"Two Silvers and a Gold", yet Romney presses on

In the primary conducted in New Hampshire on Tuesday the 8th, Mitt Romney greeted the news that he had come in 2nd place with 31% of primary voter's support with a characteristic sense of resiliency, noting in his concession speech that "John McCain ran a first-class race" but he still is poised to win first Michigan, and then the nomination. On Wednesday, his campaign remarked that they plan to keep with the themes that they clung to after defeat in Iowa on the 3rd, namely the slogan of "competence and change." On the same day in New Hampshire, Romney took strategic jabs at the winner of the New Hampshire primary, rival John McCain by drawing attention to Barack Obama's win in Iowa, noting that in a face off between Obama and McCain, Republican voters would "recognize that a long-serving U.S. senator is not the best matchup" and would be better served by Romney as a Republican nominee. Even though Romney spent over 10 million in Iowa alone with little results and then blew similar sums in New Hampshire to gain his silver medal, he still has the funds to move to Michigan and beyond, continuing his plan for a 50 state campaign. On Friday, he was forging ahead in Michigan, speaking to crowds in cities like Warren, where he took care to emphasize his deep personal connection with the state in an effort to draw voters. Mitt's platform has also been focusing on the current hot button issue for voters-- the economy. In speeches to voters over the weekend, he has continously cited his success reviving Bain Capital and the Olympics, saying that he can use this experience to boost the sagging American economy and to create more jobs.

Pre Caucus

In Iowa polls, Mike Huckabee surpassed Romney after Romney had outspent Huckabee, while in New Hampshire polls, John McCain tied with Romney. Romney made a statement saying that if he was elected president his family "would not embarrass America like in the Clinton Years." Romney also thanked Iowans for their support of his campaign, the day before the caucus, but Romney did not predict that he would win the Iowa caucus,. Romney was optimistic, hoping for 2ND place, but overall, he predicted he would be the GOP's nominated candidate. In recent speeches, Romney has also been optimistic, speaking about the bright future that lays ahead for America. In a recent speech Romney defended President Bush against Huckabee's criticism, noting that Bush has in fact, United America where it counts, behind the troops, but Romney has also criticized the Bush Administration for mis-handling the Iraq war, saying that "things could have been handled better after the fall of Sadam Hussen" Mitt Romney had received criticism from New Hampshire largest paper, the Union leader (which back John McCain;) Romney is accused of distorting the facts and lying about John McCain in advertisements. A coalition of leaders of "family values" issues leaders has put out a letter criticizing Romney "distortion of truth." People who have signed the letter include William Greene of RightMarch.com, Ted Baehr of the Christian Film and Television Commission, Linda Harvey of Mission America, Gary Glenn of American Family Association of Michigan, Michael Heath of Christian Civic League of Maine, Ray Neary of Pro-Life Massachusetts, Nedd Kareiva of Stop the ACLU Coalition, Phillip Magnan of Biblical Family Advocates. They accuse Romney of supporting Homosexuals and "falsely converting" to the Pro-life platform. Romney has been airing ads stating that McCain's immigration plan was akin to amnesty. Romney has also been airing negative ads about Huckabee as well. Huckabee then held a conference stating that he would take out his own attack ads about Romney and then preceded to show those ads to the press.

Romney Post Caucus debate

Although he may be speaking to the contrary, the Mitt Romney suffered a disappointment in Iowa. Despite throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the Iowa caucus, including thousands of attack ads and outspending Huckabee 20-1, he finished second behind the former Arkansas governor when push came to shove on January 3rd. After reassuring supporters that he was satisfied with his second place finish, citing how far he's come as an "unknown governor from the bluest state in America". Now, he is setting his sights on New Hampshire. Though he hasn't spent as much time or money in the state, Romney seems to be banking on New Hampshires more erudite, successful citizens to identify with him as a well educated, business savvy kindred spirit and pull the rug out from under Huckabee.
In Saturday's debate, Romney forded the first question by focusing on encouraging the moderation of Islam to fight extremist terrorist. With regards to the military, Romney said he wants to increase the size of military by 100,000 troops and defended his support of troop surge against a belligerent Huckabee. He touted Massachusetts healthcare plan and called for universal healthcare without resorting to socialized medicine. Instead, he advocated what he called “free market care”. Romney also spared with McCain over McCain’s plan to combat illegal immigration, specifically the meaning of the word amnesty. When asked hypothetically how he would approach a debate with Obama, Romney talked about ability to bring change, citing his work as governor, as chairman of the SLOOC, and his success in the private sector.