CNN

Simon-Say what you will about the tenets of the LDS Faith, but the people who subscribe to those tenets are, with few exceptions, people of integrity and values. Why is it that no one hesitates at thinking a Baptist or Catholic can hold the highest public office, but everyone quivers at the thought of a Mormon in the Oval Office? The Separation of Church and State does not apply to members of this particular faith? Do you think this Commander-in-Chief will mobilize the armed forces into a missionary squad? Mitt Romney will be a dedicated public servant, and one heck of a President, and I say that based on his politics, not his religion.

A candidate's personal beliefs shouldn't affect the outcome of the election or whether or not someone should or shouldn't vote for him/her. That's awfully judgemental and doesn't look at the issues that actually matter. I was raised Catholic, and am more agnostic now (look it up, if you don't know what that is), and I support Romney. I don't like Huckabee, or Guiliani. Huckabee I don't find a good fit for the job, and everything out of Guiliani's mouth is a subject, a verb, and 9/11. Thompson is ok, but will never make it, and the Ron Paul Revolution failed miserably. McCain is the only real threat I see, and could easily see the GOP race coming down to Romney vs. McCain with McCain's issue being his age (which is a MUCH more important factor than personal beliefs). You don't want a President getting alzhemiers (spelling?) in the middle of his term.

I'm sure Romney could sell me a Cadillac.

FI January 12, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Does anybody remember McCain last year in the following:

Illegal Aliens do the jobs Americans won't do. McCain had the nerve to challenge the American people that he would pay $50 an hour to anyone who would come to his ranch and work the fields the way the Illegal Aliens do.

Remember the phrase "JOBS AMERICANS WON'T DO?"

HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT ILLEGALS BUT HE STILL WANTS TO DO IT. IF HE IS ELECTED, HE WILL WORK WITH KENNEDY AND THE REST OF THE CROWD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. REMEMBER LINDSEY GRAHAM ALSO SUPPORTED THE AMNESTY BILL, FOLKS.

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE PUT McCAIN ON THE SPOT AND MAKE HIM TAKE A STAND ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION? THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE TO KNOW JUST WHERE THAT MAN STANDS.

I THOUGHT MITT ROMNEY WAS GOING TO DO IT BUT HE IS NOT TAKING THE FIGHT TO McCAIN. AND FRED THOMPSON IS ONLY INTERESTED IN THUMPING HUCKABEE BECAUSE McCAIN IS HIS FRIEND.

THIS NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT OUT BEFORE THE SOUTH CAROLILNA PRIMARY. IF YOU WANT AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS, McCAIN IS YOUR GUY.

Mr. Romney has stated many times that he is not a casual member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He has described himself as "NOT a cafeteria Mormon," meaning he stands by all of the official teachings of his church.

Not only was Romney a dedicated missionary for the church for two years, he has also served in the official capacity of a bishop of the LDS church. He is also directly related to one of the first twelve apostles who founded the church along with the first prophet Mr. Joseph Smith.

Of course, this does not disqualify him for any office, but any voter should consider this information as part of Mr. Romney's platform. This is not a smear, these are simply facts.

I do not believe the official teachings of the LDS church are healthy for America despite Mr. Romney's economic acumen.

Therefore, supporting Mr. Romney in this election would be a mistake in my opinion.

I hope none of this information has offended any reader, and I do apologize to any member of the LDS church who interprets this as an attack. This is not an attack but I do think this information should be more widely known along with Mr. Romney's campaign as I do think it is relevant to voters in this country.

Personally, I will be voting either for Mr. Obama or Mr. McCain.

Fortunately some Southern Evangelicals are smart enough to do their research and not bigoted enough to make a decision based upon lies they've been fed about the Mormon church . . . but I doubt it's even close to a majority. Maybe Mitt is moving on to states where people haven't been so duped.

David in Oregon City loves Mike Huckabee! Isn't that special! It must hurt to see your lover going down so hard, huh Davey? Dave, Go to Mikey's Website and stare at his goofy picture and wonder what might have been.

Romney has the qualities we need in our president after so much sleeze (Clinton) and poor decision making (Bush)!

I clearly agree with Romney on the issue of pardons. Let the Judges Judge and the Governors Govern! Who was running Arkansas while Huckabee was pouring over 1000+ legal cases? Or was he not researching those life and death cases? This work is much better suited for attorneys and judges…it is the law by the way. If you want to be cleared of past crimes, TAKE YOUR CASE TO A JUDGE!

Governors should be Governing! Romney did just that!

Ann Coulter is a hard-core Christian and she's supporting Romney because its so obvious to her he's the most competent choice. But not all the other Christians! They're supporting Huckabee, even though my friends who work for McCain's campaign tell me that McCain considers Huckabee to be his "useful idiot" who he propped up in Iowa and New Hampshire only to try and take Romney down. I think we need a new party, the "Jesuscrats" where we can dump all the idiots who will only vote for rednecks that attend their protestant congregations.

To John, Cloumbus, Ohio

On the Assault Weapons Ban
Mitt Romney Today: Would Have Signed Extension if He Were President. "RUSSERT: So the assault ban that expired here because Congress didn't act on it, you would support? ROMNEY: Just as the President said, he would have, he would have signed that bill if it came to his desk, and so would have I." [NBC's Meet The Press, 12/16/07]

The way Mitt Romney lashed out at the reporter today is RIDICULOUS...and then getting his "friend" after the poor reporter...SHEESH...

Any person with 1/2 a brain wouldn't vote for Romney after this incident...

With all due respect to Ms. Dawson, Romney's decision to focus his face time on Nevada is a good. Why? Because many South Carolina voters are likely to fall in lockstep with Iowa voters, preferring to nominate an evangelical social consersative like Huckabee rather than a Mormon from New England. That's just how it is. Add to the fact that while Mitt Romney has been focusing on ALL the early primary states, McCain has focused virtually of of his resources in Iowa and South Carolina. That's tough to compete with.

If Romney pulls a bronze medal in South Carolina and strong gold in Nevada (where he really couldn't afford to lose) then he'll be in good shape going into Florida. Romney likes South Carolina a lot and has spent much time there. However, he recognizes reality and also sees that he can pick up more delegates in Nevada than he could in South Carolina. And in a race that could well turn out to be won based on delegate count, that matters.

South Carolina is a small state that seems to expand under the media microscope.
If you look at the issues, McCain will not hold a candle. McCain is touted, but will fall as he does not support conservatives in this area. Go Fred, Go Mitt....

It is a smart move for Romney, let them duck it out in south carolina, go grab all you can in Nevada, smart thinking.

Go Mitt.

Mitt seems like a good and honest man. There is a lot to like about him. I will vote for him if my party nominates Hillary.

What I meant to say is that I am voting for Mitt Romney... opps!

No you don't David. That is a complete lie...

Some people would say anything to cut at someone... I'm not voting for Romney, but I know for a fact that that is a complete lie!

My guess is that Romney will do well in the South (and anywhere else). Why?

One simple reason – everywhere he goes he says exactly what people there want to hear. He doesn't have a set of beliefs or principles, just a political strategy to pander to each individual audience. Is he going to promise South Carolinians 20 billion (or whatever $ figure he promised MI) to help them improve their public education system.

I hope he is going to use his personal fortune to fulfill all of his promises, not my tax dollars.

I remember Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney saying on Meet The Press that he would sign an Assault Weapons ban if it came to his desk.

Why not look at Nevada and Florida? I think it makes sense no one critized McCain for basically skipping Iowa to win New Hampshire. Romney is smart enough to know you need to concentrate on picking up delegates so not focusing too much time and money in S.C. where McCain and the Huckster are doing well is both good business and politics.

Romney is actually intelligent and responsible enough to KNOW that the race he is in is NOT for Governor of a small Southern state but for President of ALL America...that means he gives equal weight/time to ALL areas of the nation...where were HicKKKabee and McKKKain in Wyoming? Romney wants to be the most UNIVERSALLY supported candidate across all sections of American society regardless of geography/reac/religion/color/ethnicity. He wishes to EQUALLY represent ALL of America. No other candidate can make that claim. South Carolina's GOP chief can go the way of HicKKKabee after the primaries are over (to he**). The PEOPLE of SOuth Carolina a plenty smart enough to listen to Romney's message as mush as any other candidates. These are good proud people who don't need to be marginalized by their GOP "guru in chief". They are more than just South Carolinans...they are AMERICANS..just like Mitt Romney is!!! And that is the difference. UNITED WE STAND and DIVIDED WE FALL.

GO MITT!!! GO FRED!!! ROMNEY/THOMPSON in 2008!!!! WOOO HOO!!!

cjvwise1, the real question is do we expect change from the same politicians who we keep electing over and over again or who haven't even proven that they are change agents. Romney is the only candidate I've seen who has actually PROVEN that he can make change. While I don't agree with all his policies 100% (and you're never going to have someone like that), I know that he can make positive change in Washington. Sure don't trust anyone else. You get a Democrat in office and they'll promise the world to everyone and in the process destroy everything.

IF I LIVE IN SC, I WOULD VOTE FOR EDWARDS. HE'S THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS CLEAR VISION ON WHAT CHANGE HE WILL BRING TO WASHINGTON. THE OTHER DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES ARE TALKING OF THE MANTRA ON CHANGE. IT'S ALL RHETORIC. CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE? THE ONLY THING I CAN BELIEVE IS THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE WITH MY HOME MORTAGAGE PAYMENT AND IF I LOST MY JOB BECAUSE MOST COMPANIES NOW ARE MOVING OVERSEAS, I AM IN DEEP TROUBLE.

I don't blame Romney for skipping South Carolina. The so-called "Christian Conservatives" discriminate against him because they don't think he's Christian. It doesn't seem to matter to them where he stands on issues, how educated he is, how successful he's been in business and in turning around failing enterprises. They think he's some cult member, and that's all they want to know.

Also, the number of delegates in Nevada is higher than the number in South Carolina. So his chances are better there than South Carolina. I think he's playing it smart campaigning in Nevada instead. He's run a very well organized, strategic campaign, and I like what I see.

Romney doesn't need to come in first in SC... what about the rest of the country?

I'd like to remind the Chairman that...ahem...it wasn't until Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and intolerant Southerners bolted from the Democratic Party that Republicans even CARED about winning the South. Yeah...South Carolina is a firewall for the Republicans...and that firewall is shaped vaguely like a cross.

"Firewall" ???? Since when does South Carolina speak for the nation as a whole?

But the south doesn't need Romney.

/or the nation, for that matter.

Adrian leave the south if you dont like it you mental midget.

When this election cycle began. I was impressed with Rudy G. knew very little about Willard Mitt Romney and had previously supported John McCain in 2000.

Fred Thompson got in the race. I was shocked by how unorganized his campaign was and lacked any clear message at all . It is obvious that Fred Thompson will soon be given the thumbs down by South Carolina Voters.

Rudy S's handlers decision to skip the early states is a strategy that I personally dont like. I dont see him winning Florida

Huckabee is making some statements that frankly worry me. and the experience issue is huge in my mind. I think he is a very down to earth guy, that just needs more seasoning

I find it ijteresting how Succesfyl Romney has been in actually keeping his first name out of the spot light and his willingness to change position on issues and to spend money.

His abandoment of Soit Carolina and down playing to perhaps finishing 4th would be okay is mind boggling

NO REPUBLICAN can win the general election without carrying South Carolina.

Because of John McCains record in the military and on issues vital to South Carolina and the South. he truly is the only candidiate that South Carolinians should vote for in the primary

Adrian, I take offense to your stereotype of the Southern people. I believe that many of the people in the South do care about jobs, health care, our standing in the world, as well as many other important issues. Contary to you narrowminded view, many people in the South are extremely smart and care a lot about the issues.

I think that Mitt Romney is smart and surrounded by brilliant people. This is a race unlike any other. He doesn't need SC, there are more delegates to be found in Nevada where he is clearly winning (pollster.com). He and his advisors are smart to focus on delegates, but I think there's one flaw in their plan that might prove fatal; they give people too much credit.
Whoever wins in SC will get 5 times the media coverage than Romney winning Nevada (prove me wrong, CNN) , and yet Romney will have INCREASED HIS LEAD in the delegate count. The problem is that voters in future contests will hear words like "frontrunner" and "momentum" attached to the winner of the SC contest, and that might be enough to make up their minds.
Romney is banking his candidacy on people doing their own research, learning about the issues, and paying attention to what is ACTUALLY happening. I don't think tthe average voter will do that, and that could be Romney's demise.

South Carolina does not need Romney. SC is a state full of hardworking, self sufficient, resourceful people who can take care of themselves. They do not need a guy like Romney who will tax them and then spend that money in other states. That will only create layoffs in SC. Here's Romney's speech in Michigan...remember – the government cannot give unless it takes first:

"Of course, taking off those burdens is only part of the solution. If we're going to be the world's greatest economic power, we also have to invest in the future. It's time for us to be bold. I will make a five-fold increase – from $4 billion to $20 billion – in our national investment in energy research, fuel technology, materials science, and automotive technology. Let's invest in our future.

"As you know, research spins out new ideas for new products, from both small businesses and large businesses. .We spend what $30 billion a year in NIH, and we lead the world in healthcare products. In defense, we spend even more. We lead the world in defense products. We also spend money in the space industry. And we lead the world in products coming out of space.

"Michigan can be a laboratory, just like other states – a drawing board, from which we can invent the future.

"Second, we'll turn government workforce training programs that are managed by bureaucrats, into personal accounts that can be managed by the workers themselves so they can gain education at community college or they can pay for on-the-job training in real jobs."

-–

That's Romney folks – he takes from your pocket to give to whoever HE chooses. Why not save the money for your own pocket. Why is Romney against the principles of free market capitalism? BE FREE! Vote Ron Paul!

Well, the same could be said for the West and Huckabee. If Huckabee doesn't win in the west, he could be out of the running. I can't see too many people in California buying his bible shield. Besides, southerners vote for southern Presidents. Look where that has gotten us!

to cjvwise,

Your 1000 dollar comment is not true.

Nice try!

Romney's losses in Iowa and New Hampshire were sad, but not devastating. He still is winning the delegate count! Two silvers and one gold is more than any other candidtae can claim, and Nevada has more delegates. Why would he spend more money is SC where he'll probably get second or third, when he's winning in nevada right now? Of course he's going to spend more in Nevada!
I'm sure he's not ruling out all the South, just playing his cards and money right until February.

Go Mitt 2008

Look at the party you are affiliated with. Republicans have a keen way of stretching the truth. For once in you life be honest will ya.

Face the music, big boy: there's gonna be a Democratic president no matter WHAT you do.

People are tired of the religiously deluded, anti-science thugs that make up the Republican party.

Sadly from what I have read and seen, lots of people from the South think that Mormon's have horns and rape children.... so what is the use of Romney trying to go there and convince otherwise/ those fake Christmas cards supposidly sent by the Romney family are just one example of many, how much prejudice there is against Mormons... hopefully some of the Southern States are more opened minded and let's pray for the Western voters to vote in true un biased fashion.

Go Mitt, you are the best choice hands down... no other can even come close to you credentials..... you will fix Washington...

This entire election process is a joke. I would expect by the time the fall comes that the general public will be turned off by the way this entire process in being run by both parties.....

As a lifelong Democrat I start to wonder if it makes sense to go republican (god forgive me)...

Though the democratic side seems one sided maybe for the right reason it is now becoming a joke as this moves forward.

However one note: I just read that Dr Phil has no medical license to practice medicine... why is this important well Oprah supported him too.. So maybe Obama will become President thought he has no experience for the job. ENPERIENCE not needed.. Just sound good and as George Bush said RUN ON CHANGE... are we that stupid nowadays....

This is race will change from states to delegates soon. Since Romney is the only candidate campaigning in Nevada, he should win by a landslide. His strategy is smart. Let everyone fight for the SC votes and steal NV.

Come Florida, Romney will be way ahead in delegate votes and popular votes. He will be in great shape to win that state and will be sitting pretty for Super Tuesday.

Mitt has not given up South Carolina. He is running a campaign in two states. No one else is. Mitt has shown his commitment to SC with an investment of both money and time. Now it is time for SC to show ROI or return on investment. Romney is the man that can and will bring industry back to SC as well as new technology and the jobs that go with it. A vote for Mitt Romney is a vote for South Carolina.

Never say DOG FIGHT down dem der parts of the woods,or they will start taking bets on yall.If you want to get elected there you must repeat the NASCAR MANTRA...........Start your ENGINES!LOL

I am sure that Mitt Romney would have spent more time in SC if it were not for the rise of Mike Huckabee. After watching what happened in Iowa I think that Mitt made the right choice by downplaying the southern states. It is not because he does not like the south but with such a strong evangelical base and a group is extremely anti-mormon I think Romney knew that no matter how hard he tried or even how much better he presented himself and his plan that the large majority of people were going to vote for Mike Huckabee because they share the same faith.

Romney needs the southern vote, I agree, you don't get to far without it! I hope Romney thinks differently and quickly! That would not be a stategy I would ignore. Without the south, your toast! I do want Mitt to win, but he needsth south badly!

Go Mitt!

When you have two giants from the South: Thompson and Huckabee, it's best
to not run against them too strongly. Then, one side or the other will blame
you, such as Romney, when they lose. Romney risks being named the spoiler
in such a scenario...a charge that can hurt him in Nov. if he's the eventual
nominee. Any GOP nominee will need the South if he's to succeed in Nov.

Romney will NOT win our votes in the Sorth, We are good Christians who know a fake when we see one. We suggest Mr. Romney that you take up residence on Planet Kolob with the rest of your kin. We here will do just fine without you and your glass-looking friends! NO WITCHES IN THE WHITEHOUSE! Go Gov. Huckabee!

Reporters ponder why the citizens of the US do not make platform an important issue. I ask, "Why wound anyone worry about issues, when you cannot believe a word that is uttered? Lack of trust worthiness, dedication to pork and self interests is primary. We cannot worry about issues, just which person is less likely to steal away our lands and freedoms. My son lives in the "Romney manditory insurance state". The bill gives full power to the Insurance Companies to decide that his family of four policy must cost him $1000 per month because "THEY" decide he can afford it.

There is no choice? Where is the logic?

How can anyone afford that assessment on top of house payments, mtg taxes, fuel costs. I think Edwards made a great point in the NV debates when he asked Hillary and Obama what they thought the Insurance companies expected for thier contributions. It shows in Massachusetts and it will be everyones problem is they do not realize what power our representatives are granting to the Insurance companies.

Here in WV they assess road tolls to upkeep the highway. But misappropriation of those funds made it priority for the Dems to increase fuel taxes for road repair the first week they were in power. Why don't they demand repayment of misappropriated funds?

We all know the answer. The only issue on our minds is how do we survive, despite the corruption in our capitals? It seems to me that someone would realize we have just about reached our saturation point for corruption. We are a sinking ship and we are soon going down if someone does not step up to the plate and "DEMAND" accountablility.

When Democrates can look into the camera with a straight face and say, the Billions of dollars in pork attached to a bill is nothing, then complain Social Security is failing, we need a reality check.

We have seen how Mitt likes to run! But can he win by running away from the South?

Having lived in the deep south for the past 5 years, I don't see a problem with both Republicans and Democrats skipping the southern states. The voters are not well informed and easily manipulated. Remember what happened to McCain in SC in 2000? He lost support because people actually believed he had fathered an illigitamate black child. Come on, these people buy that kind of stuff and they think it is more important than jobs, health care and our standing in the world. What good has the support of the south done for us over the past 8 years?

Isn't it obvious? Anyone with an IQ over carrots can see that SC is voting on social conservatism and not fiscal conservatism.