Bennett's ace in the hole: Mitt Romney (Romney opposes the Tea Party candidate)

Salt Lake Tribune ^ | April 19, 2010 | Thomas Burr

[yongin]

When Sen. Bob Bennett faces delegates at his party's convention in less than three weeks, the embattled Republican will step on stage with Utah's most revered politician, Mitt Romney.

The former presidential candidate, who won 89.5 percent of Utah's GOP presidential primary in 2008, has already appeared in television ads and campaign literature for Bennett, and appears to be the senator's trump card as he heads into his most difficult re-election bid.

Bennett, who is vying against seven fellow party members for a fourth term, has turned to Romney on several occasions and is hoping a last-minute appearance by the state's seemingly adopted son could help sway enough votes to keep Bennett afloat.

"He certainly has the highest approval rating of any politician outside the state and certainly as high as any inside the state," Bennett said Monday. "So sure, we're always happy to have him show up."

But Bennett says his main thrust is not endorsements, but face-to-face meetings with delegates.

Others see Bennett's use of the former presidential candidate -- who became a state star when he rescued the scandal-tarred 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City -- as Bennett's big draw heading into the May 8 convention.

"It certainly helps Bob. It is probably the only way he survives," says Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, a one-time candidate against Bennett who is now supporting challenger Mike Lee.

[yongin]

Utah Senate primary ping.

[MrEdd]

Mitt Romneycare is more like a deuce in the hole.

[ansel12]

the embattled Republican will step on stage with Utah's most revered politician, Mitt Romney.

The guy served a failed term as Governor of Massachusetts, Utah people must really revere Massachusetts politics.

[yongin]

Romney supporters will tell Mormon Tea Parties that it is a sin to vote against Romney’s endorsements.

[ClearCase_guy]

Now is a time for choosing. You can support the inside-the-beltway Republican Establishment, or you can support the grass roots Tea Party movement.

Mitt is Establishment, all the way.

[beethovenfan]

Or a douche.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Reason number 49930459959 to avoid Mitt Romney.

Though, if Mitt’s fabulous support has failed to help Bennett thus far, one wonders how it’s going to be an ‘ace in the hole’ now.

[Ripliancum]

Gingrich was in Salt Lake a few weeks ago to personally endorse Bennett.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14326982

I respect Newt and his conservatism a great deal, no one is perfect.

[yongin]

Dick Cheney also endorsed Bennett. The Club for Growth endorsed Bennett’s opposition.

[Ripliancum]

If only there were a few more Cheney’s in the world. It would be a better place!

[Sybeck1]

Mormons vote Mormon like blacks vote black?

[Suz in AZ]

Nope.

[ansel12]

Newt Gingrich-"My endorsement of Dede Scozzafava in the special election for New York’s 23rd congressional district is a means of regaining a conservative majority in America," Gingrich wrote in a statement on his website."

[Ripliancum]

Most Mormons I know despise Harry Reid, so that would be a no.

[ansel12]

If only there were a few more Cheney’s in the world. It would be a better place!

At least the American military would be homosexualized, a position that both Cheney and Mitt Romney support, Romney forever and Cheney since sometime after his daughter went to work for Romney.

"One issue I want to clarify concerns President Clinton’s “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue” military policy. I believe that the Clinton compromise was a step in the right direction. I am also convinced that it is the first of a number of steps that will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation’s military. That goal will only be reached when preventing discrimination against gays and lesbians is a mainstream concern, which is a goal we share."
Sincerely, W. Mitt Romney (and my five light in the loafers, sons)

[DWC]

Especially when he sits next to pelosi in an advertisement about saving the environment.

[bwc2221]

Cheney is a hawk but is pretty squishy on social conservative issues. He also supported Kay Barely Republican and has endorsed Trey Grayson.

[bwc2221]

Everyone in the race is a Mormon. Other than being males, every member of Congress has something in common. Hint: they’re not all Republicans.

[bwc2221]

“I respect Newt and his conservatism a great deal, no one is perfect.”

There are many things that make Newt less than perfect.