Romney may have spent more money. BUT who has ever heard of Mitt Romney before this race… he has come from nowhere to become a top tier candidate!!!! McCain didn't have to spend nearly as much money because everyone knows him from his last campaign for president AND the liberal media LOVES him. Why should he spend money when he gets all the good press for free!!! Hillary and Obama WAY OUT SPENT Romney.

I won't be voting for Romney and i have no religious bigotry thank you very much.

Every candidate should have to "prepare" for their white house run. Not just spend someone else's money.

This way we can see if they have what it takes to be organized and influential to get people to open their wallets, or earn the money themselves.

This way there are no "paybacks" after they are in the white house.

This way it levels the playing field.

This way it shows who had the intellect to effectively raise the funds.

No one can "buy" a vote. That would be saying that voters have no thought of who they would like to see win. Try to be a little more intelligent with your "buy the vote" smear tactics.

Those who vote against Romney have to look deeply and admit there is a tinge of religious bigotry in them. This guy is the "perfect candidate". He is the real deal.
At least admit you have that weakness. For sure, if Mitt is not the nominee there will be a landslide of GOP voters going to Obama's corner.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT PEOPLE BUYING THEIR WAY INTO THE WHITE HOUSE???

WHAT ABOUT STEVE FORBES?

YOU CAN'T BUY YOUR WAY IN, BUT IF YOU HAVE IT, WHAT'S THE DEAL?

YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE NOT JUST A WALLET OR BIG WIG…YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO HAVE IDEAS THAT PEOPLE LIKE…

APPARENTLY, FORBES DIDN'T HAVE WHAT IT TOOK TO GET THE WHITE HOUSE..IT IS LOOKING EVERY DAY MORE LIKE ROMNEY DOES..THAT IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE…

PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN ABOUT ROMNEY'S MONEY AND HIS RELIGION…THEY HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT…OOHHH WAIT..ONE MORE THING…HE CHANGES HIS MIND…

HOLY CRAP! WE CAN'T HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS ACTUALLY CAPABLE OF CHANGING THEIR MIND!!! YOU MEAN HE ACTUALLY MIGHT HAVE A BAD IDEA AND HAS THE ABILITY TO CHANGE IT TO A GOOD ONE???

WHERE WOULD WE BE IF BUSH HAD THAT CAPABILITY???

It is disturbing to me to see Mitt Romney fiddling on economical things he really don't understand. The best I saw against his low profile to economical things is Lou Dobb's recent comment to a statement of Romney:

Mitt Romney said in the video:

"…………… There is concern that we are going in a global recession. This is a worry if you go through the country. I can tell you that I am convinced that we don't have to be anxious then America can be strong, then our economy can lead the world as has for so many years but it gonna be to take some changes."

End of Mitt Romney's saying and Lou Dobbs commented:

" wowwww,
We got a new change agent!
I don't know what's going on but what I do know:
We got an economy on the brink of a major disaster and we got people fiddling like fools here."

Who cares how much Mitt spent? I won't vote for him because he can't seem to stick with one message. How in the world will I know how he is going to represent me when he can't seem to represent his real views on things? McCain has been consistent in his messages since long before this race. He's always said what he means, voted how he says, and hasn't flip-flopped (remember Kerry?) on his ideals to cater to the ever changing fads of public opinion. If he doesn't win, I'm stuck choosing between someone that comes across as dishonest or one of the democrats (at least Clinton is relatively middle-of-the-road, but Obama is way too liberal even if he tries to pitch it otherwise).

I'm voting for Barack Obama, and that's for sure. However, if I had to choose a Republican, which I cringe at the idea of even doing, I would definitely choose John Mccain. Compared to Romney he practically seems normal. Mitt Romney is a joke, and if he and Obama end up going head to head, he's gonna be torn to shreds. Actually, all of these candidates are in trouble when it comes to debating Obama on the issues, beacause the republican party is complete out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the American public. America is in the midst of yet another era of drastic change, and it seems that only Barack Obama and John Edwards are able to see and understand this. Politics as usual is absolutely not going to cut it anymore, because politics as usual has gotten our nation in a boatload of trouble, and tarnished our image and moral standing in the world. An Obama/Edwards administration is the only real hope America has at reclaiming our international respect, and being a prosperous nation throughout this new century.

Is it not ironic that he's the one that's supposed to save us from this economic crisis, yet he's spending money left and right? I've still got my money on Ron Paul.

So McCain can only afford radio ads in Florida? That's understandable.
Who wants to donate money to a trigger-happy war promoter who thinks
we may have to invade Pakistan or bomb Iran next? Why give money to
someone who never met a war he didn't like? DANGEROUS!

Hey 'brayden' - I'm just guessing but when jen said "loot" I don't think it was about getting paid for being the president I think the point was that he would use the office, as Bush has, to make money with the power of the office.

That's just a guess though. It is pretty frunny to me reading these posts because I'm a liberal Democrat and reading so many people bash McCain was the most I have ever liked him. Everything that is complained about him sounds good to me (I guess sort of proves so many of your points)

THE ONLY WAY I VOTE FOR MCCAIN OVER ROMNEY IS IF HE VOWS TO PAY HIS MILITARY MORE FOR ALL OF THESE WARS AND MILITARY ACTION HE WILL INSIST ON PUTTING UP.

IT IS A SAD STATE THAT OUR MILITARY GETS PAID WORSE THAN SCHOOL TEACHERS…I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE OFFICERS EITHER…

I AM TALKING ABOUT THE TRUE BLUE/GREEN/TAN COLLARS…THE ENLISTED MEMBERS. THOSE WHO ARE NOW LIVING FROM PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND HAVE FAMILIES AND ARE FIGHTING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

Can't believe how many conservatives Romney has fooled. Chuck Norris did an awesome job with Alan Colmes giving Hannity the smack down last night.

Let's stick with the facts Sean, and the fact is that Romney is an election year flip flopper!

Romney doing again what he has done: stimulating the local economy with his campaign funds. Lots of folks in the news room, ad rooms, television stations and so forth are getting a boost in their incomes because of Romney's position of putting his money where his mouth is. Every other candidate is hoarding their campaign treasure to help their political ambitions later on. A strong economy helps insure a safe country, and Romney is the only one who can do it.

Romney 08 and 12

Romney is taking a pay cut to be President.

He has the right balance.

McCain is out of control can you see that man with nuclear weapons?? Scary.

Hillary says pull out of Iraq and leave it to Iran.

Only Mitt has the right balance.

I read another article about ratios today. It was about which candidates had been reported on the most. It looked something like this:

Barack Obama: a million%
Hillary Clinton: 30%
Bill Clinton: 29.9 repeating %
John McCain: 17%
Mitt Romney: 11%
Other: 3%
Ron Paul: -2%

Who does McCain want to attack next.

Romeny is economic action first.

I need a job not a another few wars.

He and his more WARs Express. The man is out of his mind.

We need jobs not war, we need a stong economy so we can avoid war by having a modern military.

Hillary says pull out and leave Iraq to Iran and McCain says more wars, Mitt Romney has the right balance.

If the man spends the most to be recognized after all this time, he is the worst candidate. That also would make Huckabee the best. Huckabee does the most with the least. That is what we need!

I live in Broward County, FL. Was eerily quiet today. No lines at polls. No signs anywhere except a few for Romney. No exit pollers (how are media reporting exit polls if they only poll at a few places?). No media anywhere (but then I don't live in Miami which is where they tend to focus because of all the Cubans). Almost felt as if there was no election today. If Florida is such a big decision state (being they moved their date up and all), it sure didn't show today. It was a "non-event."

We are voting on a president not a janitor. I have followed John McCain for the last 20 years and am satisfied he is by far the best and brightest out there. We need someone smarter than me or you. ( I went to medical school and I know these guys) Wake up, smell the coffee John McCain has consistently been a honest leader. Those of you who think or speak ill of him are showing your lack of intelligence. You can't really know this guy without liking him.

McCain is a great hero who deserves much from this nation. I have respect and admiration for him. That being said his time has past and he needs to retire.
I am watching the Republican very closely in case Billary gets the nod from my party.

We can't have a guy who pays his own way win an election! We want our politicans properly owned by those who give them money!

Without national security, the economy is relatively unimportant. So one has to decide if they want a gutless wonder of a CPA or a real war hero and national security expert for President. John McCain is the man!

I just heard that Independants are being allowed to vote in the Florida primary and all of them are voting for McCain. I thought that only Republicans or Dems could vote today? If I am correct, Independants being allow to vote today is illegal. Weird that all of them are voting for McCain! Sounds fishy to me. McCain is the biggest cheat I've ever heard of. He knows he'd lose otherwise, so he gets independents to come out and vote illegally in Florida!!!!

Romney EARNED his money…..he's intelligent.
McCain MARRIED his money ….after ditching his badly injured first wife!

I exactly what your talking about Pen. Cya tomorrow

He doesn't need a drink. His brain is already mush.

Jen, you are an idiot. Romney DIDN'T take a paycheck for the Olympics, he put it back into the funds. He also DIDN'T take a paycheck in MA as governor. He put it back into the economy. He has also vowed to not take a paycheck as president. WAKE UP PEOPLE! WE NEED HIM AS PRESIDENT WAY MORE THAN HE NEEDS TO BE PRESIDENT. Name one other candidate who made less last year than the national income average. I DARE YOU, JEN!

GOOD OLD USA…where anyone can buy the Presidency. The USA is the only country in the world where presidencial candidates have to be wealthy. Most other counties have normal, average Joes who can relate to the people they serve. Their qualifications dont come in the form of their cheque book. The American system is a joke. I can HARDLY wait for Florida to vote…then we'll see some REAL comedy!

If the people of Florida are smart, they'll vote for Ron Paul…He seems to be the only Republican candidate that tells the truth.

No snob like a poor snob. McCain is laughable saying Mitt is attacking him. I don't like the personal attacks from anyone but it's absurd that McCain is professing to not have slung any himself. I am liking him less and less everytime he opens his mouth. Get back to the job you were elected to and have been on the payroll for, being the Senator for Arizona. Every time you run for President the people of Arizona are paying for it, our dime your time spent campaining doesn't sit well with me!

Rpublicans seem very desperate, and apparently are falling for the often-tossed around theory that only Mccain can beat the Democrats in November. Let's cut to the facts: Mccain does not represent a bright future for America; well into his 70's, and looking much older, he has been captive to and a major force in The Establishment for a very long time. He's knee deep in the age-old method of Washington politics. His partners in the press are allowing him to cloak that undeniable fact iand spin it into what he now calls "experience". Give me a break. His experience helped lead us into Iraq in the first place, rememeber? Are we any safer now that Iraq is in shambles? Of course not. And his views on immigration are so far to the left that he may as well allow Mexico and every other Latin American country join the Union. The last time I checked, national security starts at the border with security and enforcement. Mccain is out of touch, over the hill, and too deeply entrenched in making lobbyists' happy to become U.S. President.

Rudy for VP?? Find out tonight- check out zookersradio.com

Good for Mit, maybe he will go bankrupt. I dont trust that flip flopper as far as I can throw him, granted McCain has his bagage as well. A vote for Hucakbee is a vote for theocracy and the anti-freedom religious right. I didnt like that McCain took the amnesty position but I have a hell of alot more respect for him unlike Romney. So I still dont know who to vote for.

Quick questions: How many of you knew who Mitt Romney was in 2006? How many of you knew who McCain or Guliani was in 2006?

Was the media giving Mitt any press before his win? Did they give him any pres after? Does the media give Mitt any press that isn't negative?

To go from an unknown to a known it takes a bit of advertising. To rely on the media to praise your strengths for you only works for McCain, Clinton and Obama-

These two guys crack me up. Pretty Boy Floyd vs.Old School. All Floyd has to do is smile and down goes Old School.

Trying to make myself laugh, it's 4:20, and I'm ready to go home. YOU KNOW What I'm talking about

Oh my god, CNN, after 1 year now, i saw one of your journalist standing up for romney when interviewing McCain, but now you post this.

Romney wouldnt be spending as much if he was geting the media coverage that he deserved. But media ben scared to show a republican who can actually win. I mean if thats the case, u mite as well stop covering republicans and cover your democrats.

and atleast, Mitt Romney dont owe anyone favors if he is in white house. Hope after his win in florida today, he will get the coverage that he deserves.

Mc Cain is talking about 100 years in Iraq and Romney is so out of touch with the American people it is Funny!! He and his family have been sitting in the mansion too long to do any good. Vote for RON PAUL! At least find out what his message is!

Romney is a fantastic candidate. I can't believe the bias against him at CNN and Foxnews. CNN states if McCain wins, McCain has "cemented" the nomination but if Mitt wins, the nomination is "up in the air" Ridiculous…and fox is even worse, they have a series of photos of the primary in FL today, and Mitt doesn't even show up until 25!

Anyway, big media and the establishment is TERRIFIED Mitt will win, because he cannot be bought. he has so much integrity, folks, the man doesn't even cuss. If he wins, the feeding at the trough is over! No more pet projects, pork, lobbyists buying votes…Mitt is a man with a plan, and the establishment is scared. It's not plastic, he looks different than most people because he's got integrity people are not used to seeing.

Go Mitt, you are awesome!

Williard would be gone if not for his bankroll. Everyone knows that. But so, what. He is helping the economy of the media businesses. That is economic stimulus plan: Spend all his money

No Cndidate could ever by my vote and that is why I have donated to Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney never needed to twist my harm as he has an incredible backgriund and record. I will continue to back Mitt Romney because he has the ability and record to make our Country great once again!

John McCain is far more qualified than Romney. As a Democrat, I'd rather Romney wins the nomination. Romney would be the easier Republican to defeat.

Good points Robert. Amen.

So Romney can put in all this money from his personal funds, but the voting people have a cap on how much they can donate to support a candidate?

Amen to that Eric.

Go Mitt.. we all love you. I hope you make it. Just look at the GOP candidats. the only one that looks like a future President is Mitt Romney and he is totally the guy that will turn the economy around again!

Go Mitt Kerry! Way to buy the nomination. This is it, Florida may go a long way in determining the nominee. Unless Ron Paul wins, which is unlikely, you are looking at Mitt or John. But whoever wins out of the two, that gives the W.H. to the Democrats (hopefully Obama)!

John McCain is tarnishing his legacy when he lies about Mitt AND his record on imigration, taxes and the first amendment restrictions imposed by the McCain/Feingold bill. McCain has been dishonest and Mitt has had to respond in kind.

So Romney spent more in Florida, does that mean he is trying to buy their votes??
It seems that all this guy knows how to talk about is the economy and I agree it is a hot issue right now but it takes more than just knowing about the economy to run a country and to be a world leader. I don't Romney has the leadership abilities.

I certainly hope Huckabee pulls out a miracle tonight. He is the one honest candidate and the most conservative.

McCain is highly unstable, and has been hugely supportive of the Bush administration. He was once highly critical of the Bush Admin, but as soon as they started harming, rather than helping the nation with all of their policies, he became the ultimate flip-flopper, rivaling even Kerry and Bush. I have not heard anything, whatsoever, to think a McCain administration would benefit the nation.

His wild outbursts of rage are well-known in D.C., and I don't believe he is of sound enough mind to serve as President.

McCain wants to close Guantanamo and give amnesty to illegals. So does Hillary, 'nuff said.

How much did Hillarity spend to LOSE South Carolina and Iowa?

She was the pre-chosen candidate so these questions are relevent to her as well.

She had built in name recognition and Romney was known in the Northeast and Michigan only, so yes he had to spend money on ads and an organization to get his message and name across to voters.

Mitt against Obama in the general election should make for some good stuff and realistically ONLY these two can bring real change that we all so covet.

And "Jen" what "loots" are you talking about, the only looting done in the WH was done by Bill and Hillary when they looted the WH and air force one when they left.

California Independent, the thing is that McCain is far from honest and his positions are wrong (if you happen to be a Democrat or a Republican… or any other stripe of American). The media just lets him spin that way and rarely (this weekend regarding his lie concerning Romney's record being a big exception) call him on it.

McCain is just a tool of Washington lobbyists — nothing more, nothing less.

Let us look at McCain’s conservative credentials:

-IMMIGRATION: he wrote the bill granting amnesty to illegal immigrants (co-sponsored by Ted Kennedy)
-SOCIAL SECURITY: he voted to give your social security money to illegal immigrants
-TAXES: he voted against the Bush tax cuts multiple times (he has since flip-flopped and has campaigned as a lifelong tax-cutter)
-PROFESSIONAL ETHICS: ringleader of the infamous Keating 5 ethical scandal which cost US tax payers $160 billion (Google it)
-PERSONAL ETHICS: McCain cheated on his first wife after she had a severe accident that left her partially disabled. He then divorced her and married his multi-millionaire mistress, whose daddy bought McCain a spot in the Congress

She squished the hand of JUANITA BROADDRICK, you can find the interview where she says Bill Clinton BIT her on the lips and pushed her on the bed!!
BILLARY 08

I'm not sure which Repub I support. I find the support of McCain odd. The reason to support him seems to me to be because he's honest (haven't seen that lately though, the guy is loosing it) even though he doesn't represent you on the issues. I thought a person should vote for the person who represents them? I disagree with him on the war and illegal immigration but should support him because he's honest about his positions. What?

McCain doesn't need to spend as much as Romney because McCain has the bulk of the mainstream media doing the campaigning for him. Romney also had to introduce himself to the state while McCain enjoyed a decade or so of national name recognition.

The beauty of McCain is that he is so bought and paid for it is painful. McCain is in the pockets of a few many interesting special interest groups…, but here are some favorites:

1. Nuclear energy (which has led to,among other horrible positions taken by McCain, the Black Mesa and Yucca Mountain positions pushed by McCain, both of which show total disregard for Native American sacred sites and public health); and
2. Anti-English Language, pro-Mexico First Deep Pockets, Pro-Illegal Immigration Groups (Look up Jerry Perenchio and, for some extra fun, look up McCain's Hispanic outreach coordinator, Juan Hernandez).

McCain is an equal opportunity offender. He has sold out on the left and the right. Indeed, he can be purchased by lobbyists on either side of the aisle — is that what McCain means by "bi-partisan"? No candidate in either party is more beholden to lobbyists and DC monied interests than John McCain. His straight talk is whatever the talking points are for the highest bidder. If you want to know why he got blown out in Nevada, that is part of the reason. The press there knows his bought and paid for attitude a little too well. He didn't dare step foot in the state with his same old "straight talk" garbage.

A few points:

1. Contrary to popular belief, Mitt Romney was not buying votes. Nobody can do that. He was buying name recognition, something that McCain did not need as much since he ran for president and lost in 2000. Prior to the 2008 primaries, nobody knew who Mitt Romney was; and that costs money to remedy.

2. You better believe that if McCain raised any more money than he did, he would have spent every last cent of it on this campaign. The fact of the matter is that he didn't. Mitt Romney raised more money by far than any other republican candidate and has been fortunate enough to supplement it with his personal wealth, which by the way he worked hard to earn and can spend it however the hell he wants.

I am sick and tired of the media trying to spin Mitt Romney's spending as a bad thing. There is nothing wrong with getting your name out there and letting people get to know you. No matter how much money is spent, the public will choose for themselves. Unless the money is going straight into the voters pockets, WHICH IT IS NOT, no vote can be bought.

John McCain is a giant among pygmies. Could anyone even consider voting for Romney? And what's up with Mitt…his name is Willard. Why doesn't he use it. Or is that another change in his thinking along with the anti-abortion/pro-abortion switch, the pro-gary/anti-gay switch, the marching with Dr. King fiasco, the NRA endorsement he never had? It just goes on and on…the phoniest candidate in American history.

Romney has to spend more, the media coverage is just so biased towards McCain.

Romney thinks what he will have spent by the end of campaign is pittance compared to the loots awaiting him in the WH. If GW could do it, I can do ten times better, he thinks and he will. Just try him. I dare you, not-so-bright voters.

I guess Mitt Romney will prove once and for all whether or not it is possible to buy your way into the candidacy.

So we're only going to compare money spent on TV ads here? What about Rudy and the millions he has spent on his TWO delegates? By comparison, Mitt is doing quite well. He has the most delegates and the most wins, and the most momentum.

Sorry McCain couldn't raise more. I wish him luck staying financed after super Tuesday.

Lord, I would think I'm watching the democratic nomination process here but it really is the GOP. There is so much in-fighting going on here too and none of you will get my vote unless Barack doesn't get the nomination.

Just because the Clintons are grabbing so much air time with their dirty politics doesn't mean you guys have to get down to that level. I think America is just about fed up with it. I expected better from the GOP and have voted Republican for 40 years.

Well, I for one am glad I'm voting for Obama. If he isn't the nominee then I'll vote for the last man standing in this party. But that vote will just be a vote "against" the former witch of the White House. Please don't beat each other up too much America needs a back-up plan.

Romney scares the crap out of me. I have never seen a bigger faker. He looks like a Barbie doll.

John McCain in Michigan:

Listen my friends, some straight talk here. These jobs are gone and they're not coming back!

On to Florida:

Listen my friends, some straight talk here. We're in a war. And there's going to be more wars!

The comparison of Caroline Kennedy and Edward Kennedy of John F. Kennedy with Obama is outrageous and disrespecful of the late President. John F. Kennedy served 5 years in the Congress and 8 years in the Senate and he did not run for president until HE WAS CERTAIN HE WAS READY. Obama is an opportunist without any experience and with a "golden tongue". Talk is cheap. Let us hear WHAT ARE these changes he is talking about. Let him SPELL OUT the changes one by one.

Won't do him any good.

The Palm Beach, South Beach, and Naples crowd may favor him–but the vast majority of Floridians will be moving towards McCain, Huckabee, and Paul–my guess.