the nation in the illegal use of
prescription drugs. A recent federal study determined that 6.5 percent of Utahns age 12 or older
used a prescription pain medication without a doctor's order in the past year." Salt Lake Tribune - 08/04/2007

I have to ask - If life in Utah is so idyllic then why is it leading the country in illegal use of prescription drugs.

In a Los Angeles Times article, published February 20, 2002, entitled "Study Finds Utah Leads Nation in Antidepressant Use," the caption reads: "Some point to the pressures of Mormonism, especially for women, to explain the surprising findings." Link to this article: http://www.rickross.com/reference/mormon/mormon64.html

So no, Steve, I'm not alone in my experiences and my concerns. I am just taking a stand while I watch a Mormon Male run for the office of President - to question his practices within the religion and to question how they may potentially affect his behavior and judgment if he were to be elected to the Presidency of the United States.

[Buzzard]

So what have the conservatives done for us lately?

Mitt (How's my hair) Romney... the Republisquids John Edwards!

Judy Ruliani was over weeks ago.

John (What's a border) McCain is not the one.

Ron (I dig L. Ron) Paul wont be allowed.

Face it freaks... It's all about the Dems!

I know it's hard for you minions... but we'll represent you too.

McCain - Way to show the world your strength on Foreign Issues:

"I was in a conference in Germany over the weekend and President Putin of Germany gave one of the old Cold War style speeches" - John McCain 1/23/08

http://www.wjno.com/pages/spotlight.html?feed=244038&article=3180167

[Metro]

John McCain - Mr. "Straight-Talk Express" - and his record of confirmed ethical lapses:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_Five

* * *

"In August 1991, the [Senate] committee concluded that Cranston, DeConcini, and Riegle's conduct constituted substantial interference with the FHLBB's enforcement efforts and that they had done so at the behest of Charles Keating. The committee recommended censure for Cranston and criticized the other four [including John McCain] for 'questionable conduct.'"

* * *

Mr. "Straight-Talk Express" has sold all of our First Amendment Rights down the river (via "McCain-Feingold") to cover up his documented "questionable conduct."

You think a Democratic candidate won't talk about The Keating Five? McCain will be exposed for the fraud he is and the Dems will win the general election.

The emperor is wearing no clothes. John McCain's mantle of "straight-talk" is cover for his unethical past. Of course the mainstream media never talk about that. They love the fact that John McCain never met a liberal bill in the Senate that he wouldn't co-sponsor.

Mitt Romney is the biggest flip-flopping panderer.

He would say pretty much anything to get your votes. Look at what he did it Michigan.

pretty digusting to me

[Kyle]

I'm voting for Rudi because I like his stances on the major topics and his results. We have enough talking and flip-flopping in politics; Rudi will actually get things done. Who knows what the other candidates will do? Not including Hillary - I'm confident that she would destroy this country rather quickly.

Anyone is bettr than socialist Hillary!

I'm voting theone that can win: McCain.

McCain beats Hillary and all others, say polls

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2008/01/21/154731.aspx

[Steve]

Dianne,

I cannot begin to understand what you went through but to throw a whole religion under the bus because of a severly derranged man that obviously does not follow what his religion teaches is unfair.

This is what the Mormon Church says about how Husband and Wives should act:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html

If you think Romney is the right man to "secure the borders" you must not know he had illegal aliens working on his property.

A lot of these posts crucify Sen. McCain for working with the Democrats. But, isn't it the way to govern, to be able to work WITH people instead of engaging in unproductive partisan bickering like the Bush dynasty brought us all these years?

It is TIME for JOHN McCAIN!

[Eric]

Mitt Romney hired a legal contractor who hired an illegal alien. How is that Mitt's fault.

Like he said in the debate should he have gone to all of the workers and those who had a funny accent asked them if he could see their papers.

It is the duty of the contractor.

If you can understand the difference, please don't vote.

[Scott]

McCain is going down and just get over it.

STOP THE MORMON CRAP. YOU ARE POLLUTING THIS BOARD.

Romney's mother's hair was white. So was his father's.

Do we really want someone who is so self-absorbed that he dyes his hair?

Look it. Romney is simpy a vote panderer who is intent on squandering his fortune. Trust me, he will spend $100 million to attempt to win the presidency.

His governance in Massachusetts was a sham. He did nothing. Taxes went up. Spending went up.

Steve, get a life. Your Mormon ramblings are no different than the Scientologists.

Please keep your religious garbage off this blog. It makes it harder to scroll to some substance.

Where'd all these Romney haters come from all of a sudden?

They have to be from another candidates' campaign.

Until today, I've seen and heard MANY folks saying that they'd vote for Mitt in FL (and elsewhere on the national media sites)...

Bill Bennett asked on his show for Fred Heads to call in and tell him who they'd back and I'd say at least 3 out of 4 callers were saying they were now voting for Mitt in FL.

[Metro]

McCain is so "self-absorbed" that he sold our First Amendment rights down the river to cover his Keating Five ethical lapses.

I think that's substantively more important.

Besides liberals always said Reagan dyed his hair (when he hadn't). So your silly criticism puts Mitt in good company.

[Sarah Harris]

Dianne,

After reading your two posts my heart goes out to you for what you were put through. An experience like that would surely influence the way somebody thinks about things.

However I am compelled to explain that the actions of your husband are vigorously condemned by the Mormon Church. The way he treated you was very wrong, and you had no obligation, religious or otherwise, to stay with him after he treated you that way. His father talking you into marrying his abusive son was also wrong.

But this is simply not they way most Mormons are. I know many, many Mormons and spend a great deal of time with them in their homes and so forth. Fortunately much of the country is becoming much more aquainted with Mormons and their unique religion.

And, while I simpathize with your history, I do not see how it proves any of the falacies that you brought up in your first post.

The fact that you were abused by a Mormon does not justify lying or even stretching the truth. There are bad Mormons just like there are bad Baptists, Catholics, Muslims, and Jews. People are people.

Mitt Romney, however, is not a bad Mormon. He's certainly not perfect, but when it comes to presidential candidates, he is the guy that republicans have been looking for since Ronald Reagan.

You can tell a lot about the candidates based on who the media attacks and who the media props up. Remember that, especially now in Florida.

[Rex]

McCain believes in amnesty. Huckabee is for a "touchback" program that would send illegals home for mere days before allowing them to return. Only Romney has the right idea on illegal immigration, which is FAR AND AWAY the most important issue facing America today. Vote for Mitt!

[Todd]

Let's compare: McCain cheated (repeatedly) on his disabled 1st wife, Romney married to his high school girlfriend. McCain graduated 5th FROM LAST in his college class, Romney was Valedictorian at BYU and graduated in the TOP PERCENTAGE of his Harvard Law and MBA program at the same time. McCain was formally admonished by the Senate for TAKING BRIBES in the Keating S&L scandal, Romney is clean as a whistle. McCain tried to LEGALIZE all the crimaliens permanently(and their relatives soon after) behind our backs with Ted Kennedy, Romney tried to have the State Troopers ID illegals at traffic stops for deportation. McCain NEVER had a job outside of the government, Romney was in government for 4 years as a Governor. Vote for McCain, the career politician; or vote for Romney, who's been wildly successful in EVERYTHING he's ever done.

[Romney a true conservative]

Romney has a good conservative record as governor.

McCain has a liberal record as senator.

With Romney conservatism has a chance. With McCain it has no chance.

I'll take Romney over McCain any day.

[Chris]

If the founding fathers knew about how McCain tried legalize all the ILLEGAL ALIENS, they would have him TRIED FOR TREASON. (remember, Benedict Arnold was a WAR HERO before he turned on the U.S.!)

Before it all, I would have voted for Rudy, hands down. Now, I'm not so sure. Mitt has really impressed me.

[Dan]

You missed the point, we got a call and the Media is making your decision. The Poll left out RON PAUL. The question only included 4 candidates... and no options.

McCain/Leiberman
McCain/Feingold
McCain/Kennedy

There is only 1 candidate that wants real change, a Statesman not a Politician... RON PAUL.

[Pants on Fire]

Arizona Republic 10-3-99:

"In recent years, he's become a champion of campaign-finance reform. More than a decade ago, he took free trips to the Bahamas with savings and loan tycoon Charles Keating. He continues to take big money from interests before his committees."

"He's amassed a rogues' gallery of troublemaking former pals - Keating, Gary Hart, John Tower, Fife Symington, Duke Tully - who hardly square with his ambitions as a reformer."

"He prides himself on his personal integrity yet admits he wasn't faithful to his first wife, Carol, who was injured in a horrific car accident while McCain was in Vietnam."

"While at the Naval Academy, McCain let some subjects slide, spending his time reading history and literature and, of course, howling at the moon. He graduated fifth from the bottom of his class."

[Pants on Fire]

McCain says he understands the border problem better than anyone becaues he comes from a border state. So if thats true than why hasn't he fixed it?

When he had a chance to fix it, all he came up with was a backdoor deal with kennedy. The most liberal dirtbag in the senate, and guess what? The plan failed to address border security.

If you care about the security and the sovereignty of your America then you cannot possibly vote for McCain.

[Mitt is it]

Dianne Pearce you just perjured yourself and are showing your true colors. Any oath whether on a bible in a court room or made to your country should be your word and your bond. You would have been better to have removed yourself rather than breaking your oath. "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth" (Numbers 30:2). What else are you willing to lie about?

[Steve S.]

You have to ask yourself: Why would Mitt Romney spend tens of millions of dollars of HIS OWN MONEY to win a job that pays $400,000 a year?

Let's face it: Most of these guys and gals want the presidency not to help other people, but to acquire power that can then be leveraged for their own personal gain. Look at Bill Clinton - before he became President, he was worth less than his wife. Now, he and Hillary are worth tens of millions of dollars, and he delivers speeches for $250,000 a pop. You've gotta love influence peddling...

I believe that there's an alternative out there - his name is Dr. Ron Paul, a principled conservative who's never taken a government junket and refuses to participate in the lucrative congresssional pension plan. He even returns the unused portion of his congressional office budget every year to the US Treasury because he feels that he is not entitled to it. He is the only one from either party who wants to actually make a difference in Washington, instead of staying with the status quo of bigger and bigger government, more and more intrusion into your daily lives, and less and less adherence to the Constitution. He is also the only one who is dedicated to DECREASING the power of the Executive Branch, not increasing it. Check out his policy positions here for yourself: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Inform yourself (don't just listen to what the talking heads in the media tell you to do) and elect a true Barry Goldwater conservative in Ron Paul!

[Jim]

Straight talk? Yeah, right. Who's the real flip flopper. McCain was against border enforcement, before he's was for border enforcement?? He's beholden to industries who cheat real american workers and the rest of us by hiring illegals. I'm an Arizona resident that is thanking the rest of the nation for stopping McCain's amnesty bill. They are finally cracking down on the illegals here and guess what? They are self deporting. McCain may know how to lead a squadron into a fight, but this war on terror is more than that. It is economic,social and combative warfare. McCain is missing 2 of the three defensive legs. Make him Sec. of Defense, but please Floridians, elect someone that can take on all the issues. Mitt looks like the one to go for. If you want high profile - Sheriff Joe from Maricopa Cnty AZ is supporting Romney - (immigration). You can't trust McCain on judges either!!

Send Mitt with a win so we can put him over the top here in AZ!!!

Get a grip you pinheads... McCain doesn't have the strength to beat an egg.

Face it; the D's win this. But don't worry, we care about you too!

WOW, I guess we know what the Repubiperv staffers are doing tonight! Isn't there a public bathroom you boys could be working?

[Chris]

DUNCAN HUNTER BACKS HUCK, THOMPSON IS OUT. SUPPORT HUCK....THE ONLY TRUE CONSERVATIVE LEFT IN THE RACE!!! WAKE UP!!!

McCain beats Hillary and all others, say polls

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2008/01

That is all that counts. Who can beat socialist Hillary.

My vote will be for John McCain.

[Todd]

McCain IS Hillary, that's why the liberal media keeps calling him the frontrunner.(In what statistical way is he the frontrunner? Not in delegates, states won, or in true Conservative's support!)

[mike]

As practically the Democrats' only legislative collaborator, McCain has less and less in common with his Republican colleagues. He counts few friends among the caucus. He hasn't attended the party's policy retreat in years. And he's generally loathed by conservatives.

Too bad Huckster has the last name he does...it only intensifies the sliminess he exudes while he talks out of both sides of his mouth.

Huckster raised taxes, wants to change the Constitution, says he won't show a video and then shows it to reporters in a PC, lets push polling continue, flip-flopped in a matter of days on immigration.

Mitt and McCain are the only 2 serious contenders in the race that can win the Presidency vs. any of the dems.

[Pants on Fire]

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was close to leaving the Republican Party in 2001, weeks before then-Sen. Jim Jeffords (Vt.) famously announced his decision to become an Independent, according to former Democratic lawmakers who say they were involved in the discussions.

In interviews with The Hill this month, former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and ex-Rep. Tom Downey (D-N.Y.) said there were nearly two months of talks with the maverick lawmaker following an approach by John Weaver, McCain’s chief political strategist.

Democrats had contacted Jeffords and then-Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.) in the early months of 2001 about switching parties, but in McCain’s case, they said, it was McCain’s top strategist who came to them. (emphasis added)

[Bruce]

I have waited a long time to make a decision on which religion, if any I felt I belonged.

If Mitt Romney is a Mormon, then that is the religion I think I want, because Mitt is such a Moral Man, and the Honesty and Goodness that he emits, makes me lean to that religion.

WAKE UP REPUBLICANS / CONSERVATIVE / MODERATES!
WHY IS MITT ROMNEY THE BEST CANDIDATE?
---He was at the TOP 5 of his class at Harvard (MCCAIN was in BOTTOM 5 of Naval Academy).
---He is awesome with people (without having to being a joker).
---He is EXPERT AT RESCUING failing organizations (OLYMPICS, ETC.) and makes them successful.
---He is awesome at getting things done in organizations.
---He has the best plan for the ECONOMY, stimulus and illegal immigration (unleash economic capital, reduce the burden on OLDER AMERICANS, ILLEGAL ALIENS need to GET IN LINE like everybody else).
---He knows how to deal with the BIG ELEPHANT (China).
---He has worked with top business leaders in over 40 FOREIGN COUNTRIES (foreign experience)
---He has been a chief EXECUTIVE (McCain is an old Washington insider)
---He WANTS TO REALLY STRENGTHEN OUR MILITARY.
---He is PRO-FAMILY and PRO-LIFE. (Both McCain and Huckabee have flipped AND flopped on taxes, illegal’s, spending, etc. MCCAIN personally FILED BRIEFS AGAINST Right to Life to shut them up near an election).
---He has only had ONE WIFE, 5 kids.
---He WON the Evangelical vote in Nevada and Michigan.
---He has WON the MOST conservative, republican VOTES in all primaries so far.
---He has the MORE DELEGATE VOTES than the others.
---Reagan did NOT win in SC either.
---He will not embarrass us like Clinton did and McCain does.
---He is being GANGED UP ON by both MCCAIN AND HUCKABEE (a moderate pack against one conservative).

YOUR CONSERVATIVE VALUES A-TEAM?
---MCCAIN SUPPORTS DEFACTO AMNESTY, rejects tax cuts, parties with Hillary and Kennedy and other liberals.
---MCCAIN WANTS PEOPLE TO SHUT UP TALK RADIO. That is CALLED THE MCCAIN-FEINGOLD LAW. McCain authored and passed the first successful, major shut-up bill in the history of the country. McCain-Feingold ABRIDGES FREE SPEECH AND TALK RADIO. It limits freedom of expression for citizens and lets George Soros-type billionaires to pool money into anti-conservative defeats using a big loop-hole like 527s. The most brazen frontal assault on political speech since Buckley v. Valeo.
---MCCAIN HAS TURNED HIS BACK ON CONSERVATIVES MANY TIMES. Loses his temper, gets mad easily, TAKES PRIDE IN snotty and snide remarks to fellow republicans while SUCKING UP TO DEMOCRATS: (MCCAIN-FEINGOLD, MCGAIN-KENNEDY-EDWARDS, MCCAIN-LIEBERMAN, MCCAIN-COHEN, MCCAIN-ACLU, MCCAIN-ANTI RUMSFIELD, MCCAIN-KERRY-HEINZE, MCCAIN-GANG OF 14, MCCAIN-ALQAEDA.
---MCCAIN ABANDONED US MIA/POWS left behind there 1973 in order to benefit from trade deals with Communist Vietnam. TRADED MILITARY INFO to get better POW treatment, endangering other soldiers.
---MCCAIN MAY NOT MAKE IT THRU ONE TERM—he is 70+ years old. STROKE ANYONE?
---MCCAIN CALLS HIMSELF CAPTAIN CLIMATE: With ALGORE, PROMOTES Carbon Dioxide based HYSTERICAL GLOBAL WARMING silliness. “McCain…has probably held the most biased hearing of all," Michaels said.

[Suzanne]

McCain opposes the Federal Marriage Ammendment that states marriage is between one man and one woman... and he is the only candidate that "refuses to respond" on the issue of abortion, does he not know what to say, or is he to afraid to make a decision...doesn't sound like a great future for our children if we put it in his hands, more like, pretty bleak ...

Mitt Romney vs. John McCain in the final stretch of Florida’s crucial Republican primary?

Then John McCain is by far the better candidate as a human being and as a political leader.

[clint]

Wow... I think the record is very clear on MASS before MITT got to be Gov and after. Before, MASS was nearly bankrupt and has a hug deficit. If it weren't for MITT the Liberal state would have been sold to Mexico for about $10.

I think the McStain voters should realize that MITT has only had one wife. One wife that he should beside through good and bad. McStain can not say that, nor can Rudy. McStain is a disgrace and definitely not a straight talker. He has turned on his wife, and the Republican party and he will turn on you too.

[Marilyn]

There are lots out there claiming Mitt is a flip-flopper, however, he has NOT changed his positions at all during the campaign, unlike his competitors. Isn't part of what we want as Republicans conversion of sorts--liberals to become more conservative?

Additionally on Mitt's economic/business record: Sometimes the only way to turn around businesses (and governments for that matter) is to cut programs, cut jobs and tighten the belt. If you or your spouse suddenly had a decrease in income, what would you do? You'd cut out some of your spending, buy hamburger instead of steak, cut your own lawn, go out to dinner less, etc. You'd also find other ways to make money to help with the loss. What Mitt did as a turn-around artist in business and in Mass. is just what our country needs. It won't be easy, but we need someone with the guts and experience to make it happen. This is reality. Anyone with a business accumen understands this. His business background is international which will also be of great benefit as President.

In terms of national security--Mitt was ultimately responsible for the security of everyone at the Winter Olympics in 2002. He had to work with delegations from throughout the world. He worked with various government security agencies.

He is not a Washington guy. He has NOT been part of the biggest "do nothing congress" in history.

As a business executive, I can tell you that Executive experience matters. Many times we will see individuals who are great at their jobs, are promoted and fail. Just because someone has done well in their current position, it is not a guarantee that they will be successful in Management or executive roles. Now is not the time to put someone in place that needs to be trained in the role. Mitt's executive experience is unparalled in the full slate of candidates Republican or Democrat.

Lastly, Republicans revere Ronald Reagan. Indeed, he was one of the greatest Presidents we have ever had. Prior to his Presidency, he had been pro-abortion, he had been a Union leader. He had been a (don't say it!) registered Democrat!

People can change. More important, having the ability to see the change needed and having the courage to lead that change is what we need. This is why I support Mitt.

[Leslie]

"I was married in the Washington, DC Mormon temple to a gentleman who had performed a two-year mission to Japan. Prior to our marriage I had voiced my concern about how physically rough he was with me at times. "

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA LIAR!! Good grief woman, just say you hate the church don't come lying thru your teeth. You know you were never married in the LDS temple nor Went to BYU nor none of this nonsense you spew here. Just be honest and say I hate the LDS church just cause I DO, but don't lie..whatever church you belong to should teach you about lying.

HAHAHAHAHA

[gneubeck]

In selecting your Presidential candidate, please reflect on the dire consequences of a docile retreat before a relatively small band of Islamic extremists; and, attempt to formulate your own opinion as to the most prudent course of action in the defense of our Nation. It might assist to consider the following scenario: the infiltration of a group of terrorists similar to the Atta cabal with a quantity of weaponized anthrax procured from a rogue state; the acquisition of a single crop-duster aircraft fitted with a dry-agent disseminator; and, the dispersal of that dangerous toxin over an American population center. The loss of American life would be catastrophic. -Or-, is it preferable to pre-empt such fanatics by destroying them on their home turf, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, before they secure the capacity to threaten our homeland? The latter is in fact a key element in current American strategy. Is it advisable to support any candidate who would reverse course and sacrifice the impressive gains against Islamofacists that young Americans have shed their precious blood to achieve? The fact that we have not experienced another 9/11 is not a by-chance occurrence. Further, it's critical to appreciate the pivotal role that our own border security plays in our "war against terrorism", keeping in mind that "Amnesty" is anathema to border security. A Nation without enforceable borders will not long survive as a Nation. Mitt Romney is exceedingly strong on each of these principles.

Greg Neubeck

[Miami]

McCain isn't a conservative. Niether is Huckabee. That leaves Romney and Giuliani. Romney can handle the economy AND knows how to behave himself. Let's see what Florida thinks.

[Think!]

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org
Mitt Romney on abortion
Endorsed legalization of RU-486. (Mar 2002)
Personally against abortion, but pro-choice as governor. (Mar 2002)
Defining mistake: supported abortion law despite opposing it. (Aug 2007)
Was pro-choice, now proudly pro-life. (Dec 2007)

[Jbird]

I can't believe so many people are serious about John McCain. McCain's a liberal on so many issues and has proven it by his recent Amnesty Bill, Gang of Four activities, and the McCain-Feingold Anti-Free Speech Law.
McCain owes a lot of folks in Washington favors. It'll be hard for him to turn them down.
He's an old man with old ideas. He'll probably die in office. If we're lucky, it'll happen before he kills our country.

[Think!]

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org
Mitt Romney on 2nd Amendment
Will support assault weapons bill and Brady Bill. (Aug 1994)
Supports Second Amendment rights but also assault weapon ban. (May 2007)
I support the work of the NRA, but disagree sometimes. (Dec 2007)
Ok to ban lethal weapons that threaten police. (Dec 2007)

[Think!]

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org
Mitt Romney on healthcare
FactCheck: HillaryCare closer to RomneyCare than "all gov't". (Oct 2007)

[Thin]

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org
Mitt Romney on Illegal Immigration
FactCheck: Took no action against 4 Mass. sanctuary cities. (Nov 2007)

[Think!]

Source: http://www.ontheissues.org
John McCain
Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause. (Nov 1999)
Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs. (Nov 1999)

Mitt Romney
Eligible for draft in 1969; regrets not having served. (Mar 2007)

Ron Paul is being kept down by the mass media and this column is a perfect example. What a great co