December 30, 2007
Posted: 07:53 AM ET
 Kathy Krafka Harkema says she's never seen a caucus like this one.

Kathy Krafka Harkema says she's never seen a caucus like this one.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (CNN) — Kathy Krafka Harkema, 47, calls herself a lifelong Iowa caucus-goer. But with five days until the 2008 caucuses, she says she's never seen a race like this one.

"There are so many people still deciding, there are even people deciding between which party they want to caucus for," she said Saturday, picking apart a piece of pound cake inside Smokey Row Coffee House before Mitt Romney popped in for a brief campaign stop.

Krafka Harkema, a Republican who works in public relations, called it "the most spirited caucus activity I've ever seen in my lifetime" and said that TV airwaves and mailboxes are saturated with campaign pitches. Her family held a mini-caucus over Christmas, she said, with Romney winning.

"I see people my age who are caucusing for the first time. There's no clear frontrunner in either party, so people feel like they have more power and more of a voice this year," she said.

She said all the Republican candidates "have pluses and minuses," but she recently came around to Romney because she likes what she said is his level-headed, managerial pitch. Rival Mike Huckabee, she said, has injected too much religion into the race.

After seeing Romney speak in person for the first time Saturday, Krafka Harkema was assured.

"That sealed it," she said, walking over to shake Romney's hand.

– CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Iowa • Mitt Romney


Jen Cedar Falls, IA   December 29th, 2007 6:01 pm ET

That's right, people. Romney's the future President of the United States! Check him out! Solid.

James McClintick   December 29th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

Let us remember that there is no presidential candidate–in either party–who is so thoroughly shameless, hypocritical, and unprincipled as Mitt Romney. Within the last four years, his views have shifted radically on, to name just a few matters: abortion rights, stem cell research, gays in the military, civil unions, a no-taxes pledge, gun control, campaign finance, and amnesy for aliens. On each of these issues, his postion shifted from progressive to conservative–and just as he was contemplating seeking the Republican nomination for president. In fact, even his very loyalty to the Republican party has been a mercurial affair that has adapted itself to the particular pool of voters he happens to be courting. When running for a Senate seat in MA in 1994, and when seeking the governorship of MA in 2002, he distanced himself from the Republican party and renounced the policies of the Reagan-Bush era. Now, he is preaching the virtues of Reagan at every turn, and accusing his primary rivals of not being authentic Republicans. It is Mitt Romney who suffers from an authenticity problem. He is a jellyfish and an opportunist, and he ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself for running such a fraudulent campaign. Let's put the democratic process to its highest and best use by voting against this dangerous man, and keeping power out of his hands for good.

James, Las Cruces, NM   December 29th, 2007 6:28 pm ET

Mitt Romney is just a highly-polished empty shell. He is another George W. Bush albeit possibly a little bit smarter than our idiot in the White House now. He has people telling him what to say and how to say it so he appeals to the widest audience. He is the blandest brand of unflavored gelatin there could possibly be.

Unfortunately there are very few real candidates running in this election. About the only one with real integrity, morals, and that can actually think for himself is John Edwards.

But among republicans? Bupkis.

TreasureLife, FL   December 29th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

Hmm… Kathy Krafka Harkema - that is seriously a cool name. Just sounds nice. Welcome aboard Kathy! :)

Go Mitt!

JT, Ada OK   December 29th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

When you meet the guy in person, you can't help but want to vote for him. He can cut the presidential mustard.

AmyLynn   December 29th, 2007 6:56 pm ET

I'm a naturalize citizen…a first time voter and have listened to all debates and responses from candidates and interviews. I think Mr Romney is the only one who does not attack personally…he addresses substantive issues and shows his views and ideas… I also dont think he plays dirty .
I just wish the other candidates will tell more about what Romney is accusing them.

Linda   December 29th, 2007 7:13 pm ET

To people who say that Romney is just an empty shell, they need to do some research. We have read his books and all that we can on him and definitely like what we hear. He is what we neeed to lead our country for the next eight years. What an energetic positive, motivating person he is. After all the negative press he;s gotten from the MSM and the other candidates, and he stays positive. Its a good thing he has money of his own because he definitely doesn't get a freee pass from anyone. And he still stays positive and on message. GOOOOOOOOO MITT

nate, NYC   December 29th, 2007 7:36 pm ET

Repubs you have absolutely no shot to win this election. None. You couldnt even beat Gravel. And you have your current presedent to thank for that.

Wild Bill/Sweet William Rock Hill SC   December 29th, 2007 7:42 pm ET

If Romney was a democrat the people that support him now would be calling him a flip flopper and running around beating a pair of flip flop footwear together and shouting “He was for it before he was against it.”

hey allons,tn   December 29th, 2007 7:44 pm ET

hey we need a president for the people by the people EDWARDS will listen to the people he thanks for himself he also LISTEN to the american people we had enought of idiot g.w.bush republican all are alike. EDWARDS OR CLINTON 08

Gary Knoxville, TN   December 29th, 2007 7:46 pm ET

Romney is phony politician who will say anything to get elected. His flip flopping makes even John Kerry blush.

Prince, Cedar Falls, IA   December 29th, 2007 7:48 pm ET

In all seriousness, this man truly has the ability to do the job and he can unite much of our country again (some people would hate 'Jesus' if he were a Republican). At least he's not a Bush, a Clinton, or a Kennedy. Movin' forward with Mitt!

John   December 29th, 2007 8:03 pm ET

To Nate NYC, McCain is leading Clinton by 6 percent nationally. In Ohio he is up by 8 percent and in Wisconsin he is up by 7 percent. McCain would be the president in a race against Hillary Rodham Clinton. McCain appeals far more to middle america and independents than Hillary. McCain is the only electable republican according to the polls.

Joe, Illnois   December 29th, 2007 8:06 pm ET

I am an independent, and have found that the only candidate on either side that is an honest, good moral man is Romney. Romney is a great american!!! And yes the Republicans are going to win big next year because Hillary is running and she will lose bad.

Lauren   December 29th, 2007 8:51 pm ET

Everything Mitt Romney touches turns to gold. Let's hope he's the next president of this nation and can turn things around.

Jay Clarke   December 29th, 2007 9:39 pm ET

Romney has, from the beginning of his campaign, talked about the mistakes he has made in the past and how he has changed over the course of time and experience. That is what I like about the man. He focuses on issues and does not attack his opponents personally. Some of his opponents would rather not answer tough questions about their past. They rather hide behind unanswered questions and try to attack Romney in very personal ways. They have called him dishonest, a flip-flopper, a member of a strange religion and many more personal attacks. I believe common-sense folks define a person by what they have accomplished and who they have become over time, not how good they are at dodging important questions and slinging mud.

hawkgrrrl   December 29th, 2007 9:44 pm ET

Whether Romney can go the distance or not, I think it's interesting that the left calls him a flip flopper when it looks more like pragmatism to me. How can you get anything done in MA without reaching across party lines to work with the left? Whoever is the next prez will have to do the same thing with a democratic congress.

Shawnie   December 29th, 2007 10:03 pm ET

Gary from Knoxville:

Can you say "gullible"? There is no candidate that hasn't "flip-flopped" quite a bit and phony is something you don't know anything about. You're just parroting anti-Romney worn-out, chants.

sunsfan   December 29th, 2007 10:09 pm ET

It would be nice if Mr McClintick were open mined enough to read a few chapters of Mitt's book, "Turnaround". This book describes Mitt's role in the 2002 SLC Winter Olympics. He took over a scandal-ridden organization, and gained the trust of the all Olympic Orgainzations (IOC, USOC, SLOC, and most import the Utah media) because they recognized that he was principled and honest, and was the best man to lead the SLC Winter Olympics. The SLC Winter Olympics went on to become a US Olympic event equal in success to Atlanta and LA. The SLC Winter Olymipcs followed 9/11 by only 3 months, yet the tight security there resulted in absoutely no security incidents.

Tyrone   December 29th, 2007 10:32 pm ET

When I found out Mitt Romney had a Chritams tree like everybody else, that was good enough for me.

Mitt's passion for America really shines through, like the Clintons passion for the spot light.

Roger   December 29th, 2007 10:34 pm ET

Mitt Romney is the obvious choice. Just like Lauren said, our nation will once again be prosperous with Romney leading us.

If you want prosperity, vote for Romney. If you want socialism and poverty, vote for Clinton.

Nate-Iowa   December 29th, 2007 10:56 pm ET

This guy is serious folks seriously scary. Can you just imagine if we elect him. Check out trueromney.com. Then decide for yourself.

K Wilkinson Texas   December 29th, 2007 11:18 pm ET

Mitt Romney is experienced, and level headed. He is brilliant and hard working. He has the ability to organize and succeed at any challenge. Mitt Romney is the right man for president. I will be thrilled if he wins the primary. The welfare of our nation depends on it.

Romney 2008

Bot, Cambridge, Mass.   December 29th, 2007 11:27 pm ET

Huckabee is NO conservative:
Mike Huckabee was regarded by fellow Republican governors as a compulsive tax increaser and spender. He increased the Arkansas tax burden by 47 percent, boosting the levies on gasoline and cigarettes. The Arkansas Leader.com editorialized that Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in his 12 years.

The National Education Association endorses any candidate who raises taxes and opposes school choice – thus they endorse Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee “broadly repudiates core Republican policies such as free trade, low taxes, the essential legitimacy of America’s corporate entities and the market system allocating wealth and opportunity,” according to George Will.

The Arkansas Ethics Commission held proceedings 20 times on the former governor. During his tenure, Huckabee accepted 314 gifts valued overall at more than $150,000, according to documents filed with the Arkansas secretary of state's office. (He accepted 187 gifts in his first three years as governor but was not required to report their value.)

Two months after taking office, Huckabee stunned the state by saying he questioned rapist Wayne DuMond's guilt and that it was his intention to free the rapist, DuMond murdered a women in Illinois after Huckabee set him free

Huckabee battled conservatives within his own party who were pushing for stricter state-level immigration measures, such as:.
- proof of legal status when applying for state services that aren’t federally mandated
- proof of citizenship when registering to vote
- Huckabee failed in his effort to make children of illegal immigrants eligible for state-funded scholarships and in-state tuition to Arkansas colleges.

He joined the Democratic chorus in indicting President Bush for his "arrogant bunker mentality." Is he in the right party?

Huck’s use of the “Christian Leader” title and the Cross in his ads and his attempt to denigrate Mitt Romney’s religion is a thinly-veiled attempt to impose a religious test in violation of Article Six of the Constitution

The Huckster was the keynote speaker at an anti-Mormon conference in Salt Lake City. And he knows nothing about Mormons? And the "Christian Leader" doesn't want to release his sermons?

He led the Arkansas Baptists liberal congregations in a dispute with the conservative Southern Baptist Conference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ry0xrOsqSQ
Mike fails on so many levels as a true conservative.

The moniker "Huckster" is well-earned.

David, Oregon City   December 30th, 2007 12:09 am ET

Politicians who are behind in the polls with large campaign funds can make “Mother Teresa” look like “Chairman Mao Zedong.” Don't drink the Kool-Aid!

Go Huckabee!

Matt A. , Marietta, GA   December 30th, 2007 12:39 am ET

Lemme guess… you support Romney, you voted for Bush both times, and you make up the 30% of the nation that somehow thinks that Bush is doing an excellent job.
Ok I see.

OBAMA / BIDEN 2008

Jon Sanderson   December 30th, 2007 1:00 am ET

Yeah, I'm jumping on the Romney train. The man just exudes competence. And competence is this is precisely what the GOP and the USA needs right now. You're my guy Mitt. God speed.

JB   December 30th, 2007 1:26 am ET

Anyone that uses someone's religion as a criteria for whether or not they will vote for that person is not only a fool, but unequivocally un-American. One of the many wonderful things about this country that has made us so strong and persistent, is our ability to be tolerant of a variety of religions while all still maintaining a fervent love of and loyalty to America the beautiful, land of the free and home of the brave. Rise above. Now… after having read some of these comments, let me tell you if you need surgery, call me. I watched my dad do surgery plenty of times, so I'm qualified, right?

John   December 30th, 2007 2:31 am ET

Was this just downloaded straight from the Mitt Romney site? What value did this blog bring to the table? Did it impart any information other than Mitt Romney has a supporter? What a load of crap!

SHU   December 30th, 2007 3:06 am ET

I'm following this race with great interest. To me McCain and Romney seem the most clear-thinking on their feet, with a command of facts, and able to lead with reason and persuasion. But I am bothered because McCain always wants to get along SO well with the opposition that he compromises too much. Romney stuck to his guns on some tough issues in Massachusetts, and I like that. Romney has changed his mind on some keys issues, which I can forgive if sincere, but I'll be watching closely for any sign that it was really waffling and/or pandering as his critics claim. Right now he looks genuine and smart. Hope Romney is the real thing. The USA needs the real thing.

Doug, New Jersey   December 30th, 2007 3:16 am ET

"About the only one with real integrity, morals, and that can actually think for himself is John Edwards."

I think you owe me a new keyboard, after laughing I realize it is no joke how dishonest libs are destroying this nation and all that it should stand for.

An ambulance chasing liar who has taken money from people who did nothing wrong has real integrity and morals, you truly symbolize what it means to be a liberal democrat these days.

Since people like you who hate fairness and enjoy seeing people have their wealth taken from them for bogus, fake, dishonest reasons are the people who make up the left today, it is the duty of all fair minded, honest people who want truth and justice to rule the day to vote against your ilk. I bet you are just another lib leech who feels it is your right to be getting free money from some evil company (evil just for having money for working hard) through some bogus fake lawsuit or non-existant disability other than the disability that almost every lib has which is morally.

Edwards has stolen money from hard working honest people through bogus, fake, dishonest lawsuits. Thanks for showing that a person like this is what a liberal democrat feels represents sound morals and integrity. Say what you will about people like Bush and Cheney, the facts show that the lib is far worse than they ever could be.

billybob   December 30th, 2007 5:54 am ET

Don't know He just seems so phoney to me. BUT I'll keep listening

Romney is worse then Bush   December 30th, 2007 5:58 am ET

Romney, another millionare who is going to work to make sure the Millionares and Billionares of America have more money then they will ever know what to do with

I thought after 04 people would lean their lesson, but American never cease to amaze me

Romney sucks   December 30th, 2007 6:07 am ET

I honestly think Id rather have Bush another 4 years then Romney, the stupidity of Americans never cease to amaze me and that is evident by the support Romney is getting

"he seems like a good man"

"He looks like a President"

"once you meet him you will want to vote for him"

Romneys policies are worse then Bush, look for unemployment to continue to go up, more people claiming poverty, more middle class becoming lower class, and more upper class having more money then they will ever know what to do with

That is what you will get with a Romney presidency, you have been warned

Julie T   December 30th, 2007 8:34 am ET

During Mitt Romney's governorship in Massachusetts, the only ones that he helped were himself and the wealthy; the middle class and poor had and still do suffer from his tax cuts. He cut the fat alright, unfortunately it was to the public schools, programs to assist the needy, and highways. This in turn raised fees which unfortunately affected the middle class and poor. He supports standarized testing, without any consideration to those children that have learing disabilities. He brushed off the Big Dig mistakes, allowing Lt. Gov. Healy to take the fall, which impacted her failed run for Governor of Massachusetts. He did not decrie her horrific negative ads (review them in the archives of the Boston Herald/Globe and nation wide media) when she ran for Governor against now Governor Deval, and is now is using them himself. Yes, I am from Massachusetts, I fear what will happen to the middle class and the poor if he is elected. One has many coats; he wears them all at once slowly shedding them to show his true colors.

Larry, Fairfax, VA   December 30th, 2007 8:43 am ET

Romney has no prayer of becoming President. He's another Radical Righty with zero foreign policy experience. I like the comment about him "exuding competence"….How exactly does one exude competence? Is it like in the debate when he said that Saddam kicked out the weapons inspectors? Seriously, Romney is so clueless its scary…and sad that he would garner such support for his polished lip service.

Shelly   December 30th, 2007 8:53 am ET

As a women business owner, I can say, Romney is the best candidate. We need America to stay a world power economically.

If I were a democrat in my social philosophies, I would support Obama.

Interestingly enough, Romney is not such a threat to Dems on a social level, and Obama is not such a threat to Republicans on a social level….go figure.

scared   December 30th, 2007 10:48 am ET

These comments truly scare me. This man and all the republican candidates preach more war and hate. Pushing their own morals on America. It is not the presidents job to dictate whom i pray to or dont pray to. Cant you see war all wars are wrong and caused by somebody's religious believes pushed onto others. You truly want to watch more young men die for another rich republican who is playing off the fears of the poor and uneducated "christians" to make more money from the spoils of war? Who is going to pay for this war. Its not going to be the people that make at least 6 figures. The more you make the less you pay. Im not here to tell you whom to vote for. Im here to ask you, is this war good for america, and who is really benefitting from it?
think about it and keep religion out of it. There are thousands of religions in the world and to believe yours is the right one is just little unreligious.

Dallen, IA   December 30th, 2007 12:23 pm ET

Response to "Romney Sucks" (fyi, your mother really didn't name you well, did she) - you mentioned that "Romneys policies are worse then Bush". Here's why you're wrong:

- Romney turned around numerous companies that were on the brink of bankruptcy and in the process saved and created thousands of jobs. (are you against people having good jobs with companies that will actually be around in a year?)

- Romney turned around record deficits as Governor, reduced waste, and left office with a surplus (are you against Government only spending what it needs to or has?)

- Romney turned around corruption in the Olympics and left them with a lot more money than they started with, and did it for free. (are you against ending corruption, fraud, and waste in our Government?)

You are way off base. THIS is what you will get with a Romney presidency. Or are you merely coveting what another man has worked hard to achieve in his life? Are you jealous of success or successful people using their talents to improve their communities and government.

You are WRONG! America has never been more in need of someone like Mitt Romney to become President. How big is our national debt? Have you looked at it recently? We need to kick out anyone and I mean ANYONE currently in office, on either side of the isle, who has benefited from the pork and the waste that is so rampant and that is destroying our future. Or are you against that too? Time to wake up America.

By the way, if you had an accountant who managed money the way our elected officials handle money - would you keep hiring them year after year and not actually hire someone who KNEW how to handle money? You can't fix problems by re-electing people that haven't even proven they know how to fix things before they get to Washington, and then suddenly expect they have a CLUE what to do next.

Is all this sinking in? Have you seen a pattern in the way he's governed. If you can, and if you are not so blinded by hate that you will vote against the one person who has proven he can turn things around, well… God have mercy on your soul.

Jeff Burke   December 30th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

You can tell when a candidate is desperate. They start the attack ads. Romney is on the run. The Mormon Christmas story is that God the Father has a physical body, was once human, and had physical sex with Mary. Which brings in not only multiple wives but husbands as well. SUCH WEIRDNESS.

Chris S - Gerald, MO   December 30th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

It's about time we get back to the business aproach to the institution of America. The last 8 years have been a crap-shoot of guesses and second guesses.

Edwards/Romney '08

Chris S - Gerald, MO   December 30th, 2007 3:56 pm ET

It's about time we get back to the business aproach to the institution of America. The last 8 years have been a crap-shoot of guesses and second guesses.

Edwards/Romney '08

Scott, Madison, WI   December 30th, 2007 6:34 pm ET

I hope she plans to come around a few more times since it's likely Mitt will change his positions and rewrite history before the next news cycle!

Romney = liar   December 30th, 2007 9:44 pm ET

Please don't be fooled by this guy. He is by far the phoniest candidate in the race. Just do a little research and you will see Romney is the biggest Flip-Flopper out there. If your rich and you like what Bush is doing to this country, then you will love Mitt. However if you are a working class voter who cares about the middle class then please suppport anyone else besides this bum.

concernediowan   December 31st, 2007 9:30 am ET

I read that Huckabee and Romney are in a statistical deadheat. This will be an interesting vote this week. I just know I will not vote for Huckabee because I live in a town deeply affected by illegal immigration. Huckabee's past stance on this issue is pro-illegal aliens. I'm still researching Romney about this issue.

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