The New Hampshire primary: Going after Mitt
https://dervishcom.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-hampshire-primary-going-after-mitt.html
NASHUA, N.H. -- The shape of the New Hampshire campaign isn't hard to discern: Go after Mitt.
Mitt Romney is the heavy favorite in Tuesday's primary, so opponents are attacking him and his conservative credentials -- not so much hoping to beat Romney here, but to try and soften him up for future contests in South Carolina and Florida.
In an appearance today, Newt Gingrich attacked Romney's record as governor of Massachusetts, saying he appointed "liberal judges" and raised taxes. And, of course, Gingrich attacked "Romneycare," the health care plan in Massachusetts.
"There's a very big difference in our two sets of values," Gingrich said. "I don't believe a Massachusetts moderate is in a good position to debate Barack Obama."
Jon Huntsman, who has spent more time in New Hampshire than any other candidate, says Romney won't make the changes that are necessary in Washington, calling him the "establishment" and "status quo" candidate.
"You got 47 or 50 members of Congress behind you, supporting you," Huntsman said of Romney. "You think you're going to be able to do what needs to be done with respect to term limits and closing the revolving door and tackling trust? No way, no how."
Rick Santorum, who came within eight votes on topping Romney in Iowa, has also touted his conservative credentials vis-a-vis Romney.
Santorum told reporters in Manchester today: "Obviously when Mitt Romney is at 40% in the polls (in New Hampshire), the chances in five days to make up a 35- or 40-point lead is going to be limited."
"But," Santorum added, "we expect to make a run and move up in those polls and show that we're the candidate with momentum and we'll carry that into South Carolina."
A new Suffolk University/7 News poll released today puts Romney at 48% in New Hampshire, with Ron Paul in second place at 18%.
Santorum is in third place at 8%, with Gingrich and Huntsman at 7%. Another 17% are undecided.
See photos of: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum
Mitt Romney is the heavy favorite in Tuesday's primary, so opponents are attacking him and his conservative credentials -- not so much hoping to beat Romney here, but to try and soften him up for future contests in South Carolina and Florida.
In an appearance today, Newt Gingrich attacked Romney's record as governor of Massachusetts, saying he appointed "liberal judges" and raised taxes. And, of course, Gingrich attacked "Romneycare," the health care plan in Massachusetts.
"There's a very big difference in our two sets of values," Gingrich said. "I don't believe a Massachusetts moderate is in a good position to debate Barack Obama."
Jon Huntsman, who has spent more time in New Hampshire than any other candidate, says Romney won't make the changes that are necessary in Washington, calling him the "establishment" and "status quo" candidate.
"You got 47 or 50 members of Congress behind you, supporting you," Huntsman said of Romney. "You think you're going to be able to do what needs to be done with respect to term limits and closing the revolving door and tackling trust? No way, no how."
Rick Santorum, who came within eight votes on topping Romney in Iowa, has also touted his conservative credentials vis-a-vis Romney.
Santorum told reporters in Manchester today: "Obviously when Mitt Romney is at 40% in the polls (in New Hampshire), the chances in five days to make up a 35- or 40-point lead is going to be limited."
"But," Santorum added, "we expect to make a run and move up in those polls and show that we're the candidate with momentum and we'll carry that into South Carolina."
A new Suffolk University/7 News poll released today puts Romney at 48% in New Hampshire, with Ron Paul in second place at 18%.
Santorum is in third place at 8%, with Gingrich and Huntsman at 7%. Another 17% are undecided.
See photos of: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum
