Posted on 02/03/2008 6:02:29 PM PST by americanophile
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, whose campaign for the Republican presidential nomination has suffered a cascade of setbacks, decided Sunday night to make a surprise return to California for a rally less than 12 hours before the Super Tuesday polls open, campaign officials said.
The trip reflects a last-minute effort by Romney to slow the momentum enjoyed by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who's coming off a big win in Florida.
Romney is trying to do just well enough Tuesday to give conservatives the time and incentive to mobilize against McCain, who has always had tense relations with party activists.
McCain is to appear Thursday at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the movement's largest annual gathering. McCain declined to speak at the event last year, instead renting a hospitality suite in the hotel. But this year, he asked to attend and will speak.
"If we're competitive, that will validate the sense of urgency that is now emerging from grassroots conservatives across the country," a Romney aide said. "We can create a confrontation between McCain and conservatives as opposed to a welcome home. If we do well, there'll be a showdown."
Romney was endorsed Sunday by former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Penn.).
Conservative talk-show hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham said last week for the first time that they will vote for Romney.
Romney has confined most of his last-minute campaigning to smaller states, and the dramatic return to the nation's largest state surprised even some of his staff members.
The rally will be at 7:15 p.m. Pacific time on Monday, likely in the Los Angeles County port city of Long Beach.
McCain looks strong in the state, and was endorsed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and the West's largest newspaper, the Los Angeles Times.
The Field Poll, the state's best-known poll, shows McCain leading Romney, 32 percent to 24 percent.
But Romney's team decided to make a hail-Mary return after a couple of other polls were more encouraging. A Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Sunday had Romney up by three points.
And an American Research Group poll released Sunday had the two in a statistical tie.
"California is in play," the Romney aide said.
Although that's certainly a minority opinion, it's a year of surprises.
On Sunday night, Romney held a rally and media availability in St. Louis, then watched a few minutes of his hometown New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, according to Scott Conroy of CBS News.
Then Romney was flying to Nashville, Tenn., for a "Change Begins with Us" tour stop Monday morning at the Pancake Pantry.
After that, he'll hold an Atlanta event, then head to California. Romney will fly overnight back to West Virginia for a Tuesday appearance, then will hold what the campaign bills as a "victory celebration" in Boston.
But Romney's team decided to make a hail-Mary return after a couple of other polls were more encouraging. A Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Sunday had Romney up by three points.
And an American Research Group poll released Sunday had the two in a statistical tie.
"California is in play," the Romney aide said.
Although that's certainly a minority opinion, it's a year of surprises.
Huckleberry says he ain’t for sale
I think this is a smart move on his part!
“California is in play,” the Romney aide said.”
bttt
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/1964392/posts?page=17#17
Huck isn’t for sale because he’s already been bought.
WTF! I knew he didn't attend last year but I didn't realize he attended but didn't attend.
“Romney plans surprise trip to Calif.”
Not a surprise anymore...
He thinks he has. McCain will have nothing to do with him after he wins the nomination.
No kidding. LOL LOL
And the race in CA is close. Zogby has Mitt leading.
It ain’t over by a long shot.
Maine overwhelmingly went for Mitt, too.
California in play!
Who would have thought that only a few days ago! LOL
GO get it Mitt!
CA is not a winner take all. Even the Field Poll is right, it would be silly not to campaign there at all. With 124 delegates, even 30-40% will get him few delegates.
Man, that Huck, what a cut up. He'll keep ya laughing.
Regards
...the dramatic return to the nation's largest state surprised even some of his staff members.Southern California PING!The rally will be at 7:15 p.m. Pacific time on Monday, likely in the Los Angeles County port city of Long Beach.
...but most inaccurate.
I have a feeling is is trying to win all the states. He is HOPING to do well. I doubt he is either Trying, Or Hoping, to "just do well enough".
Although I think he will TAKE doing "just well enough".
Silly Huckabee
Just a guess but I think Romney will win Missouri.
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