Christie to speak at GOP retreat
Washington (CNN) - House Republican leaders haven't endorsed any of the GOP candidates for president, but they've invited one of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's high profile surrogates - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie - to address their annual retreat in Baltimore on Friday, according to two senior House GOP aides.
Christie is not only a popular national figure, but he's been a close political ally of House Republicans. He helped them raise money as the headliner for the annual fundraiser last spring in Washington for the House GOP's campaign committee, which took in $10 million for House races.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
Ron Paul 'money bomb' brings in $1.3 million
(CNN) - Ron Paul's campaign exceeded expectations this weekend, bringing in more than $1.3 million in its latest "money bomb" ahead of the South Carolina primary.
The Republican presidential candidate had set a goal of $1 million for the two-day, online fundraising marathon and now plans to extend the event through the week.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
Gingrich pitch to conservatives: Don't vote for Santorum
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (CNN) – Newt Gingrich delivered a staunch warning to South Carolina conservatives Monday: "Any conservative who votes for anyone but Newt helps elect a moderate as the nominee."
Gingrich was speaking to a tea party-friendly audience in South Carolina's Horry County when he painted presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney as unelectable in a general election.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
Perry on Huntsman and his daughters
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (CNN) – During a town hall here this morning sponsored by the website CafeMom, Rick Perry reacted to GOP rival Jon Huntsman's decision to suspend his presidential campaign and endorse Mitt Romney.
"Well I was hoping that I'd get the Huntsman girls [endorsement]," the Texas governor joked, referencing Huntsman's daughters who had been actively campaigning for their father on various social media websites. "We love the Huntsman girls. Our kids get along well and Mary Kaye [Huntsman] and Anita are best friends. Jon's a dear friend too."
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
Huntsman couldn't shed mini-Romney perception
Washington (CNN) - In a Republican primary focused on which conservative would emerge as the anti-Romney, Jon Huntsman was unable to position himself as anything more than a mini-Romney.
His blend of moderate and conservative positions, as well as his Mormon faith, combined to cast Huntsman as too similar to fellow Mormon Mitt Romney and therefore unable to overcome the former Massachusetts governor's huge advantage in name recognition, funding and organization.
FULL STORY
Santorum's wife: Rick doesn't hate anyone
(CNN) - Karen Santorum, wife of Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, defended her husband Monday against same-sex marriage proponents targeting the former Pennsylvania for his social conservative views.
"I think it is very sad what the gay activists have done out there. They vilify him, and it is so wrong," Karen Santorum said at a South Carolina forum. "Rick does not hate anyone. He loves them. What he has simply said is marriage shouldn't happen."
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
Analysis: Wannabe stars, failed hopefuls and the GOP drama that wasn't
Washington (CNN) - Nearly a year ago on February 12, 2011, Rep. Ron Paul won the CPAC straw poll. But the result was less important - it was a straw poll after all, and we know how much they mean - than who was included on the massive 15-person ballot. Chris Christie! Sarah Palin! The pizza guy Herman Cain in his pre-999 days! This was going to be such an exciting 2012 GOP race.
And then ... it wasn't.
FULL STORY
CNN Poll: Obama tied with Romney & Paul in November showdowns
Washington (CNN) - Mitt Romney is all tied up with President Barack Obama in a likely general election matchup, with the president showing signs of weakness on the economy and Romney seen as out of touch with ordinary Americans, according to a new national survey.
And a CNN/ORC International Poll released Monday also indicates that Rep. Ron Paul of Texas is also even with Obama in another possible showdown this November. The survey also suggests the Republican advantage on voter enthusiasm is eroding, which could be crucial in a close contest.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
FULL POST
BLITZER’S BLOG: Backing former opponents – in politics, it happens all the time
(CNN) - Jon Huntsman is now a former Republican presidential candidate. And, like former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty who dropped out after a poor showing in the Iowa straw poll last summer, Huntsman is now endorsing Mitt Romney.
Never mind that Huntsman said some negative things about Romney during his unsuccessful campaign. Pawlenty had coined the phrase “Obamney care” when trying to link Romney’s Massachusetts health care law to President Obama’s health care law. But Pawlenty quickly forgot about that and supported Romney on the campaign trail.
FULL STORY
Group spends $6 million linking Obama to Solyndra in ad
(CNN) - A conservative group announced Monday they were spending millions to spotlight President Barack Obama's involvement in the failed green energy firm Solyndra, which received loan guarantees from the federal government before it declared bankruptcy.
Americans for Prosperity said they spent $6 million to run the minute-long spot in the battleground states of Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Virginia and Iowa. The ad began airing Monday.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com and on the CNN apps for iPhone, iPad, Android or other phones.
Recent Comments