November 29, 2007
American Conservative Union's Keene for Romney
Mitt Romney had a lousy night, failing to effectively explain his positions on abortion (he's for a ban now, but was indeed once upon a time pro-choice) and waterboarding (he can't say what interrogation methods he'd sanction as president, but would consult with military experts). And though his back and forth with Rudy Giuliani on immigration was awkward for both, Romney leaves one questionning how he could blatantly mislead viewers by saying he did not employ illegal workers on his property. Romney said he used a company that employed them but that he didn't know anything about the workers' individual status. Oh, ok ...
So this morning, with most post debate analysis scoring the event for minister/rocker/former governor Mike Huckabee, the Romney campaign, stuggling to pitch their guy as the contest's true conservative, trotted out an endorsement from David A. Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union and a Republican strategist.
In a statement issued today by the campaign, Keene said that "while I certainly can't pretend to speak for all or even most conservatives, the road that led me here today is one that many conservatives find themselves on and it is my hope that they will end up where I am today – convinced that Mitt Romney represents our best hope for 2008.
"As this race began, I intended to remain neutral both because there was no conservative consensus candidate and because I know and admire several of those running for the Republican nomination who I believe could win next fall.
"In recent months, however, Governor Romney has emerged as the single candidate most worthy of conservative support. That's why I'm endorsing him and intend to spend as much time as possible in the weeks ahead convincing my fellow conservatives that if we are serious about electing a conservative president in 2008, it's time to unite behind his candidacy."
Romney's response: "I am proud that David Keene has decided to join our campaign for conservative change that strengthens our military, economy and families. As Chairman of the American Conservative Union, he has greatly advanced the conservative movement. I look forward to working with him as our campaign moves forward."
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Posted at 11:27 AM
Comments
I disagree--Romney's response was not misleading to the American voter. Why is he responsible for the contractors a lawn service employs? I've hired a lawn service. The guy with the leaf blower has an accent; does that mean I should call the lawn service company and ask him for his papers? You can carry this to every company I employ. Should I ask every company I hire for their contractors' green cards if they're not white?
Shawn | 11.29.07 12:32 PM
 |
I agree with Shawn's comment. Romney was right, you don't go around asking for people's papers. That is the employers responsiblity. PERIOD
As a small business owner, I am ultimately responible for what goes on with my business.
It's time for change in Washington, I believe Romney is the catalyst for that change. Everything he has done, has been successful !
GO ROMNEY !
Scott from AZ | 11.29.07 02:22 PM
|
I agree with Shawn and Scott, Romney clearly won the debate last night, that is to any objective viewer of the debate. Rudy's pathetically childish assertion about the " Sanctuary mansion" was not only an outright lie( Romney's Massachusetts home is about 5700 square feet, not even close to being a mansion) was the opposite of what we conservatives expect from our candidates, Rudy is becoming a joke at a rapid pace, a child among men , he should stick to the facts or keep his mouth shut.
plc4ever | 11.29.07 08:59 PM
|
I thought Romney got the better of Giuliani in that exchange. Giuliani's claims were petty and hypocritical. If you were to look hard enough, I'm sure you'd find that the Mayor had hired a housekeeping company at some point with undocumented employees. It was a low blow, and the loud "Boooo" from the crowd was well-deserved.
J in S Carolina | 11.29.07 09:49 PM
|
Post a comment
The Watergate · 600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-739-8400 · fax 202-833-8069
NationalJournal.com is an Atlantic Media publication.
