"Bill Richardson, the only heavy-weight in bout for Democratic nomination"

The Conway Daily Sun has endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President, calling him "the only heavy-weight" in the Democratic race.

In their endorsement, the Sun writes: "Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring."

The Sun cites Bill Richardson's successful tenure as Governor, comparing his track record to that of New Hampshire Governor John Lynch.

"Like our own Gov. John Lynch, Richardson is a big hit in his home state, where he is considered one of the nation's most environmentally-conscious governors. In New Mexico, he has raised the minimum wage, given all children under 5 access to health insurance, cut taxes and is pro-business."

With the Sun's endorsement, Bill Richardson becomes the first Democrat outside of Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to earn the support of a New Hampshire newspaper.

The Conway Daily Sun endorsement follows:

Bill Richardson, the only heavy-weight in bout for Democratic nomination
Sen. Joe Biden, a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, said in a recent interview that if it weren't for Iowa and New Hampshire, the candidate with the most money would always win.

Retail politics works. And it's not overstating it to say that because N.H. voters see, hear and meet the candidates in person, we are better informed than voters in the rest of country, who rely primarily on electronic media.

The result: N.H. voters often pick winners, and if not winners, candidates who, in hindsight, should have won. How much better off would the Republican Party-and the United States-be today if the rest of the country had followed New Hampshire eight years ago and elected
Sen. John McCain?

In 2000, the Sun was the only newspaper in New Hampshire to endorse McCain in the Republican primary. In 2004, we supported Gen. Wesley Clark over Sen. John Kerry in the Democratic primary. Granted, neither won, but we feel as good about those selections today as we did then.

We live in a world where Russia's leader may rewrite his country's constitution to maintain power, and where violence is often the political tool of choice, as in much of the Middle East. It is remarkable, and a testament to the strength of this country, that the next leader of the free world understands the real power of this country is in its people, and the path to the White House includes running the gauntlet at little N.H. newspapers like the Sun.

The editorial staff of the Sun is extraordinarily fortunate to have had exclusive access to the candidates. Without handlers at their sides or the national media butting in, most of the candidates have given our eight writers and editors an hour to engage in freewheeling question-and-answer exchanges.

Our staff takes seriously its bit part in selecting the next president. It is impossible to completely discount the "electability" factor and screen out mainstream media, but each of us weighs heavily what we observe in these editorial board interviews.

In our opinion, this year's Democrats are stronger than we've ever seen, and out of three that we believe could be good presidents, we endorse N.M. Gov. Bill Richardson.

It boils down to this: Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards are clearly highly principled people of integrity, and in another race the Sun would have supported one of them.
While Obama and Edwards have the big media budgets, neither has the experience of Richardson. And as for Hillary Clinton, this is what fringe candidate and straight-talking former Sen. Mike Gravel says.

"The Clintons should read the Constitution, eight years is all they get."

A handful of years as senator for each of them simply does not stack up to Richardson's powerful resume as a former congressman, energy secretary, U.N. ambassador, and now, governor of New Mexico.

Like our own Gov. John Lynch, Richardson is a big hit in his home state, where he is considered one of the nation's most environmentally-conscious governors. In New Mexico, he has raised the minimum wage, given all children under 5 access to health insurance, cut taxes and is pro-business.

On the national level, his experience negotiating with bad boys like Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro and the North Koreans is world-renowned. Richardson gained the reputation as Pres. Bill Clinton's top international troubleshooter, and during the '90s humorously referred to himself as the "undersecretary of thugs." His success as a negotiator also earned him four nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring.

The knock against Richardson is that he doesn't have the dynamic personality of Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton, although in person he's funny and engaging. Asked about this rap and to compare himself to Bill Clinton, Richardson says, "Yes, Clinton can electrify a room, but I can get it done." We're convinced he can, and we ask you to join us in voting for him.

To learn more about Richardson, read the Albuquerque Journal's comprehensive series on his life and career at www.abqjournal.com/richardson.

MICHIGAN STATE SENATOR MARK JANSEN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Michigan State Senator Mark Jansen has endorsed John McCain for president and will serve as Co-Chair of the McCain campaign in West Michigan.

"John McCain understands the challenges facing communities in Michigan and has a plan to cut taxes and restore trust in our government. His lifetime of service and experience makes him the most prepared to lead from day one and that was made very clear by the recent tragedy in Pakistan," said Senator Mark Jansen. "He is the only candidate prepared to lead our country in the battle against radical extremism and I am proud to support his candidacy."

John McCain added, "I am grateful that Mark is joining our team and will help lead our efforts in West Michigan. I look forward to working with him as we gear-up for Michigan's January 15th Primary and to visiting our friends in West Michigan again soon."

Senator Jansen was recently named the most conservative member of the Michigan Senate by MichiganVotes.org. He will serve as Chair of the West Michigan town hall with John McCain on January 9th -- the day after the New Hampshire Primary.

Senator Jansen was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 2006. He was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 1996 and was re-elected twice, serving through 2002. During his first term, he was elected by his peers to be an assistant minority whip and was a member of the House Bipartisan Urban Caucus. During his second term, the Speaker appointed Jansen to lead the House Republican Policy Committee and to serve on the House Republican Campaign Committee. Before his tenure in the Michigan House, Jansen was elected as the Gaines Township Clerk from 1992-1996.

In 2007, Senator Jansen was awarded Michigan's Children Legislative Hero Award, Michigan Soft Drink Association's Legislative Leadership Award, Michigan Non-Profit Association National Service Champion Award and the Michigan Municipal League Legislator Salute.

TIMES-REPUBLICAN ENDORSES GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

"Romney Has Proven Record Of Leadership, Plan For Change"
The Times-Republican [Marshalltown, IA]
Editorial
December 30, 2007

"Selecting a president is a huge responsibility. It has been extremely difficult this year for Republicans however since all the candidates have some particular trait that appeals to GOP loyalists but no one seems to be the clear runaway candidate.

"But we think after Republicans finally dissect each of the candidates to determine who they should ultimately vote for, they will determine as we did and Mitt Romney will be their clear choice in the Iowa Caucuses on Jan. 3.

"Romney is the most conservative candidate who is running.

"Romney’s views for a strong military, limited government, lower taxes, free market principles, immigration reform, family values and high ethical standards are what make him appealing to conservative voters and to this newspaper."
…
"But what distinguishes Romney from the rest of the pack in our eyes is his past performance in successfully running large enterprises."
…
"Romney offers proven executive experience. He has met payrolls and knows how to run a giant operation. He has proven his leadership ability and business acumen in his campaign and throughout his successful professional life."

… "We think Romney has all the skills it takes to be an effective leader and a good president who will be able to follow through on his vision for America."
To read the full endorsement, please see: www.timesrepublican.com

AIKEN MAYOR PRO-TEMPORE DICK SMITH ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Dick Smith, Mayor Pro-Tempore of Aiken, SC, has endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"In my life, I have had the distinct opportunity of serving our nation in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Foreign Service," said Smith. "Those experiences have brought me to the conclusion that John McCain is the best prepared candidate to lead our nation in these dangerous times."

After duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, Dick Smith attended Indiana University and the American Institute of Banking in Chicago before joining the U.S. State Department Foreign Service in 1951. He served in the Foreign Service for 29 years, with assignments in Sri Lanka, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Guyana, Egypt, Pakistan and India. In 2001, Mr. Smith was elected to the Aiken City Council. He was re-elected for in 2005. For the past two years, Mr. Smith has served as Mayor Pro-Tempore.

McCain thanked Mr. Smith saying, "Dick has a distinguished record of service to his community and to our country. I am grateful for his support, and I look forward to working with him in the coming weeks."

No One Is Better Qualified To Be President Than Rudy Giuliani

New Hampshire Union Leader
December 26, 2007 Robert Roughsedge Op-Ed

I support Rudy Giuliani for President because he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead in the government sector. This is no small accomplishment.

New York City was the most crime-ridden city in America when Rudy took over, and he made it the safest large city in America. New York is also the third-largest government in the United States. Big government traditionally means bureaucracy and inefficiency. Rudy transformed this Democratic stronghold into, as George Will described it, “the most successful episode of conservative government in this country in the last 50 years.”

Rudy inherited a $2.3 billion budget deficit and turned it into a multi-billion dollar surplus by reducing taxes 23 times, cutting regulations and reducing the size of the bureaucracy by 20 percent. The economic revival of New York City created 423,000 jobs and helped move 640,000 people off of welfare

This is an amazing accomplishment. Add to that the leadership he displayed under pressure and during a crisis of monumental proportions after the brutal attacks of 9/11 and the choice is clear. To paraphrase an old line, “If he can make it there, he’ll make it any where …”

Rudy’s experience and accomplishments under the most difficult circumstances are unmatched by any of his rivals.

Giuliani has legs. He can take his home state in the general election — a huge jackpot of electoral votes. Even better, Giuliani puts New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania in play. Florida? Yeah, we got that too. Giuliani is even popular in California.

The last time the Democrats had to spend money in California in the general election was against Ronald Reagan. President Reagan was a conservative. However, conservative beliefs alone did not make Ronald Reagan’s presidency successful. It was President Reagan’s leadership that made the difference. All candidates and Presidents, liberal and conservative, believe that their policies will achieve the same goal — a better America. But very few Presidents have been able to accomplish this goal. Rudy Giuliani accomplished his goals on a scale and on a stage far more impressive than any of the other current candidates. As a leader, Rudy Giuliani is proven, tested and reliable.

Robert Roughsedge of Hampton is a counterterrorism consultant for the Defense and State departments and teaches a course on counterterrorism and the law at Suffolk University Law School in Boston.

To read the entire article, please click here.

MITT ROMNEY'S IN GOOD COMPANY

The Concord Monitor Attacked Ronald Reagan, George Bush In 1980
"[The] Monitor endorses the candidacy of John B. Anderson… He has proposed a 50-cent-a-gallon tax on gasoline… He favors both the Equal Rights Amendment and the windfall profits tax on the major oil companies." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

The Concord Monitor Editorial Board Recently Personally Attacked Gov. Romney:
UPI Headline: "Liberal N.H. Newspaper Slams Romney." "Romney campaign spokesman Kevin Madden told CNN the criticisms were taken in stride. 'The Monitor's editorial board is regarded as a liberal one on many issues, so it is not surprising that they would criticize Governor Romney for his conservative views and platform,' Madden said." ("Liberal N.H. Newspaper Slams Romney," United Press International, 12/24/07)

FLASHBACK: The Concord Monitor Endorsed Moderate John Anderson In The 1980 GOP Primary:
The Monitor Praised Anderson For His Liberal Positions. "[The] Monitor endorses the candidacy of John B. Anderson… He has proposed a 50-cent-a-gallon tax on gasoline… He favors both the Equal Rights Amendment and the windfall profits tax on the major oil companies." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

FLASHBACK: The Concord Monitor Personally Attacked Ronald Reagan In 1980:
The Monitor Attacked Reagan's Ability And Capacity. "Ronald Reagan – The former California governor is simply too old (69), too doctrinaire, too inexperienced in the intricacies of the federal government. We gravely question his capability to withstand the daily physical and emotional battering that the nation's chief executive must endure." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

The Monitor Attacked Reagan For Supporting "A 19th Century Economic Philosophy." "Reagan espouses a 19th century economic philosophy shared by less than one-third of the national electorate. He opposes the Equal Rights Amendment, President Carter's embargo on grain shipments to the Soviet Union, the proposed windfall profits tax on major oil companies, implementation of the Panama Canal treaties, and he has favored simultaneously additional defense spending and a tax cut." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

The Monitor Claimed Reagan Was "On The Side-Lines Of Contemporary American Thought." "Though personable, [Reagan] is on the side-lines of contemporary American thought, and he could not win a national election if he won the GOP nomination." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

FLASHBACK: The Concord Monitor Also Attacked George H.W. Bush:

The Monitor Attacked Bush For Having Most Of The Same Conservative Beliefs As Reagan, Like Cutting Taxes And Increasing Defense Spending. "George Bush – The former director of the CIA, two-term congressman from Texas in the 1960s, onetime Republican national chairman and first U.S. envoy to mainland China has both magnetic appeal and organizational and leadership talents. He is widely regarded as a moderate. He is not. He shares most of Reagan's political beliefs, his stand on the ERA being one of the notable exceptions. He also favors a tax cut and an increase in defense spending at the same time." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

The Monitor Claimed That Bush's Positions Needed Far More Scrutiny. "Bush's articulation of his positions on major issues is fuzzy and sometimes evasive. He can mesmerize an audience, seeming to say much while actually saying little. Bush has campaigned for the GOP nomination, mostly in New Hampshire, for more than 20 months. Despite this, he needs additional scrutiny." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

The Monitor Questioned Bush's Credentials. "Bush's highly-vaunted Washington experience is more noteworthy for its breadth than for its depth. He is a shiny new political phenomenon, following the Iowa caucuses, and we want to hear from him a fuller articulation of his positions on a broad range of national issues. We hope he survives the New Hampshire primary and submits his thinking to more searching examination in the primaries to come." (Editorial, "For The GOP: Anderson," Concord Monitor, 2/21/80)

MONTANA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOHN BOHLINGER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Montana Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger has endorsed John McCain for president and will serve as Montana Chair for John McCain 2008.

"John McCain is the most prepared candidate to take on the challenges facing communities in Montana and across America," said Lt. Gov. Bohlinger. "His lifetime of service to our great nation and his courage and leadership on tough issues prove he is a man of unmatched integrity and make him the best Republican to win in the general election next November. I am proud to support him for president."

John McCain thanked Lt. Gov. Bohlinger stating, "I am grateful to have John's support. He is a proven leader in his community who has courageously served our country in the United States Marine Corps. I look forward to his counsel in the weeks ahead."

During his 33-year career as a small businessman, Lt. Gov. Bohlinger has also worked for many community organizations in the Billings area. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Billings Chamber of Commerce, First Interstate Bank West, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, and the Billings Studio Theater. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Parish Council. He also has served as president of the Board of Directors of the Yellowstone Art Museum and president of the Billings Symphony. He is currently a member of the Helena Rotary and Helena Cathedral.

Lt. Gov. Bohlinger is a veteran of the Montana legislature. First elected in 1992, he was elected to three terms in the House and resigned his seat in the Senate to serve as Lt. Governor in January 2005.

FORMER BROWNBACK SC STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER RICHARD PETERSON ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Richard Peterson, former Brownback for President South Carolina Steering Committee Member, has endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"There's only one candidate in the race for the White House who is ready to serve from day one, and that's John McCain," said Mr. Peterson. "When you couple John McCain's unprecedented service to this country with his unblemished record of fighting for common sense conservative principles, it becomes clear that he stands head and shoulders above the competition. I am proud to endorse him, and excited to do all that I can to make certain he is our next president."

Mr. Peterson is a veteran grassroots operative in the Palmetto State. He served as Director of Marketing at the Republican National Committee under Chairman Lee Atwater. Most recently, served as the Lexington County Vice-Chair of the Brownback for President campaign. In 2006, Mr. Peterson assisted Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer's successful re-election bid as campaign coordinator. Peterson is the former 1st Vice Chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party.

McCain thanked Mr. Peterson saying, "Richard is known throughout Republican circles in South Carolina for his commitment to conservative causes. I am grateful to have his support, and I know he will be a valuable member of our grassroots team in South Carolina."