McCain scores another Utah endorsement
As the chips fall and the dust settles.
By Mark Kilmer Posted in 2008 — Comments (24) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Who digs John McCain in Utah? That's Mitt-land.
Well…
DC Fundraiser John Dowd left John McCain's campaign for Fred's, and I wrote about it just the day before the day before the day before yesterday. I saw it as more a part of the move to Thompson more than one away from McCain, whose campaign I did not think was dead. Or even coughing up blood in a serious manner.
Well, the movement continues, though this one was not expected by everyone. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah state Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble has fled the Romney camp for that of Senator McCain.
Read on…
McCain's campaign is expected to announce the endorsement Tuesday, but Bramble really switched sides some time ago.
"I think there is room at this stage of the presidential contest to consider several candidates," said Bramble, who does not want his support for McCain to be seen as a criticism of Romney. "I would have no problem if Gov. Romney was the party's nominee."
Bramble signed a Romney endorsement letter that circulated through the Legislature. He also went to a press conference but did not stand on stage with the candidate on Feb. 20.
Less than two weeks later, Bramble spent 45 minutes alone with McCain at the Grand America Hotel. At the end of the meeting, Bramble promised his support.
Though Bramble was one of 55 Utah lawmakers who signed a letter backing Mitt Romney, he now says that this letter "was not an endorsement, only a sign of support for a visit and fund raiser by Romney, a Mormon with Utah ties."
Bramble is not by any means a lonely McCain supporter in Utah. The Senator's camp also includes Governor Jon Huntsman and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.
So who does back Romney in Utah. Most lawmakers, we're told, including the gracious State Senate President John Valentine:
Valentine said Bramble will be welcomed back to Romney's camp at any time.
"When John McCain doesn't make it through the primaries, we would sure like to have Sen. Bramble back on this side," Valentine said.
I'm sure a Tom Tancredo or Jim Gilmore supporter would say the same thing.
The Palmetto Scoop, from where I heard this story, calls this news: "HUGE."
There is no doubt that this shakes things up for Romney, who has powered his campaign on financial support from the Beehive State. And the news comes as Romney trails by double-digits in crucial early primary states, including South Carolina. This would be a very unfortunate moment for the well to run dry.
Mitt was raising money in Utah even after Huntsman and Shurtleff endorsed McCain, so I don't know that Bramble's move will have a real impact. Money is what Mitt has right now, and Romney at this point owns Iowa because of it.
The dust is still settling, and it is awfully early. Let us see where it settles. Later.
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McCain scores another Utah endorsement 24 Comments (0 topical, 24 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
...of our current problems. The leadership and the base are worlds apart. In fact, if someone is being endorsed by the leadership, look in the opposite direction for where the base is going.
"Wubbies World" aka: Brian; MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): An argument is a sequence of statements aimed at demonstrating the truth of an assertion.
"Wubbies World" aka: Brian; MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): An argument is a sequence of statements aimed at demonstrating the truth of an assertion.
Keep in mind, it was the GOP leadership that was all gung-ho over that atrocious immigration reform bill that McCain championed... where the brains are in either party's leadership, I have no clue.
"The world is filled with violence. Because criminals carry guns, we decent, law-abiding citizens should also have guns. Otherwise they will win and the decent people will lose." - James Earl Jones
This is not a big deal. McCain now has three endorsements in Utah to Mitt's 50,000 (I think the article admitted that almost everyone in the legislature has endorsed Romney). The governor endorsing McCain is somewhat significant, but Curt Bramble?
The endorsements don't matter in Utah anyway since Mitt is widely viewed as the guy that saved Utah from the Olympics bribery scandal. No amount of endorsements will ever overcome the positive feelings that have come from that.
If Romney secures any significant endorsements in the state of Arizona, will we hear anything about it? I doubt it.
I'm in the minority here, but I say good for John McCain. As I'm in the midst of crafting a diary to try and defend the good Senator. I'm afraid some thorough research is going to be required, so I can do the man justice.
Romney would make an excellent addition for a VP slot, it's just his lack of foreign policy experience.
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
The only true 'experience' relevant to the Presidency IS the Presidency.
So I don't buy it. Presidnet Bush has run a better foreign policy than many Presidents, and he never got near foreign policy professionally.
Ideas matter. So I'll vote for the guy with the right ideas. And that's not Senator McCain.
Run like Reagan!
Presidnet Bush has run a better foreign policy than many Presidents, and he never got near foreign policy professionally.
The results of the President's foreign policies have yet to be seen, and I would point out that he's failed to address situations in Asia, and South America.
Considering the circumstances I will reserve judgment about Iraq, my view on that issue is clouded due to the fact I should be over there by all rights.
The war in Afghanistan though has revealed serious weaknesses in the NATO/Western Europe alliance structure. Some countries who benefit from the ospice of NATO protection, don't commit near enough support to operations in Afghanistan.
Not even a conflict the French or Germans can yammer about being mislead.
With Russia making noises, I would say the next president should have a smattering of foreign policy experience.
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
I can tell you that Curt Bramble's presidential endorsement is of little significance. He carries virtually no coattails in terms of grassroots support or money. Nice guy and all, but he's not a significant player when it comes to presidential politics. And, given Romney's widespread and heartfelt support in Utah, I think the only electoral significance this is likely to have any influence on is Curt Bramble - and not in positive fashion.
I never thought McCain would carry the state, but I still like to see one of my guys doing something good.
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
It is also not necessarily a McCain-Romney head-to-head which makes this significant. I think McCain's real worries are with Guiliani and Thompson. That and trying to convince the universe he's actually the best Republican candidate (was in 2000, is in 2008).
Dare I say Romney is slipping. And it's becoming clear how uphill his nomination is. I think Thompson knocks him out.
That said, McCain is also a long shot, but he has a thousand times more fight in him than Romney.
I see it like this, sadly:
1. Guiliani
2. Thompson
(large space here, which might seem small with proper optical illusions)
3. McCain
4. Romney
I think this means the guy who should be Vice, Huckabee, is becoming more of a long shot for even the veep slot. I see Guiliani wooing Romney. That's a ticket with a chance.
By the way, any substance to the rumors Huckabee has a much greater chance of allying with McCain than any of the other front runners. I heard somewhere, can't remember where, that Huckabee is partial to McCain.
_______________________________________________
History is all that will help us with the future
Would go along way to bring the religious right towards McCain, they don't like Guiliani and some remain skeptical of old Fred. I suppose all we can do is wait, I don't really figure Romney for a VP type of guy, but he would be a welcome addition.
Now if I can just craft a diary defending McCain... this will be tricky.
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
Well put.
And since everyone else seems to be getting drunk in this thread: here's to McCain/Huckabee 2008.
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History is all that will help us with the future
For years, I have struggled with the urge to cast a Republican vote - can't take the soup, as they say in the Old Country -, but I do not have the wardrobe of a Presbyterian, lovely folks one and all.
John McCain stikes me as a man who will be able to make hard-core cultural Catholic Democrats to not only take a few laddles full but down the whole bowl. I am committed to John McCain's Presidency. I will also work with my Republican neighbors and friends to help McCain and like minded Republicans mend this country behind with his nibble leadership.
Pat Hickey
...standing in the oval office.
"Wubbies World" aka: Brian; MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): An argument is a sequence of statements aimed at demonstrating the truth of an assertion.
The profession of seers is for those at the Daily Kos who predict doom on a daily basis.
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
I'd be predicting Doom for the party were I to predict four years of President John McCain, myself. WW's prediction to me is one of hope and promise.
Run like Reagan!
You are a man from whom that I would love to buy a Guiness the size of a Weber Kettle!
All the Best!
Pat Hickey
P.S., Sir!
Laughed
My
Fat
Wrinkled
Irish
Arse
Off
"Wubbies World" aka: Brian; MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): An argument is a sequence of statements aimed at demonstrating the truth of an assertion.
It would be illegal, I find it ironic that I was able to enlist in the Army, but I couldn't buy a beer?
Perhaps a Bipartisan bill to consider....
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
We have too many homes with yellow ribbons adorning trees here on the south side of Chicago. I have yet to see a serviceman home from duty pay for a beverage.
Yours Truly, as Yellow as a duck's foot, wuld be honored ladies and gentlemen in uniform.
Pat Hickey
For the brave sons and daughters fighting the hordes in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soon as this damned seventh month medical discharge is over...
"Diplomacy --- the art of saying "Nice doggie" 'til you can find a stick." Wynn Catlin
I don't think anyone's argued with the idea that Senator McCain is good at scooping up endorsements from Republican Party leaders.
The idea has been that in places like Utah and Michigan, Mitt Romney would be able to scoop up the support of the people, thanks to his roots.
This isn't as big as it's portrayed here, I think.
Run like Reagan!