March 13, 2007
Welch Is With Romney
Ted Welch is perhaps the most powerful Republican fundraiser in the South, and it was somewhat of a coup when, in January, he signed on with ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney. Mr. Welch and much of his network of loyal donors were initially inclined to support Sen. John McCain, but Welch has told associates that McCain's support of Trent Lott for minority whip was beyond the pale. (Lott defeated Welch's protege, Lamar Alexander, by a single vote.)
Many Tennessee Republicans appear ready to support Thompson if he runs, and that's led to speculation that Welch would stop picking up the phone for Romney and chair Thompson's campaign.
"Ted Welch is with us," said Matt Rhoades, Romney's communications director.
To go an inch deeper: he has committed to Romney even if Fred Thompson runs?
"Ted Welch is solidly with us," Rhoades said. [MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 01:55 PM
Comments
So Glad he is backing Romney. He is so sharp. Really the very best candidate out there. See the attached video clip: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,258517,00.html
bryan | 03.13.07 05:41 PM
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I like Romney as well. He's the slickest politician I've ever seen.
Steven Rinehart | 03.14.07 12:32 AM
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Romney is a real problem solver. Hands down, he's the most qualified candidate.
David in Virginia | 03.14.07 06:35 PM
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Finally a site with intelligent viewers. That also happen to agree with me on what makes a qualified candidate.(wink) Now if you want to see the other end of the intelligence spectrum, ever checked out Huffington Post? Haters. I barely made it out alive.
Liz | 03.15.07 12:03 AM
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Should it be surprising to see so many political leaders joining the Romney campaign?
The guy is powerhouse and he gets things done.
I also believe he may be the most effective candidate for reaching across the aisle.
He obviously demonstrated this in Massachusetts.
Bryson | 03.15.07 11:51 AM
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Romney is the best and most qualified candidate for president. Go Romney!
ken | 03.15.07 02:31 PM
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To be more precise re. McCain and Trent Lott and why Tennesseans may be shying away from McCain, I think that Welch and others resent that McCain--by all reports, promised to back Alexander and ultimately stabbed him in the back.
Ned Williams | 04.03.07 02:23 PM
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And Romney may very well be the best candidate, but he's not running for President of a Blue State and much of what enabled him to get elected and govern in Mass. is his liability in getting the GOP nomination, much less in becoming the GOP standard-bearer. Most of us view his Mass. experience as a mixed bag of trophies and baggage filled with dirty clothes.
Ned Williams | 04.03.07 02:25 PM
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4.1.07, The Tennessean:
"Back in January, I had no idea that Fred was even thinking about it," Welch said. "I went ahead and committed to (Massachusetts Gov.) Mitt Romney because I thought he was the best of the lot that had shown interest in running. It would be very inappropriate and very unfair for me to say to Mitt Romney, 'Hey, Fred Thompson decided to run and I'm gone. Bye.' I'm not going to do anything like that. I made
a commitment, and I'm going to stick with it, so long as he is in the race.
"If he, for some reason, were to drop out, my choice would naturally be Fred Thompson."
Welch made sure to say that last sentence several times: If Romney's out, Thompson is Welch's guy.
gng | 04.04.07 04:27 AM
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