Romney to Skip Key Poll in Iowa [Won't compete in Ames Straw Poll]

Wall Street Journal ^ | June 9, 2011 | Patrick O'Connor

[ejdrapes]

Romney to Skip Key Poll in Iowa
By PATRICK O'CONNOR

Mitt Romney will skip a key early test for Republican presidential candidates by forgoing the Iowa straw poll in mid-August, a decision that could recast the contest in the nation's first presidential nominating state.

The Iowa straw poll, held in Ames, is one of the landmark events of the nominating contest. Mr. Romney's decision sends the clearest signal yet that he doesn't want to wade deeply into the social issues that carry particular weight with Iowa Republicans and instead intends to present himself to voters nationally as a successful businessman who can improve the economy.

Mr. Romney's campaign said he would still compete in Iowa's caucuses, now slated for February, 2012. But the former Massachusetts governor's absence from the Aug. 13 straw poll will likely diminish his chances, some Iowa officials say, while raising the odds that whoever wins the poll will be best positioned to claim the status as Mr. Romney's top rival for the nomination.

Mr. Romney's decision, which was disclosed to The Wall Street Journal by his aides, came as the GOP field was shaken Thursday by the resignation of top aides to another candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

[ejdrapes]

Not competing in Florida straw poll either. Wow.

[SatinDoll]

Did McCain compete in the Iowa and Florida straw polls? Anyone recall?

[GOPsterinMA]

Milt is a spit-shined whore.

[EGPWS]

Taking the bull by the tail and facing the situation no doubt.

A true leader...

[EGPWS]

Milt is a spit-shined whore.

Where do you see the spit shine coming out?

[The Iceman Cometh]

C'mon....who wants to listen to the voters anymore? These people think they just deserve these nominations without having to dirty themselves by mingling with the unwashed masses.

FU Mitt Romney and FU Obama.

[idkfa]

It didn’t help Romney that he won the Iowa Straw Poll in 2007. McCain did not attend. I got to meet Duncan Hunter!

[Diogenesis]

Mitt Romney FORCED Scott Brown on Massachusetts
BY AVOIDING PRIMARIES, too.

[Palmetto Patriot]

Milt is a spit-shined whore.

Yep.

Smile and a shoe shine.

Traveling salesman.

Close the deal and move on to the next sucker.

[ejdrapes]

McCain skipped the Iowa straw poll. Florida didn’t have one in 2008.

[ejdrapes]

That's why I want Palin and Bachmann and anyone else who is thinking of running to get in. I don't think anyone who wants to be a GOP candidate should skip primaries, straw polls, debates, etc. To me that just wreaks of wanting the nomination handed to them without having to do the hard work.

[SatinDoll]

Well, sounds as though Romney will be concentrating on New Hampshire, doesn’t it?

[Brett66]

Romney has bumped Gingrich off of Pelosi’s bench and has took his place. You’re a miserable failure Romney, I hope you implode just like Newt.

[chiefqc]

He had plans to speak at a used car salesman meeting but they told him not to come as they did not want their image ruined.

[ejdrapes]

Yes sure looks that way.

[ejdrapes]

Just saw a tweet that Romney said in Ankeny, Iowa on May 27: “Iam fully committed to Iowa and the process”. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, that’s for sure. Score another one for Tim Pawlenty.

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

Romney is beginning to smell like toast. The cap and trade did it for me. But, his ground game is still pretty good. I just can’t stomach his youtube liberal rants from his MA days. It looks like he will try to ride NH into the winners circle. I don’t think the Pubbies will let him in this time.

[dforest]

Well, Republicans are all looking kind of corny. Nothing new, I guess.

[RasterMaster]

What’s the matter, Willard? Spend too much trying to buy the straw polls last time around?

[andyk]

Where do you see the spit shine coming out?

He has nice hair.