Is Gov. Mitt Romney ( R ) a viable presidential candidate?

[Breeze54]

From the http://www.metrowestdailynews.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now the big question of his viability arises
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/articles/2005/12/15/now_the_big_question_of_his_viability_arises/
Scott Helman, Globe Staff | December 15, 2005

If Governor Mitt Romney's announcement yesterday
answers the biggest question in Massachusetts politics,
it raises an even bigger one:

Is he a viable presidential candidate?

The short answer is yes, according to political analysts,
observers, and Republican activists across the country.
But the longer answer, they say,
is that Romney faces tough challenges:
convincing Southern conservatives that he's not a Northeast liberal,
becoming conversant in foreign policy,
and overcoming prejudices against his religion.

"Yes, he is a viable candidate:
He's got a spectacular reputation in Republican circles,
the camera loves him, and he's got a very focused message,"
said former Republican National Committee chairman Rich Bond.

But, Bond added, "He's got a lot of work to do."

With the first primaries more than two years away,
other possible candidates -- including US Senator John McCain,
former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and a half dozen others
have significantly more name recognition and political experience
than the one-term Republican governor of Massachusetts.
His highest-profile legislative goal, passing a healthcare bill,
remains unfinished,
with Democrats in the Legislature still negotiating a compromise.

Yet, by all accounts,
Romney has turned himself into a top prospect for 2008
with a busy out-of-state schedule in 2005 and by taking
increasingly conservative positions on gay marriage, abortion,
and the environment in recent months.
He will get more chances to grow his political network as
chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2006.

Romney isn't likely to announce a presidential bid for another year,
and the headlines in 2006 could have a big impact on his plans.
If the war on terror continues to dominate, McCain,
one of the country's leading voices on defense, could have an edge.
On the other hand,
if the economic threat posed by China is a defining story,
Romney could do well.

Several observers say that Romney has a legitimate shot at capturing
the nomination if he can finish in the top three in Iowa,
win or take second in New Hampshire,
and woo enough conservatives to make a stronger showing
in South Carolina than McCain.

"Romney has the potential to put together a serious run for the nomination,"
said Scott Reed, who ran Bob Dole's presidential campaign in 1996.

In Iowa, Romney has left a strong impression on voters, activists,
and politicians on the trips he has taken,
including a quick jaunt last Saturday for two fund-raisers.
One was for Brad Zaun, a Des Moines state senator who said
he was impressed by Romney's down-to-earth manner.

"Even though he's been very successful,
he comes across as a very humble, genuine person,"
said former Iowa governor Terry E. Branstad,
one of several leading Iowa Republicans who held a private meeting
with Romney during his visit.
"And, yeah, I think that will have appeal in Iowa."

Continued...

[Ian David]

1. He's got Presidential Hair. n/t

[Breeze54]

3. LOL!

What hair spray does he and his wife use?
"Stiff's Are us!" ?
:rofl:

[Kat45]

2. I don't think the national republican party will back a Mormon.

Just my opinion.

[Breeze54]

4. Then why

did they just elect him chairman of the
Republican Governors Association for 2006?
:shrug:

[Kat45]

5. That surprised me somewhat.

Though they do get to stick it to libural Massachusetts in doing that. LOL But though I still don't believe they'd back him for president, they'll certainly use him to help their cause. He's extremely photogenic and probably good at speaking to their crowds. Might also be good at raising money, I don't know. Probably their kind of businessman. Seems to be good at attracting attention. I wouldn't be surprised if they get as much as they can from him, leading him on to think he has a presidential chance, then spit him out when they no longer need him. It wouldn't be the first time they chewed someone up and spit them out.

[unhappycamper]

6. Breeze54:

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TIA,

unhappycamper
DU Moderator