2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Mitt Romney Addresses His Vision To Strengthen America

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ADDRESSES HIS VISION TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA

Simi Valley, CA – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the California Republican Presidential debate:

"Since the Republican candidates first met to debate at the Reagan Presidential Library in May, two diverging visions for this nation have emerged.  One is steeped in Washington and places a higher premium on misleading attacks.  Tonight, Governor Romney spoke to another vision that believes Washington is broken and in need of fundamental change.  As President, Mitt Romney will bring conservative change that lowers taxes, controls spending and streamlines government.  In less than a week, Americans from across this country will head to their primary or caucus location.  To change Washington, we need someone from outside Washington."

Governor Mitt Romney On The Florida Primary

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ON THE FLORIDA PRIMARY

St. Petersburg, FL – Tonight, Governor Mitt Romney made a strong showing in the Florida Primary.  In St. Petersburg, Governor Romney spoke about the need for change in Washington so that we can build a stronger America for future generations.  With the announcement of today's results, Governor Romney made the following remarks to supporters, volunteers and the American people:

"Almost, but not quite.  You guys are my heroes.  You took this campaign from nowhere to the very top tier.  You worked your hearts our and you made me a contender and for that, Ann and I and our family will be forever grateful. Thank you so very much.

"Now, I just got off the phone with Senator McCain, and I offered him my congratulations.  I'm sure that you are excited here this evening, but a little disappointed as well, and my guess is when you left your home this evening, you put a son or a daughter to bed, and probably that's happening across the country.  Moms and dads are putting kids to bed, or they already have, and they're sleeping peacefully.  They're probably a bit like my grandkids, full of big dreams and plans, excited by every tomorrow. 

"I remember when I was growing up, I always knew that America was the greatest nation on Earth: first nation on the Moon, our cars and movies and technology were the envy of the entire world, and freedom and opportunity was just like the air, it was everywhere I went.  I believed there was nothing I couldn't do, and I knew there was nothing that America couldn't do because we led the world. 

"Now, America's leadership didn't come without cost.  It was won by the Greatest Generation in the history of the world.  They defeated fascism, and they built the world's strongest economy.  My Mom and Dad are gone as maybe yours are as well.  What they and their generation left us is the greatest nation in the history of the entire planet.

"And now it's our turn.  What kind of nation will we leave our children and our grandchildren?  We can leave future generations a nation that's even greater than that which we inherited, but to do that, we're going to have to overcome a new generation of challenges. 

"Our world is under attack from violent radical Jihadists. 

"Our jobs are being sought by new competitors, countries like Asia and India. 

"And here at home, our government is spending too much.  We're using too much oil.  Our health care system leaves a lot of people behind.  And our schools are failing way too many.  Even our values are under attack. 

"We looked to Washington for leadership, but Washington has failed us. 

"We've asked them to fix illegal immigration.  They haven't. 

"We've asked them to get the tax burden off our families and businesses.  They haven't. 

"We asked them to end our dependence on foreign oil.  They haven't.

"We asked them to maintain high ethical standards.  They haven't.

"We asked them to fix Social Security.  They haven't.

"We asked them to stop spending money on pork barrel projects.  We asked them to balance our budget.  They haven't.

"We asked them time and time and time again, and they just haven't gotten the job done.

"You see, Washington is fundamentally broken, and we're not going to change Washington by sending the same people back just to sit in different chairs.  I think it's time for the politicians to leave Washington and for the citizens to take over. 

"It is time for a change in Washington, and here's some of the things we're going to do.  First, we're going to strengthen our families.  We'll make sure that every citizen in our country has affordable health insurance that they can't lose – private, free-market insurance, not socialized medicine, not Hillary-care.  We'll make sure our kids have great schools.  We'll treat teachers like the professionals they are, and we'll put our kids first and the unions behind.  And to build strong families, we'll teach our kids that before they have babies, they should get married.  So we'll strengthen our families.

"And we'll strengthen our military.  We need more troops.  We need better funding.  We need better equipment.  And we need better care for our veterans.  Let's point out to all those who criticized President Bush that it's thanks to him that we've been safe these last six years.  So strengthen our families and strengthen our military.

"And finally, we need to strengthen our economy.  I spent my entire life in the real economy.  I know why jobs come.  I know why they go.  I've been doing business in 20 countries around the world.  I've run small business and large business.  The economy is in my DNA. 

"Many of the people across our country are worried about their retirement accounts.  They wonder if they can pay for the college education of their child.  They see their largest asset, their home value, dropping.  Some wonder if their job is going to be secure in a new global economy.  Americans wonder how they can afford the rising cost of health care, and gasoline, and taxes.  These are real challenges. 

"At a time like this, America needs a President in the White House who has actually had a job in the real economy.  You see at a time like this, knowing how America works is more important than knowing how Washington works.  The Democrats think that America's greatness flows from our government.  They're wrong.  The source of America's greatness is the American people – hard-working, innovative, risk-taking, family oriented, God-fearing, freedom-loving American people have always been the source of America's greatness, and they always will be.  And so the right course for America isn't to strengthen our government, but to strengthen our people.  And to do that, we're going to have to change Washington, and change will begin with us. 

"This presidential election in November of '08 is not about yesterday, it's about tomorrow.  It's not about re-fighting the battles of the past.  It's about winning the future for our children and their children and for America.  When you go home tonight, and you go and kiss your son or your daughter before you go to sleep, you can promise them that this generation will meet the challenges of our time.  That we'll leave them a stronger America, and you can tell them to dream big because for the children of America, every dream will be possible."

Liz Cheney Joins Romney For President

LIZ CHENEY JOINS ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Elizabeth "Liz" Cheney will be joining the Romney for President campaign.  Having most recently worked at the U.S. State Department handling Middle East policy, Cheney will serve as a senior foreign policy adviser to Governor Romney. 

"I am proud to support Governor Romney.  Throughout this campaign, he has distinguished himself as a leader who can guide our country with a clear vision for overcoming the threats we face today.  Dedicated to the success of our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor Romney is the only candidate who has outlined a comprehensive strategy for defeating the global Jihadist threat.  I look forward to working with Governor Romney, because he is the leader our country needs," said Liz Cheney. 

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "Liz Cheney brings to our campaign years of experience helping to formulate America's foreign policy and to advance democracy and reform in the Middle East.  She understands that to defeat this global Jihadist threat we have to help Muslim nations reject the violent extreme.  I am honored that she will be joining our team."

Newspapers From Across The Nation Endorse Governor Mitt Romney

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:  NEWSPAPERS FROM ACROSS THE NATION ENDORSE GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:  "Romney Rises As Republican Choice" (1/27/08)

"'To win the White House, Republicans need a nominee who can be competitive in states drifting Democratic – Ohio or Colorado, among others. Romney can,' the AJC editorial board notes in its endorsement in the Republican race."

"The qualities needed now in the Oval Office are business knowledge and experience, an understanding of economies and the imperatives of those who manage them around the world, an ability to problem-solve and to assess talent and to assemble the right team to accomplish a mission. What's needed, too, is a strong grounding in principle and steadfastness in the face of pressure and panic, but with the adaptability and flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances."

"But McCain does not have management experience nor wide-ranging expertise in business and economics. The Republican who best exemplifies all the qualities needed in a president is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a successful CEO and the target of Huckabee's populist broadlines."

"For Republicans, it's time to be realistic.

"And the reality is that the next president could be handed a Congress controlled by Democrats, as George W. Bush was in 2006. That demands a leader with experience in working with the opposition party."

"In addition to a pragmatism toward the opposition, another practical concern for Republicans is electability. To win the White House, Republicans need a nominee who can be competitive in states drifting Democratic – Ohio or Colorado, among others.

"Romney can. On policy matters, the great differences are between the two parties – not, frankly, the serious contenders in either field.

"It is for that reason that purists should recognize that the crucial test is which of these candidates can win in November. In all respects, Romney looks, sounds and acts presidential, projecting competence and the intelligence to deal comfortably with policy nuance and complexity. In a perilous world, whether the peril is terrorism, global competition or a tanking economy, Mitt Romney is the Republican who inspires confidence in his ability to lead.

"'I will not need briefings on how the economy works; I know how it works,' Romney said last week in Florida. 'I've been there. I think it's time to have a president who understands the economy, understands jobs, understands why jobs come and go.'

"That should be an appealing argument to Republicans."

Hartford Courant:  "Mr. Romney For The GOP" (1/27/08)

"Mitt Romney's record while governor of Massachusetts was much better than he's given credit for. It's the record of an achiever.

"The Republican governor led the fight to control sprawl and bring more affordable housing to the Bay State with groundbreaking laws and a dramatic reorganization of state agencies. In 2003, he combined transportation, housing, environmental and energy agencies into a super-agency, charged it with stopping runaway suburban growth, then appointed a Democrat environmentalist to run it. By comparison, Connecticut is still nibbling around the edges of smart growth.

"The former venture-capital company CEO and rescuer of the 2002 Winter Olympics also worked with the Democratic legislature to stop job losses and reduce a projected $3 billion budget shortfall. He managed to balance his state's budget without sales or income tax or gas increases. And he streamlined other government agencies — all while maintaining the state's huge accomplishments from a decade of education reforms that put Massachusetts ahead of Connecticut on many academic achievement scores.

"Though some in his party abhorred it as 'socialized medicine,' Mr. Romney backed a bold state plan to cover the uninsured that required every Massachusetts citizen to have health insurance but provided aid for those who couldn't afford it. His business school case-method approach to health care – let states experiment; see who comes up with the best ideas – is the most likely to yield ingenious and flexible solutions to an increasingly worrisome national issue."

"With the economy gaining on the war in Iraq as the leading worry for Americans, however, Mr. Romney's real-world grasp of economic principles, his real-world successes on both sides of the public/private-sector aisle, are increasingly valuable assets."

"He's believable when he promises to bring 'innovation and transformation' to Washington. He has done it.

"He is The Courant's choice for the Feb. 5 Republican presidential primary."

Salt Lake Tribune:  "Executive Material: Mitt Romney Should Be The Republican Nominee" (1/27/08)

"When Americans go to the polls in November, they will be electing a chief executive of the United States. As we survey the Republican field of presidential aspirants in Utah's Feb. 5 primary, one candidate stands above the others as a talented chief executive: Mitt Romney.

"Utahns learned about Romney up close when the state's governor at the time, Mike Leavitt, tapped him in 1999 to rescue the scandal-plagued committee that was organizing the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. In the subsequent months, we watched him quickly assemble a top-drawer management team, impose financial discipline and turn a foundering ship around. He brought the Games in on budget, and brought the world a winter Olympiad of unrivaled brilliance.

"That's one reason Utahns admire Romney."

"No other Republican candidate, not even Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor who guided his city through the 9/11 crisis, can match Romney's executive resume in both government and the private sector. That's a big reason why we believe he is presidential timber and deserves the support of Utah's Republican voters on Feb. 5." …    

Romney For President Launches New Spanish-Language Television Ad In Florida

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW SPANISH-LANGUAGE TELEVISION AD IN FLORIDA

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched a new Spanish-language television ad.  The ad focuses on the current economic environment and how Governor Mitt Romney's leadership and business experience are what America needs to face these new economic challenges. 

The ad is titled "Economía" ("Economy") and will air in Florida.  The English and Spanish transcripts and video links are below.

English Script For "Economía" (TV:30):

ANNOUNCER: "Today, our economy is slowing down.  There is a mortgage crisis.

"We need a leader who truly knows how to save the economic situation.

"Mitt Romney is known as America's best businessman.  He knows how the economy works because he has worked in the business world for more than 25 years.

"Mitt Romney.  Because you can't lead a nation's economy if you lack the experience in the real world."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

Spanish Script For " Economía" (TV:30):

LOCUTOR: "Hoy nuestra economía se deteriora cada día más. Hay crisis en las hipotecas.

"Necesitamos un líder que realmente sepa cómo salvar la situación económica.

"Mitt Romney es conocido como el mejor empresario de América.  Sabe cómo funciona la economía porque ha trabajado en la empresa privada por más de 25 años.

"Mitt Romney.  Porque no se puede administrar la economía de una nación si no se tiene la experiencia."

GOBERNADOR MITT ROMNEY: "Soy Mitt Romney y apruebo este mensaje."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Gov. Romney At The Boca Raton, FL, GOP Debate - Vol. III

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOV. ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE – VOL. III

MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "I got to say that I think clearly Mitt Romney dominated tonight. His performance was flawless. He looked presidential." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

Buchanan: "I think Romney clearly won tonight." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

Buchanan: "He looked terrific. He got off the best two lines of the night." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/25/08)

Buchanan: "I think he was crisp and strong." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 1/25/08)

Buchanan: "If Romney is in the lead tonight and people are looking at this, he looks to me like a man, quite frankly that can beat Hillary Rodham Clinton and can be president of the United States." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

ABC News' Jake Tapper: "Romney, who is in a dead heat with McCain for first place in some recent polls here in Florida, had perhaps the best night, presenting a polished and confident demeanor." (Jake Tapper, "GOP Debate: Not Quite A Smoka In Boca," ABC News' Website, www.abcnews.go.com, Posted 1/24/08)

The Washington Post's Michael D. Shear And Juliet Eilperin: "The debate offered Romney a chance to shine as he received several opportunities to discuss economic issues and his experience in the private sector." (Michael D. Shear and Juliet Eilperin, "Republicans Play To Right In Fla. Debate," The Washington Post, 1/25/08)

The Weekly Standard's Dean Barnett: "With that preamble out of the way, I must unequivocally state that last night was an enormously successful evening for Romney. He's a serious guy, and a capable one. That came through last night." (Dean Barnett, "Boca Break Down," The Weekly Standard, www.weeklystandard.com, 1/25/08)

Time's Mark Halperin: "… Romney came out strong, unapologetic and on message." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

Halperin: "[Romney] settled comfortably into the 'looks and sounds like a president' zone that is one of his chief assets." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

Halperin: "[Romney] Seemed to anticipate an eventual one-on-one contest with McCain, and displayed the confidence of a man who feels certain he has a spot in the finals. Bottom line: Benefited more than anyone else from the oddly low-key nature of a high-stakes." (Mark Halperin, "GOP Debate Report Card," Time, "www.time.com, Posted 1/25/08)

National Review's David Freddoso: "By the time he was done, Romney even demonstrated that he understands why a one-time rebate is not a real economic stimulant." (David Freddoso, "The Debate Begins," National Review's The Corner, www.corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Townhall's Jennifer Rubin: "Romney had perhaps his best debate performance… He was at his best when speaking on economics and he successfully ducked a question from Giuliani on his position on a national catastrophic insurance fund." (Jennifer Rubin, "Republican Debates Offer Little Foresight," Townhall, 1/25/08)

Rubin: "He forcefully rebuffed the moderator's inquiries about how much of his personal fortune he has spent on the campaign. He too should be pleased that voters saw a confident, economically literate candidate." (Jennifer Rubin, "Republican Debates Offer Little Foresight," Townhall, 1/25/08)

Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell: "Overall, Mitt Romney had a good night. He sounded informed, human and comfortable. And he handled several tough questions with ease." (Scott Maxwell, Op-Ed, "Debate Was A Good Night For Everyone But Pimps, Gamblers, Non-Republicans," Orlando Sentinel, 1/25/08)

RedState's Alexham: "There weren't many fireworks between our candidates last night, but one did stand out in a big way: Mitt Romney. He was good. Very good." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Alexham: "I think we are finally seeing the real Mitt Romney: The smart, wonkish, well-mannered, technocrat, problem-solving businessman. That's who Mitt Romney is, and he has finally revealed his true persona to the rest of us. And I, for one, appreciate it." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Alexham: "Romney is at his best when he is engaged in wonkish problem solving ..." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Alexham: "Be who you are Mitt, and you may just become the next president of the United States." (Alexham, "Romney Rising: And This Time, It's For Real," RedState, www.redstate.com, Posted 1/24/08)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Gov. Romney At The Boca Raton, FL, GOP Debate - Vol. II

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOV. ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL GOP DEBATE – VOL. II

MSNBC'S Chuck Todd: "Romney looks good and sounds confident tonight." (Chuck Todd, "Romney Starting Off Well Tonight," MSNBC's First Read, https://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney made a strong first impression." (Marc Ambinder, "Live Twittering Of The Debate," The Atlantic, https://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Florida voters got their final head-to-head look at the Republican presidential candidates tonight, and the winner of the debate was Mitt Romney." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "He looked presidential, poised, and factually prepared." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "In a debate that spent the first two-thirds with everyone doing well, Romney not only broke out on his own in the last stanza, he successfully parried some strange attacks from Tim Russert as well." (Ed Morrissey, "Florida Debate: Romney Scores, Rudy Close Behind," Captain's Quarters' Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Romney's being treated like the front-runner and he's acting like it." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate: Show Us The Conservatism," Michelle Malkin's Blog, https://michellemalkin.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt: "Mitt Romney should send a thank you card to Tim Russert and Brian Williams.  They threw hard balls at the former Massachusetts governor and he hit them all, many out of the park.  Romney's allocation of time had to be disproportionate, but that was the Williams/Russert choice, and Romney made the most of it." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

· Hewitt: "Democrats watching tonight have to be very worried that Mitt Romney will be the GOP nominee." (Hugh Hewitt, "'General Hillary Clinton' And 'They're Doing It In Europe Now,'" Townhall Blog, https://hughhewitt.townhall.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Wlady: "Terrific Romney answer to Russert's nosiness about how much he's spent in Florida. Russert's mistake: his insinuation that he was asking the question on behalf of the people's right to know. Romney instead let it be known he'll report his spending on Jan. 31, as required by law; and there's no reason to give his opponents a competitive advantage." (Wlady, "Rich Man, Poor Man," AmSpec Blog, https://www.amspec.org/, Accessed 1/24/08)

ABC News' Rick Klein: "Romney gets an initial question on the economy -- this is tailor made for him. … He sounds authoritative and in control on this subject." (Rick Klein, "Live Blogging During GOP Debate," ABC News' Political Radar, https://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar, Posted 1/24/08)

National Journal's Jennifer Skalka: "Winners…Mitt Romney -- Mistake-free night." (Jennifer Skalka, "No Battle In Boca," National Journal's On Call, https://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/, Posted 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Ed Morrissey: "Best line of the evening so far: General Hillary Clinton." (Ed Morrissey, "Best Line Of The Evening So Far," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney just delivered a hell of a punch against Hillary Clinton, Bill, and the Democrats." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Lapping The Pack," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

· Morrissey: "I am impressed." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney's Running Away With It!" Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

American Spectator's Phillip Klein: "Romney is clearly benefiting from the focus on the economy." (Phillip Klein, "Quick Debate Reaction," AmSpec Blog, https://www.amspec.org/blogger,  Accessed 1/24/08)

Heading Right's Fausta Wertz: "[Y]es, this is the Mitt Romney hour." (Fausta, "Back To Mitt," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Accessed 1/24/08)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "If one had to assign a winner tonight, Mitt Romney would probably get the nod." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "The debate focused more on the economy than it did on any other topic, and I think he is more adept at talking about this topic than is his primary opponent, John McCain." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "He also did a good job of going after the Clintons -- something that McCain should have actually done more of." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lewis: "Romney was ahead in the last Florida poll I saw, and since nothing that happened tonight is likely to radically upset the apple cart, he wins tonight merely by maintaining the status quo." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Debate Analysis: Florida Now A Two-Man Race," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Boca Raton, FL, GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE BOCA RATON, FL, GOP DEBATE

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "I think conservatives probably related to Mitt Romney, talking about tax cuts, talking about being a governor, talking about what he did in the private sector for all those years. On the economic part of this debate, I don't think there is any doubt that this was Mitt Romney's best performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

· Scarborough: "The first 30 minutes - it was about the economy. I thought Mitt Romney absolutely dominated that segment of it." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

Time's Mark Halperin: "Romney A-" (Mark Halperin, "Who Wants To Be The Nominee?" Time's The Page, https://thepage.time.com, Posted 1/24/08)

MSNBC's Chuck Todd: "I thought this was Mitt Romney's best debate performance." (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/08)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "Romney has seemed authoritative – confident and on his game…" (Rich Lowry, "The Debate So Far," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "'We're the Party of Change' … Home-run answer from Romney. It was drawn from his standard lines on the stump, but a terrific message, convincingly delivered." (Rich Lowry, "'We're The Party Of Change'," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Good night for Romney." (Rich Lowry, "Good Night For Romney," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Lowry: "Romney is dominating the last half-an-hour." (Rich Lowry, "In Terms Of Sheer Time..." National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/24/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Romney just stole that issue from both Rudy and McCain. His answer was intelligent and far-reaching. I liked the idea of high-risk areas getting together to pool risk. Rudy's been trying to pander with this idea and I think both Romney and McCain made the pandering look silly by taking a broader approach." (Mary Katharine Ham, "The Cat Fund," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/24/08)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Romney's insights about his state's National Guard was helpful.  He seems particularly aggressive and sure-footed tonight." (Kate O'Beirne, "On Offense," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Michelle Malkin: "Excellent Romney answer on Iraq. Strong, tough, focused on the surrendercrats. He takes on Dems for their withdrawalmania…cites debate in SC when Hillary refused to say she wanted to win and recycled Code Pink line." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney excoriates Dems and says 'how dare they' take credit for surge." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

· Malkin: "Romney just out-McCained McCain on the war." (Michelle Malkin, "GOP Florida Debate," https://michellemalkin.com, Posted 1/24/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Romney was swell on the economy…." (Marc Ambinder, "Romney Made A Strong First Impression.... No One Tried To Jab At Him," Twitter Blog, https://twitter.com/marcambinder, Posted 1/24/08)

Hot Air's Bryan Preston: "Mitt Romney is asked whether the war in Iraq was worth the sacrifice and effort. He delivers the best answer of the bunch and punches the hippies in the Democrat party to boot." (Bryan Preston, "Debate Highlights: Huckabee On The Economic Stimulus; Romney On Iraq," Hot Air, https://hotair.com, Posted 1/24/08)

Romney Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Florida Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY LAYS OUT THE VISION TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA

Boca Raton, FL – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the Florida Republican presidential debate:

"The economic challenges confronting our country were central to tonight's debate.  Governor Romney is the only candidate with a record of working in the real economy and creating jobs.  That experience was on display tonight.  He understands how to create jobs and how to bring change.  That is the leadership we need in Washington, and in a few short days, the people of Florida will cast their votes for change in this country."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Winning Combination"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "WINNING COMBINATION"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Winning Combination."  In this campaign, Governor Romney is the only "full-spectrum conservative" that has the experience, vision and values we need when confronting the challenges our nation faces today.  On the economy, his message is "stronger."  Governor Romney is "at his best in crisis mode."  In this election, he has "the credentials to run the country."  In this campaign, newspapers and magazines agree that Governor Romney has the "winning combination."

The ad will begin airing today in Florida.  Script and viewing links are below. 

Script For "Winning Combination" (TV :30):

ANNOUNCER 1: "The economy is emerging as the overriding issue in the 2008 presidential race and Mitt Romney's message is stronger."

ANNOUNCER 2:  "He's the 'full-spectrum conservative.'"

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life.'"

ANNOUNCER 2:  "'The credentials to run the country.'  'Romney was at his best in crisis mode.'" 

ANNOUNCER 1:  "'A winning combination, we vote for Mitt Romney.'"

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."