Florida Primary Day -- MCCAIN WINS
By Erick Posted in 2008 — Comments (381) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Can John McCain win a Republican primary when just Republicans vote? We'll find out tonight.
Here's your open thread.
Polls close at 7pm, but remember the Panhandle is in the Central Time Zone while the rest of the state is Eastern Time Zone.
Exit polling shows a neck and neck race between McCain and Romney.
[UPDATE:] Seniors, veterans, HIspanics, and those concerned about the economy broke for McCain. Conservatives and evangelicals broke for Romney. A reporter from a major news service has called asking for my comment on McCain's narrow win tonight.
[UPDATE AT 9:12:] John McCain can win in a Republican Primary and he has. Ladies and Gentlemen, we now have our front runner and more likely than not our nominee. Make of that what you will. Me? I'm turning to drink.
[UPDATED AT 9:18:] The way this is shaping up, it's military vs. conservatives. Likewise, like with Howard Dean in 2004, let's strike from the rule book the notion that the guy who has the most money wins. Here's an unpleasant truth for conservatives tonight, myself included: Mitt Romney will limp on, but keep his stack of silver medals in 2nd place. Rudy is over. I'm still voting for Fred. John McCain, at least, I maintain is probably the most viable against Hillary or Obama.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let's prepare for John McCain as our nominee. As of tonight, the writing is on the wall.
And I want my party back, by the way. Apparently the McCain people are reading my last line as insulting, which was not my point (I'll have something up later). For now, I mean it, but I retract it. Tune in tomorrow for exactly what I mean.
« Dueling June Obama fundraising claims? — Comments (2) | Mitt Romney's Pro-Entitlement Robo-calls — Comments (23) »
Florida Primary Day -- MCCAIN WINS 381 Comments (0 topical, 381 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
McCain ahead in the exits for voters who said the economy was the top issue?!?!
HERE WE DOLE AGAIN....
With Romney's vast private sector experience, you'd think his support for wasteful ethanol subsidies, massive taxpayer bailouts for Michigan and a preposterous $233B "stimulus" package that is nothing more than a payday loan would have gone over better. Who would have thought that those stupid voters would see this for the pandering pack of garbage that it was?
Visit The Scratching Post!
"I believe in grace, because I have seen it. In peace, because I have felt it. In forgiveness, because I needed it."
-George W. Bush
having to say you're sorry, especially for teh Grammar! (or teh spelling)
___________________________________
Two thirds of the world is covered by water,
the other third is covered by Champ Bailey.
If it stays this close, that probably hurts Romney a little. He needs the bounce more than McCain does.
i have trouble seeing how romney catches up to mccain in places like CA and NY if he doesn't win florida - especially with giuliani's national security voters starting to look for other candidates...
mccain's edge is slight in some super tuesday states, but if he wins florida, he'll keep that edge...
McCain by a nose over Romney, 34.3 to 32.6. Of course, that's razor thin, so nothing's settled yet.
Hang all traitors and secessionists! Hang them high!
- Me
... early voting could be a very big part of the outcome, although one suspects that would benefit Rudy more than anybody.
Hang all traitors and secessionists! Hang them high!
- Me
"I believe in grace, because I have seen it. In peace, because I have felt it. In forgiveness, because I needed it."
-George W. Bush
From Mark Halprin:
FOX NEWS EXIT POLL RESULTS
Senior Citizens– McCain 40, Romney 31, Giuliani 18, Huckabee 7
Veterans– McCain 37, Romney 36, Giuliani 14, Huckabee 8
Hispanics– McCain 50, Giuliani 26, Romney 16, Huckabee 5
01/29 07:07 PM
... is most surprising. I didn't think they'd break that strongly for McCain, although I hope that's true. The vet vote is a little more surprising, since I think McCain expected to have a little more of an edge in that demo. Hispanics could be the deciding factor, one would assume.
Hang all traitors and secessionists! Hang them high!
- Me
The Hispanic vote is surprising to me as well. I usually do not think endorsements matter much, but perhaps the endorsements of McCain by Martinez and the Cuban congressmen gave McCain a big bump. Maybe some Cubans are still mad at Romney for his faux pas of ending a speech to them with a Castro rallying cry. Methinks he shot himself in the foot with that pander.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
I'm pretty sure it's illegal to announce projected winners, but I think the media types are free to issue exit polls whenever it suits them.
Al Gore and John Kerry couldn't be reached for comment.
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
... which was about 23 minutes ago. Actually, we may be seeing some returns in the next 10 to 15 minutes.
Hang all traitors and secessionists! Hang them high!
- Me
But since the panhandle is in CST, polls there close at 7pm CST / 8pm EST.
Maybe that's what you meant, but it seemed a bit unclear to me.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
No Joe [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
Lieberman says he's been there, done that, won't be McCain's veep.
01/29 07:20 PM
McCain's gotta choose a solid conservative who's popular with the base and with whom he can work personally.
Thompson would also be good because he would help restrain some of McCain's maverick tendencies.
I think it hinges only on whether Thompson himself will agree to accept the position....
to, and while I think its a bit of a stretch to equate Mitt's position with the Dems, I do remember being very disappointed with Mitt at the time and started looking around for a candidate that was more solid on the war, like Duncan Hunter, and I also remember cheering McCain on at the time.
It is instructive on who we can trust to be like Bush on the war.
Mike Gamecock DeVine @ The Charlotte Observer
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
"I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience. If I still have time, I might add, Mr. Trewhitt, I might add that it was Seneca or it was Cicero, I don't know which, that said if it was not for the elders correcting the mistakes of the young, there would be no state."
It is still very much unclear that Obama will win. Are there new polls post-SC showing him turning the tide in next week's contests? Last I saw he was behind in virtually every state except IL. Even with proportional delegate allocation that would leave HRC a big lead coming out of those races - especially considering her lead amongst superdelegates.
Even if Romney wins here, looks like it will be close, and McCain will have a strong enough showing to make the case that he can win Republican votes. If Rudy's support goes into freefall after this, McCain could be in good shape next week, even in closed primary states like NY and CA.
Advanced voters don't show up in exit polls
The one thing I know, this is going to be a late night.
I believe the media historically has voluntarily withheld exit polling results until the polls closed. Drudge changed all that, though, when he started releasing them as they became available (I remember checking the site repeatedly in 2000, it was oftentimes hard to get to load).
On the Florida front, I'll say I'm disappointed, but not at all surprised, by Giuliani's showing. I really though the would be a great candidate and a great president. His political advisors that came up with this "Florida first" strategy, however, should never work a primary campaign again.
That being said, it's unquestionably time to scratch the whole Iowa-New Hampshire-South Carolina primary calendar. As it stands, a few people in very small states, in consort with the media and punditry, effectively choose the nominees.
---
According to Democrats, it’s greedy to want to keep your own money, but it’s “justice” to demand someone else’s.
--Jonah Goldberg
I hadn't noticed.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Positivist Pastafarian for the alliteration alone.
His campaign will become synonymous in the years to follow for mind boggeling incompetence. To think I was once worried he might be the nominee.
He didn't run a campaign that I could see.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Positivist Pastafarian for the alliteration alone.
I got excited when I saw the early returns.
I can't believe that McCain has hoodwinked that many old people.
Maybe in a state like California, Romney can win.
It will be a close race between Romney and McCain.
Giuliani voters, FredHeads, Huckafriends, please, for the love of all that is holy, get on the Romney bus.
We can't have McCain as the GOP nominee.
Romney 2008
From CNN
Updated 1 minute ago
County Results
McCain 142,728 34% 0 12%
Romney 129,024 31% 0
Giuliani 74,304 18% 0
Huckabee 52,750 12% 0
Paul 12,713 3% 0
Thompson 7,237 2% 0
Hunter 710 0% 0
What the hell is going on out here? - Vince Lombardi
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Positivist Pastafarian for the alliteration alone.
...when he imploded in South Carolina and he went broke soon thereafter. The good Pastor had high hopes for Florida at one point.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
I don't think it will work though. After South Carolina and Florida what is his rationale? He was supposed to do well in the south and he isn't. Iowa can't buy you a ticket to the nomination alone.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Positivist Pastafarian for the alliteration alone.
Georgia has more delegates than Florida. Wait for Missouri, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia to have a say too. That's creationist country right there.
What is Romney's rationale? He lost Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina (his "early state strategy") and it looks like he will lose Florida as well.
And don't look for Huck to take Missouri either. If McCain wins Florida, I'm casting a vote for McCain in Missouri.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
it wouldn't utterly surprise me (only somewhat surprise me) if huckabee ended up with more delegates than romney at the end of the primary season...
Huckabee is broke and has been blown out in most states. He is doomed at this point.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Positivist Pastafarian for the alliteration alone.
Missouri is a (so-far) three-man tangle between Mitt, Rudy, and McCain. McCain could (if Rudy stays in) theoretically finish 3rd, as Rudy and Mitt have the huge endorsements in the state (U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, and several assorted state reps and senators for Rudy, versus Gov. Matt Blunt, State House Speaker Rod Jetton, Lt. Gov. nominee and retired Col. Jack Jackson, and several assorted state reps and senators). I can't recall any prominent Missourians announcing their support for McCain.
And as for Huckabee? I can't see it happening.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
It will be interesting to see whether Huckabee's voters mostly stick with him on 2/5 or abandon him en mass. He's in the lead or competitive with McCain in a number of southern states. So, if his support collapses, McCain is the primary beneficiary. This will make any chance for Romney to win the delegate battle all the more harder.
The very good talk radio host from Milwaukee who fills in for Rush quite often announced today that he will not support or vote for McCain if he's the nominee. I have to agree with him...the thought of McCain badmouthing Republicans and Conservatives to the MSM and then we (but not me) still vote for the guy in our primary...incredible and disgusting.
On Rush's show today, absentee's brother chimed in on the McCain dislike. Funny to hear Rush being told about their political discussions.
www.fred08.com
Redneck Hippie
I told him he shouldn't have said he was my brother, but rather a rabid fan. I would have asked, "Rush, would you say read absentee every day, or is it just most days?"
Former Fredhead, Current McCainiac
absentee:
plugged on Limbaugh and The Corner ... what did YOU do last week?
They got into something about McCain only staying for one term.
Rush wanted to know where that idea came from.
I can't recall the author with any certainty, but I know that it was someone at NRO who started writing about it a few months ago.
The idea was that McCain could announce staying for just one term as a way to gain support. (I didn't think it would work, and I can't remember the entire argument.)
Kidding. I think you are right though, I believe it was NRO.
absentee:
plugged on Limbaugh and The Corner ... what did YOU do last week?
I bet that Fred gets a better percentage in Florida than he did in NH (when he was actually in the race).
Unless Romney gets some friendly precincts in soon, he's in trouble.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
McCain 198,843 34% 0 19% reporting
Romney 178,516 31% 0
Giuliani 97,624 17% 0
Huckabee 76,711 13% 0
Paul 18,807 3% 0
Thompson 8,953 2% 0
Hunter 976 0% 0
What the hell is going on out here? - Vince Lombardi
Romney will do better than McCain there. But if Huckabee holds his typical heavy support among evangelicals,it maybe not enough for Romney. OTH, if Huckabee's base chose a strategic vote, it maybe.
There were some church folk having meetings downtown here last week in Panama City for Huckabee. Anyway.
McCain 240,602 34% 0 25%reporting
Romney 218,253 31% 0
Giuliani 112,521 16% 0
Huckabee 98,520 14% 0
Paul 22,532 3% 0
Thompson 10,427 2% 0
Hunter 1,159 0% 0
What the hell is going on out here? - Vince Lombardi
...and McCain tied him. Bye Huck.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
No surprise that they know where their real interest lies.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Evangelical Christians are smart.
Huckabee does not speak for us.
If anyone does, it's Billy Graham.
Romney 2008
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
When I am nice people take it the wrong way.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
<> means not equal to.
absentee:
plugged on Limbaugh and The Corner ... what did YOU do last week?
As of 7:05 CST per CNN website:
20% of precincts reporting
McCain 202,157 34%
Romney 182,005 31%
Giuliani 98,931 17%
Huckabee 78,166 13%
Paul 19,026 3%
Thompson 9,104 2%
The numbers have been holding steady for a while now.
McCain 293,780 34% 0 30% reporting
Romney 284,177 33% 0
Giuliani 133,247 15% 0
Huckabee 117,365 14% 0
Paul 27,053 3% 0
Thompson 12,184 1% 0
Hunter 1,307 0% 0
What the hell is going on out here? - Vince Lombardi
Romney wins Republicans. I thought it was closed.
It's a closed primary. Independents must register as Rs to vote. The identification in exit polls is based on asking the person. The exit poll form has a spot that allows self-ID. The CNN exit poll page puts the breakdown at 80% R, 17% I.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
I thought you had to be a registred R for a period of time (like a month) before the primary.
McCain '08
He may have picked up cratering Huck support in the final days. I saw an exit poll that said Romney won more evangelicals than Huck, so we'll see.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
Hate to burst your bubble, but RCP had Huckabee at 13%. And, right now, Huckabee is at 13% with 20% of precincts reporting. Presumably, Huckabee should do better in the Panhandle. Thus, there is no evidence that Huckabee's support is collapsing beyond what was predicted, and maybe not as much as forecast.
pick up a few votes in the panhandle. I also think he will pick up a few votes in central Florida. McCain's advantage is in Dade, Broward and Duval Counties. These are immigrant and Navy veteran centers, respectively. If those are a push, I think Romney wins by a nose.
Either way, there are two tickets out of Fla. and Romney has one of them. Huck and/or Rudy take a powder after tonight.
Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies...
You are right, they had it flipped on the FL Realclearpolitics page... idiots!
"To discuss evil in a manner implying neutrality, is to sanction it." AR
As of 7:15 CST per CNN website:
29% of precincts reporting
McCain 292,694 34%
Romney 283,640 33%
Giuliani 132,833 15%
Huckabee 117,130 14%
Paul 26,977 3%
Thompson 12,176 1%
Romney closing the gap from 20,000 to 10,000 votes. He still has time to surpass McCain.
CNN has their exit poll up now. Their exit poll has it McCain 34%, Romney 31%.
I predict that tomorrow, Hugh Hewitt will declare that the results are good news for Mitt Romney. Objectively.
I might start listening to him again.
He's burned me out ever since he wrote his book and Romney declared.
I honestly think I would have been more receptive to Romney if it hadn't been for the way Hugh Hewitt kept trying to turn him into a victim of latent religious bigotry and the second coming of Ronald Reagan from the start. He should have ran on being a can-do technocrat and the guy who saved the Olympics and done like Rudy and not switched his views to act like a Conservative. I would have had more respect for him.
As of 7:30 CST per CNN website:
35% of precincts reporting
McCain 337,492 34%
Romney 317,552 32%
Giuliani 153,507 16%
Huckabee 132,663 13%
Paul 30,587 3%
Thompson 13,984 2%
McCain back up by about 20,000 total votes.
Miami-Dade will be McCain's land, as he got 2-1 of the hispanic vote.*
Panhandle will go to Romney, he won among evangelicals.
*(it may well be that Romney loses this primary because of his pandering to Tancredites while campaigning in early states)
I'd like to see something come in from the panhandle, but it really looks like McCain's gonna win this by right about the 34-31%.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
I am hoping that endorsements of the NY times, Boston Globe, L.A. Times, Governor Crist and Senator Martinez for McCain, will propel Romney to victory. If not tonight, when reality sinks in.
Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies...
Rush read a piece today about a guy who declared "R" at the polling place so he could vote, quite possibly against FL law.
With the property tax amendment on the ballot he guaranteed a giant turnout and independents at the polling place.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
The only thing registered independents can vote on is the amendment.
www.fairtax.org
Sick of Government Expansion? libertarian-Minded Republican? Check This Out... Republican Liberty Caucus!!!
www.rlc.org http://www.republicanliberty.org/
It got people to the polls that won't even show at the general.
Look at the democratic turnout and they nominally won't have delegates.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
But I doubt most independents bothered to go register for the GOP two or three weeks ago (whenever the deadline was do). Of course, that is purely conjecture. I don't have any stats to back that assumption up.
www.fairtax.org
Sick of Government Expansion? libertarian-Minded Republican? Check This Out... Republican Liberty Caucus!!!
www.rlc.org http://www.republicanliberty.org/
Of people that wouldn't normally vote ?
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
independents can vote on the ammendment w/o registering for either party.
www.fairtax.org
Sick of Government Expansion? libertarian-Minded Republican? Check This Out... Republican Liberty Caucus!!!
www.rlc.org http://www.republicanliberty.org/
hard to say how many votes one endorsement can deliver, but after crist's endorsement, romney's momentum in the polls stopped entirely and began to be reversed (at least according to RCP).
people keep looking for excuses. All this talk about closed primaries etc is a real load. No one was so worried about it before, now it is some huge deal. I am proud my state does not register people by political party, what is next, registration by favorite color?
Open primaries are just fine, it is not just open primaries, it is that some states don't think it is their business to keep records of people by their party affiliation. The reality is 90 percent of people voting in our primaries want a Republican to win. I am tired of excuses, winners do not make them.
___________________________________________________________
Molon Labe!
Is there a law in Florida against falsely declaring your party affiliation before voting? How can you tell if a person is actually Republican? In Illinois, you declare your party affiliation at the polling station.
When you go in to vote they swipe your license and send you to a voting machine thats set up for your registered party. Unless you want to try and talk a poll worker into it, it would be hard to vote for the wrong party.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Now if we could just get every state to do that, especially in the general election.
Heck we could even mandate that employers do it to hire someone. Imagine the possibilities.
FL closed the registration rolls on December 29. If you didn't have a party affiliation by then, you aren't registered to vote in the party primary today.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
www.fairtax.org
Sick of Government Expansion? libertarian-Minded Republican? Check This Out... Republican Liberty Caucus!!!
www.rlc.org http://www.republicanliberty.org/
But at any of the polls where I have worked as a poll watcher people dont get asked for party affiliation and are given the ballot for the party which they are registered in.
The last day for someone to register to vote or change party affiliation was December 31,2007.
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MWY4ODJmNzI1ZGNiY2JmZWVjN...
I'd rather have him in the race till next Tuesday.
Once it gets down to McCain and Romney, I predict the fallen away candidates will all endorse McCain.
These guys have to think about the future, and they want to go with the winner in the hopes of getting a plum job in a McCain Administration.
Besides, Brit Hume and Chris Wallace were just talking about how all the other candidates can't stand Romney because of the way he's launched negative attacks against each one of them at various points in the campaign. There seems to be a lot of antipathy toward him from the other men in the race.
Can't help either.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
him. Reporters that cober a winner get to cover the White House if their subject wins.
Mike Gamecock DeVine @ The Charlotte Observer
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
You don't have to yell.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
McCain is eviscerating Romney in Miami-Dade. With a third in, +27k votes there. That's another 50,000 votes that Romney needs to find elsewhere in the state.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
The CNN exit poll had Cubans breaking 50% for McCain to 10% for Romney! Non-Cuban Hispanics also went heavily for McCain, 51 to 21.
This goose is cooked.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
when Romney came out as the Tancredo endorsed candidate he probably wasn't ever thinking about Miami-Dade being critical to his campaign.
That was back when he still thought the slingshot strategy in Iowa and New Hampshire followed by a native son victory in Michigan would make him the inevitable juggernaut going into South Carolina and Florida. Oops!
This will be good for McCain in the general. I doubt any Republican could win Florida without the Cuban vote. I still think that Elian Gonzalez was a big factor for Bush beating Gore in Florida in 2000.
As of 7:50 CST per CNN website:
45% of precincts reporting
McCain 390,442 35%
Romney 354,556 32%
Giuliani 172,574 16%
Huckabee 149,632 13%
Paul 34,867 3%
Thompson 15,143 1%
McCain continues to increase his overall vote lead. Now up to almost 36,000.
More great news for McCain
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
Most are McCain or Guiliani territory, at least in terms of votes.
Steve Willis
Professor of Law
University of Florida College of Law
The state's official count is about 150,000 behind CNN. As of 8:54p.m. EST
John McCain ... 303,714 ... 33.4%
Mitt Romney ... 307,016 ... 33.8%
I track the Saudi-backed expansion of extremist Wahhabi Islam
http://wahaudi.blogspot.com
those are still technically unofficial results. That's why it says that on the page. ;)
Well... not in FL, but I do hope Romney manages to pull it out. It really would be nice to vote for a Republican this year.
Fred Thompson, 2008
the last 8 years.
"No Child Left Behind", Medicare Prescription Drugs, McCain-Feingold, push for Amnesty Bill.
How was Bush too much more Conservative?
At least with McCain we'll have a President who has great military and Global War on Terror credentials.
At least with McCain we'll have a President who has great military and Global War on Terror credentials.
....and he will sign bills far more hideous than NCLB, Medicare and Amnesty...
--------------------------------------
I'm not voting for Ron Paul because it's not expressly prescribed in the Constitution.
-- Mark Hemingway, The Corner (NRO)
GOPDeathWatch.com may unfortunately get it's birth tonight.
The panhandle counties that have reported have gone to McCain by a wide margin.
Would not have expected that.
where pastors whisper about Mormons being devil-worshippers?
Doesn't surprise me at all.
Romney 2008
When I was stationed there we called it "Southern Alabama".
Big military population up there. Vets have been going for McCain, as Michelle Oddis noted in Redhot.
absentee:
plugged on Limbaugh and The Corner ... what did YOU do last week?
Just not what I would have expected.
I admit that my knowledge of Florida voter demographics is thin, but I had understood that the panhandle was a conservative stronghold. And if Romney was doing better than McCain among self-described conservatives, then I would have expected him to be at least competitive with McCain in pandhandle counties if not beat him outright.
Instead, it looks like the opposite is happening: McCain is trouncing Romney by between 5 and 8 points in the counties that have reported.
Are there that many veterans in the panhandle?
There are a lot of socially conservative evangelicals who will not vote for a Mormon. Plus lots of other social conservatives do not believe Romney sudden shift to social conservatism. A lot of these are Huckabee supporters, and they'll go to McCain before they go to Romney. If you look at any of the polling in Georgia and Alabama, it's between McCain and Huckabee, so no surprise to me that McCain is outperforming Romney in the Panhandle. It is conservative, just not the Romney type of conservative.
From the NY Times:
Independents 17%
McCain Romney Giuliani Huckabee Paul
41 23 14 12 9
Not affiliated with either party
17 freaking percent!!!
Let's see, McCain won by 3%. He got twice as many independents as Romney.
Thanks Democrat trolls! You got your man over the top.
Unbelievable. Its time for Huckabee social conservativves to get off the fence and bring the South home for Romney. McCain may win the nomination because of indies and Dem voters. Outrageous.
substantive and least honest of the remaining candidates. I don't see how people can have such strong feelings about the guy, I think it is misplaced McCain hatred, but that is just my opinion. I think we are picking from the second tier here for whatever reason, but McCain is more substantive than Mitt in every possible way, to believe otherwise seems odd to me. But that is why it is an election, some care more about hair than service, who knows why?
___________________________________________________________
Molon Labe!
Romney had the SoCons before Huck and Thompson got going. Remember his huge lead in Iowa when he was running against Rudy and McCain. They didnt love him, but they supported him. In the end, people of faith stick together. Among other things this is a battle of secular conservatives versus spirtual conservatives.
Rudy is set to back McCain tommorow. That is your liberal/rockafeller wing. They will win many blue states. Will Southern evangelical really sit well with this.
He has been saying for weeks that Huck and McCain are sides of the same coin. I can't see many Huck voters moving toward Romney. And I can see Huckabee endorsing McCain after Super-Tuesday.
unpopular among the candidates. Rudy will be endorsing McCain tomorrow. I bet Fred will endorse McCain at some point. People have endorsed Romney, mostly radio dj's, but no candidate has endorsed the guy, and I think none will.
___________________________________________________________
Molon Labe!
The Huckabots going for the apostate ? After the endless whine of how the regular party slights them and their issue ?
Don't think it will happen.
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
We are not on a fence. We are voting for the candidate that we want. Mike Huckabee is doing well in the South here and Romney is doing very bad. Romney can't carry the South at all. Romney is looking like the weakest link I think if someone would just be honest.
McCain is beating Romney by a narrow margin. Fact. 17% of the voters polled at the exits are calling themselves "independent." Also a fact.
The "point" is that a closed poll is no sure bet for a fair vote.
Fred Thompson, 2008
to determine whether each voter is a "real" republican, you really don't have a point, do you? Other than suspicion and unfounded innuendo, that is.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
-is- my point. I was responding to the poster above my post (clearly) who seemed to be suggesting that a closed primary was some sort of shield against vote tampering. That idea is no more supported by known fact than the assertion that there actually -is- tampering going on.
That's my point.
Fred Thompson, 2008
and as far as troll goes, he who smelt it dealt it.
___________________________________________________________
Molon Labe!
Voters had to be registered with the Republican party not later than December 29th in order to vote today. Your post is demonstratably false. I understand you are upset, but why don't you engage your brain before you post?
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
This is anecdotal, but a caller handling "early voting" in FL told Rush that Independents were walking into the voting precincts today and asking for Republican ballots and receiving them. This is illegal according to FL law but we all know who runs the election precincts down there: Democrats.
I'd like to know if this is true.
You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.
There was an article on drudge about it earlier. The guy went to vote and they asked his party affiliation he said independent. They said he had to choose a party. So he got his republican ballot.
I would link to the story but I'm on my iPod Touch right now. Just look at the archives for today.
--
Marc Bublitz
deal with it.
Florida isn't Wyoming or Nevada caucuses, and your guy wasn't born there.
8 to 1 advantage on television advertising, outspent his competition by millions of dollars, and Mittney still couldn't get it done in Florida.
It was a closed primary.
Grace in defeat would go a lot further than bogus New York Times reports.
A lot of people are saying it is too close to call. They think that Romney can pull it off and I suppose it is possible but I doubt it.
Here are the results for McCain and Romney at 51%
McCain 436632 - 35%
Romney 386853 - 31%
Go ahead and put a check mark next to his name. I think McCain probably has won this.
Now the question is, what does everyone think about that?
Romney won a small Wyoming primary, his home state MI, and Nevada which he was projected to win regardless.
Is Romney really doing that well? I mean in honesty.. fair and balanced.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
McCain: Wrong on taxes, wrong on immigration, wrong on political speech, wrong on borders, wrong on “torture’, panderer to the left and the media, endorsed by the leftist media, “John and Hillary are very close”, corrupt member of the Keating 5, sell-out member of the Gang of 14....If you vote for McCain you might be a liberal....
we could care about winning the War in Iraq, beating Hillary, fighting pork, cutting spending, and winning back disaffected Republicans. But go have your fantasies.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
Some of us realize tax cuts without spending discipline are irresponsible, know that immigration is a complicated issue that requires some plans besides building a wall, admire his respect for human rights and our commitment to the Geneva Conventions and 200 years of American policy against torture, aren't paranoid about the all powerful "liberal media", think it's okay to like a person even if you disagree with them on policy and politics, realize that Keating was 25 years ago, think it was smart to get dozens of conservative judges approved including Alito and Roberts even if we lost a couple of good judges,
It sure is a complicated issue.
So maybe people like McCain could refrain from reciting the tired litany of platitudes whenver the issue is discussed.
Maybe we could do without absurd references to the Statue of Liberty.
Maybe McCain would refrain from using the ' I'm not goind to deport the mother of a solider in Iraq' example to justify his aversion to enforcing the law.
Maybe advocates of enormous increases in permanent legal immigration would not disguise plans to do just that under the guise of 'temporary guest worker programs.'
Maybe we could stop pretending as though there is not a looming, potentially massive collision between public policies of racial preferences and the mass importation of people eligible for them.
Maybe those on McCain's side could stop using the straw man of 'rounding up 12 million people', and the line of buses stretching across the country it would take to transport them.
WOHOO
McCain is the peoples choice in Florida among Republicans!
A guy who lies about another candidate before just before the primary, and continues to perpetuate that lie as the vote draws nearer, managed to fool a few more people into voting for him.
whoop.
Fred Thompson, 2008
Scoop from Halperin
As of 8:15 CST per CNN website:
55% of precincts reporting
McCain 469,216 36%
Romney 416,761 32%
Giuliani 199,111 15%
Huckabee 176,655 13%
Paul 41,288 3%
Thompson 16,934 1%
CNN has projected McCain the winner.
And another "silver" for Mitt.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
I can only hope that 2012 goes a little better.
Opposition party usually gains seats in the midterm elections. And that's going to be conservatives no matter what, so work for that instead.
There's a good chance we may see Bobby Jindal in that race. If so, I've got my pick already.
--
Marc Bublitz
No one likes bitter, angry losers!
McCain has won another primary
McCain has won in Independent New Hampshire to Conservative South Carolina to now Divided Florida its clear McCain is the one and only nominee who can play in all parts of this country and unite all parts of the party to victory in November
Good luck with that. You might want to get your guy to apologize to the parts he's spit on the past few years.
The Republicans will vote for him if he is the nominee simply because they don't want Clinton or Obama. I, quite frankly, think its extraordinary that he gets the vote while he continues to flip us off.
And this isn't a sore loser. This is someone who thinks he is of the wrong temperment to hold the office, and someone who is, quite frankly, beneath the dignity which the Oval Office should hold. This is about being tired of him telling other senators, purportedly "my friends" to go f*** off and calling them chickens***s and a**holes. This is about opposing a guy who verbally abused a volunteer on his first Senate election night because the podium was too tall, and he might not look good on TV.
This is about a guy whose three signature pieces of legislation are all anethema to the base. McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Lieberman...how many actual conservatives support one out of three of those, much less two or three? ACU ratings show him tacking further and further to the left year after year. His touted 82 ACU lifetime rating is also because he got 90's in the 90's. He's barely broken 80 once in this decade, and barely beat out the Senate's most conservative Democrat.
This is someone who is tired of McCain bitching about other people's sins, while he commits ever more egregious ones. This is about a guy who complained about Bush's supposed bad politics (when, in fact, nobody could ever verify or show they were from the actual campaign), but went even lower in the dirt on Bush. About a guy who CONSTANTLY lied about Mitt Romney's stances over the past few days, to the point where his friends in the MSM even said that it was dishonest. He complained about Mitt's "negative" ads, but even Brit Hume admitted tonight that Romney's ads all stuck to the issues. Romney's ads were all contrast ads. It was McCain's which have gotten personal.
Quite frankly, I was willing to support McCain. Not anymore. I'm sick of him telling us to go to hell, calling his immigration opponents bigots, repeating the same old line about how he's not going to deport the wife of a servicemember (OK, now what about the other 99.9% of illegal immigrants), and basically being a general, disdainful, low-grade jerk. There was a point where I wish I had voted for McCain in the primary in 2000 instead of Bush (had I had the chance to vote). Now, I'm glad my support was with Bush. And I'll be proud this year that my vote is with Romney. And, if Romney loses, and Giuliani loses, and Huckabee loses, I'll be proud to support the Constitution Party candidate, or for a piece of vacant air, before I support McCain. He was a hero in Vietnam, but as a politician, he's a zero.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
and I hate to say this, but if this portends Super Tuesday, then it looks like the Constitution Party will get my vote this year.
Thanks, Florida. You gave me heartburn in 2000, and it looks like its going to be another case of that in 2008.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
but in a 3-way race between Hillary, McCain, and [INSERT CONSTITUTION PARTY CANDIDATE HERE], at least I'll get someone that lines up with what I believe in.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
to call a winner with just over 50% of the vote... particulary when the race is this close. Look how much the vote flipped around during the first 50%. Calling it for the guy you -want- to win, and actually calling the winner aren't always the same thing. Let's see what the other 49% of the state has to say.
Fred Thompson, 2008
It's just basic math. It's not irresponsible.
Yeesh.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
They start with an exit poll. The exit poll sample is actually a sample of voters (not just people who say they will vote). They take the actual vote total coming in and compare it to the exit poll. If the exit poll has a large margin (say 8 points), it doesn't take much to verify it.
They have to be 99.96% sure that the leader won't change to call it. Using the exit poll and the official tally, they can calculate the odds of another change in leader. Once that percentage passes 99.96%, they call it.
As the number of votes counted increases, the likelihood of a change in leader becomes lower. That's because the pool of counted votes is getting closer to the full voter population. As the pool gets bigger it gets closer to its final form.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
"Lies, damned lies and statistics."
I do understand the math here, and if the votes stood a little further apart (like they do for Hillary versus Obama, for example), I would see no real issue with calling it. With it being this close, however, even statistically you can't say with any level of certainty who -will- carry the day.
Fred Thompson, 2008
It's clear you don't understand what Adam wrote.
"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly
... and they've been wrong before.
moot point now, at any rate. what are we at? 62%?
Ah, well... there's always Super Tuesday.
Fred Thompson, 2008
I'm a southern baptist conservative who doesn't agree with McCain on everything, but voted for him early because of wanting to beat Hillary and I think we can do it. Say that he's not your man, but quit acting like my 3 year old.
Go Dawgs, Sic em' Woof Woof
It is time to end this myth that McCain is our only hope in the general election. He is too involved in Washington, too grumpy, too much a part of the status quo and yes, too old (the media and libs will make an issue of his age, and friends, he is no Ronald Reagan who could overcome that). He polls well in the general now...wait six months till the media and the whole political world turns on him. It will be Dole vs Bubba all over again.
Thank you for this post!
I don't agree with McCain on everything either but us Republicans need to win one branch of gov't in DC to block the Pelosi/Reid jerks
Can John McCain win a Republican primary when just Republicans vote? Yes.
McCain 36%, Romney 32% with 62% of precincts reporting.
Listening to Rudy and living in NYC while he was Mayors its bittersweet.
I hope he can rebound and win Senate Race in this state one day or be Governor. I do hope he has a bright future!
It's bittersweet for me too. I was a Rudy guy who basically kinda got on board with McCain lately when it became clear Rudy wasn't going to make it. I agree on Rudy with most things but abortion, I love his style, and I think he's got the best outlook on how to fight.
Rudy is a great man and he'll go down in history books as a great man one way or another. I hope he gets a roll in a McCain administration, and I think he will if he wants it, but who knows? He can make serious bank if he stays in the private sector.
Personally, I'd like Secretary of State Giuliani. The Iranians would pi$$ themselves. So would North Korea.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"
He won an all Republican race... I'm not going to try to convince anyone to give up on their own candidate, I really think this is going to become a 2 man race despite what Huckabee says about the South.
I would give anything, gave everything for Fred to win this... he met my personal needs and I admire Fred Thompson more than most can imagine.
That said, I will be supporting John McCain without regret now. He lost me on the immigration issue and has had other moments, but I can't see voting for Romney just to punish McCain. I'd rather know where someone stands and disagree, then not know where a candidate stands, and be left wondering.
Congratulations Senator McCain. Should he not win the nomination, I remain enthusiastically supportive of our nomination. This is not a time to send a message to the GOP, we are at war, so like the nominee or not, I strongly discourage people from throwing away their vote, 3rd party, Dem, or no vote at all.
But then it'll either be the young man for change against the grumpy old men, or Hillary as our choice...Thank God it's only for 4 years....right?
Texas Proud and Texas Loud
You know, it's hard to be upset about the result tonight, all things considering. Two months ago, I would have been ecstatic about it. So I'll try to look on the bright side of life.
------------
The Red Sox Republican: Burkeanism, Baseball, and Sundries.
... is that I now expect to have a whoooooooooooole lot more free time between now and November 4th.
I can...
- look for a new job (my 3-hour round-trip commute sux)
- do some more consulting (I love Schedule C!)
- re-write that paper I've always wanted to get published (I hate loose ends)
- oh, and then there's the whole "have fun with the wife and kids" thing.
Thanks for that, Leon - I'm feeling 110% better already!
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
It's OUR party. It belongs to all of us. And so far more of us appear to prefer McCain, at least according to primary votes, which is the only thing that counts.
"If all men were just, there would be no need of valor."
- Agesilaus
you are wrong...by your logic this is mitt romney's party because he has received more total votes than any candidate.
...quite often over the years. But if he is the nominee, I'll do whatever I can to see that he is elected in November.
Nothing is more important than the war, and McCain's leadership in this area is unquestioned, at least to me. Supreme Court vacancies will be the second most important issue over the next four years, and here I am not nearly as confident on McCain's judgment. But his nominees will certainly be better than Hillary's or Obama's.
So congrats, McCain. Now please do some reaching out to us conservatives. Throw us a frickin' bone, and you may have a chance to win in November.
After being behind 70,000 to 150,0000 for the better part of an hour, all of a sudden the State's count has passed CNN in total votes counted. How did that happen?
I track the Saudi-backed expansion of extremist Wahhabi Islam
http://wahaudi.blogspot.com
Assuming these men have the magnanimity in them to forgive, it would be the ideal ticket to come out of the situation. It could unite us, and it could beat whoever they throw at us.
but the bitterness that I see in McCain towards Romney is far too strong, though he if he were smart he pick some one with some economic know how like Mitt. I predict Huckabee on the ticket. I hope I am wrong.
but don't hold your breath.
If McCain wants to unite Conservatives, why wouldn't he pick a real Conservative to be his running mate?
Romney also doesn't bring any particular regional powerbase into the campaign. This is the guy who couldn't even win his neighboring state's primary, and that is the only one in that region McCain would have a chance in against the D's in the general. It would be as dumb a move as Kerry putting Edwards (who couldn't deliver NC) on his ticket instead of Gephardt (who might have been able to bring MO).
Besides, McCain can't stand Romney.
ran a bunch of attack ads against him with big lies and personal attacks. Whether you like it or not, McCain kind of holds grudges. Huck and Rudy played fair and respectful, Romney didn't.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
before McCain decided to go into the dirt with his personal attacks.
Romney didn't play fair? Oh, I'm sorry that Romney criticized McCain's stances on the issues. But at least he stuck to the issues, and he didn't lie about McCain. The same can't be said for your candidate.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
He called the immigration plan "amensty" and even Romney has admitted that was inaccurate. And he called it "amnesty" on attack ads in NH.
He attacked McCain personally when he said McCain considered being Kerry's VP. It was a lie and it was personal. That's not an issue, that's character. Romney knew it was a lie and he did it anyway.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
On either count. On amnesty, it was pretty clearly one, as people who speak english and are not lawyers understand. And McCain himself had been calling for amnesty, calling it amnesty, previously. But of course, you'll never agree to that. But that's been debated endlessly. And regardless of whether you call it amnesty, people didn't like it.
As for the second one:
"John Kerry is a close friend of mine. We have been friends for years, obviously I would entertain it."
McCain, quoted on March 10, 2004, CBS News.
Now, to be fair, he realized how bad that made him look and flip-flopped a few hours later that day. But that doesn't change the quote. And at that point the word had been going around for several days and he'd done nothing to discourage the talk.
McCain's likely VP picks:
Tim Pawlenty
Mark Sanford
Sam Brownback
Are the three that seem most likely to me.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"
Crist, the Florida governor? Don't really know much about him except that he's popular in Florida. From an electoral standpoint, that's about as good as it gets.
I think Florida will be in his corner anyway. If he's struggling with Florida, he'll be in big trouble. He needs someone who will either A. excite people who don't like him, or B. Can do well in the great-lakes region.
Anyhow, Crist looks good on paper, but he's got problems a mile long. I don't think it's impossible, but I just don't see it happening.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"
The idea of McCain/Lieberman is sending chills down a lot of Democratic spines.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/29/14031/8419
As a move to neutralize Obama's unity message it's not a bad idea. On the other hand, I'm skeptical that much of the base would bother to show up for that like they would for something like McCain/Gingrich. My people are from deep deep red areas of East TN and I can't imagine many people there getting real excited about a liberal Connecticut Jew who just happens to be a defense hawk.
If going into the republican convention it looks like the Democrats have a huge lead in the polls, putting George Allen in the number two slot to try and rehab his image for future elections would be a really good idea for you guys, IMHO.
I'm a raging liberal and a pol-sci geek. Postings here are made in the later capacity.
"If going into the republican convention it looks like the Democrats have a huge lead in the polls, putting George Allen in the number two slot to try and rehab his image for future elections would be a really good idea for you guys, IMHO."
Huh? Why would George Allen getting electorally creamed help rehab his image? It certainly hasn't done much good for the Silk Pony.
Right now when most people hear his name they think "macaca." Even I admit the guy has tons of political potential, but that association has to be fixed. Since it was largely a manufactured controversy it shouldn't be that hard to do.
The controversy was manufactured, true. His idiotic responses and inept handling of the controversy, unfortunately, was totally authentic. He's simply not ready for prime time. And he never will be.
He can run for Governor in '09, but that's as far as he'll go. There are a TON of people who have a lot more potential then him. Jindal, Palin, Pawlenty, etc.
John Bolton for President
"FEAR THE 'STACH!!!"
Not a chance. Too much bad blood. Besides, it's not like Romney helps electorally--we should win Utah easily no matter who is on the ticket.
The more I watch my choices for November the less I care. Just me? No offense to McCain, but he does very little to entice any emotion.
"Cowards cut and run, Marines never do"
Moderates and conservatives alike need to get out of the sandlot and grow up.
A Democrat means more attacks on America, liberal judges, higher taxes. Conservatives and moderates (and independents) need to do all they can to stop this.
McCain is my guy now, but I do not begrudge anyone supporting Romney, but we do need to come together when this is decided.
Again, I was an avid Fred Thompson volunteer, offering almost a 2nd full-time job to him for free. I am a true conservative, and I wear that label proudly as I now support McCain.
The idea that the common people know what they want and they should get it hard.
H.L. Mencken
______________________________
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
I have to wonder about some of these posters?
Why keep on posting on and on about you never supporting McCain? Part of me thinks its a bunch of scared Dems coming on here trying to stop Republicans from being motivated
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
Near as I can tell all the Democrats here (me) are pointing out how silly, selfish, and melodramatic the McCain-bashers are being. While the general attempt to smear McCain and continue the "depressed GOTV" narrative is damaging to the Republican Party's chances in November, I think it's a true home-grown phenomenon you've got on your hands...
Silver gets no delegates this time. Its a fake silver.
Does anyone know how much money Romney spent in campaigning in Flordia? Just wondering.
How strong is Romney as a candidate at this point? I mean in honesty, fair and balanced.
Romney won a small primary in Wyoming, his home state of MI, and Nevada which he was projected to win regardless.
With losing Flordia, it looks like Romney probably will not get any of the Southeast at all.
Do you truly, honestly think his chances are good?
Just keeping this to Florida for the moment...
McCain has 100% Name-ID, the endorsement of the Governor, a Cuban-American Senator, the Cuban-American House Delegation, and Stormin' Normin, an 8-year head-start running for President, and raging MSM-Man-Love.
Romney, a former 1-term governor from Massachusetts, had message, a good private-sector resume, a large pile of cash, and great hair. And it looks like he is going to come-up about 4-points short in (effectively) a 3-way primary. Not bad, all things considered, but not good enough.
Romney probably continues to run as the anti-McCain (made more difficult by the fact that Huck will stay in the race to McCain's benefit) in the event that McCain says/does something stupid, but probably racks up a whole lot of respectable 2nd-place finishes, a small number of wins, and a probably keeps McCain to just over a majority of the delegates needed to win the nomination outright.
In other words, unless McCain says/does something really, really dumb (and obviously making stuff up about Romney's POV on the surge isn't going to be enough) he is the nominee.
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
Basically, I know a lot of Huck supporters that have Romney in second. I know a lot of Huck voters probably line up better with Romney than McCain. (and I'm not trying to spin, I'm being truthful with what I see)
So, with that in mind, I honestly think Huck knows his point in the race is to run interference for McCain and keep his supporters voting for him, so that they won't go to Mitt and possibly give him the nomination.
Politics ain't beanbag, and that's why it sucks sometimes to be in this situation.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
This is just sour grapes from Romney supporters. All the polls show Huckabee supporters favor McCain over Romney. If Huckabee were to drop out, Romney wouldn't even be competitive.
Romney spent 8 times more money on TV ads in Florida than McCain did. Name ID was no problem. It might be on 2/5, but not tonight.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
10%? 15%? And he's running against a guy who's been running for President, on the TV every Sunday, and on the front-page of every national newspaper at least weekly, for 8-years.
Only so much money can do, Adam.
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
Does anyone know any Olympic athletes who won silvers over and over again?
This seals it on the House...we won't regain the red state districts now.
on the war when things get tough.
Mike Gamecock DeVine @ The Charlotte Observer
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
I could forgive the extreme makeover if he could of at least taken a stand and made a strong case for why it was a good move to depose Saddam Hussein regardless of the WMD.
He didn't, and he had every opportunity to.
I've already said just about everything I needed to say earlier in my blog entry today. The only thing I can add is that I ditto Erick regarding turning to drink.
---
Finrod's First Law of Bandwidth:
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it takes the bandwidth of ten thousand.
McCain should come out and pull a Romney like he did to McCain in Michigan
2nd time he has done that. Classless move.
We are headed for a long trek through the wilderness for the next 4 to 8 years.
Nothing very conservative will emanate from the White House with John McCain in the oval office.
Judges chosen by Teddy Kennedy.
A war on terror that is kinder an gentler without its greatest interrogation tool.
A carbon tax to save all those penguins.
Instead of a border fence there will be a big neon "Welcome Amigos" archway on our southern border.
Weep and wail for the mushy moderates have taken over the city.
Mr. Ed
Straight from the Horse's Mouth
EDITOR'S NOTE: Will someone got to Hugh Hewitt's house and kick the door in--I fear for his life.
"Strength and Honor."
"What we do in life, echoes in eternity."
Romney supporters are mostly Republicans*. They are allies, not enemies. You should be ashamed.
*Except the few who are threatening to support Hillary. I don't know what party they are.
______________________________________
Donate to the Rs in Close Senate Races through Slatecard
What I would actually be doing is voting my conscience. In the past, I've been lucky enough to have a candidate that I could be proud of and lined up with my conservative views on the Republican Party ticket. If McCain is the nominee, I won't have that.
I'll still be Republican, but I'm conservative before I'm Republican, and I'm a human before I'm a politico. McCain has taken liberal positions and flipped off the base while doing so.
So, if that means four years of Hillary and a clean conscience on my part for not taking the party in the wrong direction, then so be it.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
YOU'RE AN IDIOT...
your candidate sat behind a closed door with LA RAZA (the race) and formulated an amnesty plan completely ignoring the american people, doing what was good for only MEXICO
with mccain getting the nod makes it certain that our borders will never be secured and people like you don't care so i say again...
YOU'RE AN IDIOT
Huck and Rudy worked with La Raza for amnesty??
Well that's news.
"Strength and Honor."
"What we do in life, echoes in eternity."
And, actually, a pretty dead-on statement on McCain's character as well.
Good luck winning over disaffected voters like me if you guys get the nomination. Mine's already with the Constitution Party.
Vote for the ulti-Mitt conservative. Romney '08!
DISCLAIMER: I am loosly affiliated as a volunteer for the Mitt Romney campaign. All viewpoints expressed are my own, not the campaign's.
After I'm done I'm writing-in Romney's name for President on my November 4th ballot, I'll think of you - just you - and blow you a nice, fat, wet kiss.
Capice, paesan?
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
Just for you, stud.
-------------
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
You just put Hillary or Obama in the White House. I will never vote for John McCain and know of many others who will never vote for him either.
Congrats!!!!!
Anyone Republican, moderate or conservative that thinks not voting in this election because they don't like their candidate is foolish and misguided.
I'll hold my nose, but will march steadily to the polls in November to vote for our nominee.
McCain does not put Obama or Clinton in the White House, its those who can't get off their pity-pot to realize that someone who is not our top choice is infinitely better than people who will get us attacked again, and ruin any morality in America by appointing the wrong judges... and oh yeah... now maybe John Edwards as AG.
Looks like McCain is barely ahead, but of this holds I see this coming off as a draw with both going into Super Tuesday strongly.
ABC also reports a strong conservative turnout with the economy at the top of voters minds. Huh, McCain is ahead although the issues he isn't strong on are at the top of the list? Sounds a lot like South Carolina.
"I believe in grace, because I have seen it. In peace, because I have felt it. In forgiveness, because I needed it."
-George W. Bush