Iowa newspaper backs Romney
(CNN) -– Mitt Romney scored the closely watched endorsement of the Sioux City Journal in Iowa on Saturday, further boosting his campaign in the state that holds the nation’s first nominating contest on January 3.
In the endorsement, the Journal writes that Romney “stands out as the candidate who is best prepared through experience, skills and qualities to lead the country.”
The newspaper’s editorial cites the skills Romney developed as both a businessman and as governor of Massachusetts, saying “Romney understands economics and fiscal principles in a real-world way. In other words, he's walked the walk. In this year's Republican field, he is the candidate most capable of not only articulating a blueprint for a stronger economy and the restoration of fiscal sanity in Washington, but of assembling a high-caliber team of advisors, forging consensus within Congress and rallying the nation in support of it.”
The board also noted Romney’s ability to win a general election campaign against President Barack Obama, writing “If as a Republican your No. 1 priority is the defeat of Obama, consider this: Romney is the candidate within this field who is best-positioned to win general election votes from not simply Republican voters, but from the all-important Independents in the middle, as well as from moderate Democrats on the left.”
Romney has begun in recent weeks to amplify his campaign in Iowa, including opening his state headquarters in Des Moines and sending direct-mail advertisements to voters in the state.
On Thursday, Romney went up with his first television advertisement in Iowa, highlighting his business world experience. His campaign spokeswoman said then that Romney has always planned to compete in the state.
"In the closing weeks before the caucuses, we will continue to make the case that Mitt Romney is the best candidate to beat Barack Obama. Mitt Romney has always said that he would campaign and compete in Iowa. He looks forward to participating in the two upcoming Iowa debates," campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said.
An American Research Group poll taken in mid-November put Newt Gingrich at the top of the 2012 GOP pack in Iowa, with 27% of Republican respondents saying they backed the former House Speaker.
Romney followed in second with 20%, Ron Paul with 16%, and the remaining candidates polling in the single digits.
The Sioux City Journal – which serves a rural section of western Iowa - backed Romney four years ago ahead of the 2008 Iowa caucus, saying at the time Romney “combines an outsider's new face with a proven track record of success as an executive in both the private and public sectors.”
They supported him last time and HE LOST. There will be a repeat!
I doubt if that endorsement will capitulate Romney's standing in the race. Many republican voters do not like him. Wait for Huntsman on the last minute run. Gingrich on the lead which Romney may be able to overcome.
Oh yeah, the Sioux City Journal ... I always watch to see who they're backing. As Sioux City goes, so goes ... I don't know ... Council Bluffs?
I still don't get why the GOP doesn't rally around Romney. The biggest issue for them seems to be Romney Care. Last time I checked it was very popular and less than 2% of people in Massachusetts didn't have health care. That sounds like a success to me.
The clown that sent jobs overseas aslo when he was a gov that state ranked 47th in job creation come on give me a break & dnt forget the best flipp flopper on earth u really think he is going to beat Pres. Obama please give me a break
Oh my goodness. The only think Mittens is qualified for is flip-flopping!
Ron Paul 2012!
Yup, Romney he is the perfect Republican/Tparty candidate: he was for abortion before he was against it; he was for health care before he was against it; he was for illegal immigration before he was against it; he was for tax increase when needed before he was against it; he was for gay rights before he was against it; he was for bigotry until it was against him personally about his religion; he was for sending jobs to China before he was against it; and so on and so on and so on. Romney is a perfect representative of the Republican/Tpary: a many without any principles or honor.
What a pathetic bunch these teapublicans are.One thinks the shot heard around the world was in NH. One is so stupid he doesn't even know the voting age. One is on his third wife, and is a pompous arrogant fool. One thinks corporations put money back in the common man's pockets. there is only one choice. Obama 2012!!!!!
Apparently, Sioux City Journal favors flip-floppers. Good to know.
Hmmm...Lee who owns Sioux City Journal and several other papers announed Chapter 11 and it just so happens that on this same day they back Romney they find re-financing help...Hmmm wonder if Bain Capitol who Romney founded helped out Lee/Sioux City?
I agree with this paper we have to get obama out of office or we are going to ruin this country
Obama had a chance to be a great president cut spending get this country back on track he didn't shame on him
Corporations are people ?
Unions are not ?
OMG, did anyone tell Bachmann? She has completely ignored her own state of Minnesota to devote herself to winning votes in Iowa for over a year now. What do you think she'll do next when she loses out on this adventure and the good citizens of Minnesota kick her to the curb next election? I bet she'll help Marcus in his "health" clinic talking gay people out of being gay and billing Medicaid.
Republicans/Evangelicals, don't be stupid. The swollen-headed, fast talking, immoral, pompous Newt cannot win independents. Romney is the only one who can defeat Obama. Those who are religious bigots or think Romney is boring are going to give the election to Obama. I'd much rather hear Romney's plain speak than someone who sounds like a phony televangelist like Obama (shudder) or a blowhole like Gingrich.
Bravo Sioux City Journal! President Romney sounds good. He's the best candidate to take on the hard challenges our country will face in the years ahead.
That's the problem with the right-wing. Their "number one priority is to defeat President Obama", not fix the economy, not help the unemployed, not end wars, just defeat Obama, damn everything else. Anyone who talks like that or supports those ideals should be shot on sight for treason.
Sioux City Journal gets it! Good for them. Romney is in the best position to win in the general election.
late gearing up such an important state. however, best of this crop. well done Sioux City Journal . thanks CNN
GOP continues to stuff Romney down the teabaggers' throats by getting rid of Cain. Newt is next. The wingnut/teabagger trainwreck implosion continues full speed ahead.
Sounds like the Sioux City Journal is smart enough to realize that Romney can win, instead of being concerned about "principles" and then hypocritically supporting the ethically challenged Gingrich.
Seems as if all the "Media" is behind Romney. Bought and paid for?
Mitt Romney is not liked at all has to many problems and to much baggage ! I am From New Hampshire and has known Romney for 20 years .We do not need some one like this to Representative of America ! President Reagan Had many talks with Ron Paul and said if he had Done what Dr.Ron Paul we would had spared over a million lives.President Reagan endorsed Doc.Ron Paul and was the only person President Ronald Reagan ever endorsed 2012 Election will be the future of America for Liberty.But not Just for America but peace from talks Not Guns forced And Drama brought to other"s .
I would like to point out how incredibly incorrect the Sioux City Journal is in stating that "Romney is the candidate within this field who is best-positioned to win general election votes from not simply Republican voters, but from the all-important Independents in the middle, as well as from moderate Democrats on the left.” Actually Ron Paul is the Independent voter's dream come true. I just want to know what newspaper is going to have the balls to endorse him?
I Ask the Pride Of All Americans To Vote ! : President Reagan Had many talks with Ron Paul and said if he had Done what Dr.Ron Paul we would had *spared over a million lives.President Reagan endorsed Doc.Ron Paul *And was the only person President Ronald Reagan ever endorsed *2012 Election will be the future of America for Liberty.But not Just for America but All Humanity for Liberty * Peace from talks Not Guns forced And Drama brought to other"s!! .google Ron Paul or YouTube * We must Vote For a President with out Baggage *