N2K Presidential Race: 'Hold on a Little Longer'
The three weeks since the last Republican primary have given us much inanity and not much substance. The relative banality of tonight’s results notwithstanding, things could be on the verge of getting interesting again.
Mitt Romney deftly bound himself on Monday to Obama’s support for stopping a key student loan interest rate from doubling. A day later, the White House and congressional Democrats had agreed on how to fund the tuition assistance: a tax “loophole” for “S-corporations,” whose federal income taxes are borne by shareholders. That neatly brackets Romney between more affordable college and more profitable companies.
Romney likely won’t agree with the payment method, and Democrats will press him for an alternative, further baiting the trap for a wedge between Romney and his party brethren on the Hill.
It’s not unusual for the Capitol to serve as a campaign chessboard, and both parties in Congress were certain to ply the means at their disposal to embarrass and discomfit the other’s candidate. Forcing Romney to choose between lower taxes for corporations or lighter student loans won’t be the last example from either side.
“Hold on a little longer,” Romney said in a victory speech that appeared aiming at shoring up the center. “A better America begins tonight.” And perhaps a better campaign.
-- Jim O’Sullivan
@JOSullivanNatJo
NATIONAL JOURNAL’S PRIMARY REPORT
Mitt Romney Routs Remaining Opponents in Tuesday Primaries
[CNN, 4/24/12] Mitt Romney tonight won primaries in Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New York, according to CNN projections before 10 p.m. Romney's win in Delaware dashed Newt Gingrich's hopes for what would have amounted to a symbolic victory there. Gingrich reportedly said that, while he'd reassess his campaign, he will be making all planned stops in North Carolina this week.
Romney: ‘A Better America Begins Tonight’
[National Journal, 4/24/12] Romney focused mainly on the economy in his speech in New Hampshire tonight, referencing Republican icon Ronald Reagan by asking the audience if they felt they were better off now than four years ago.
N.H. Could Be Decisive Battleground
[Boston Globe, 4/24/12] New Hampshire is the only swing state in New England, and it could be pivotal in November -- if Romney wins a few bigger states, the Granite State's four delegates could be decisive. And a win there would give Obama some padding to lose other swing states.
Victory on Arizona Immigration Law Could Cost Republicans in the Long Run
[National Journal, 4/24/12] If the Supreme Court upholds Arizona's strict immigration law against the Obama administration's challenge, it would be a victory for the Republican Party, but perhaps in name only. National Journal's Beth Reinhard writes that the likely result, of other states creating similar laws, could alienate important Hispanic voters.
Running Mate Dance Begins
[Wall Street Journal, 4/23/12] Romney worked to lock up the nomination ahead of Tuesday’s primary contest in Pennsylvania on Monday in a campaign stop that also served to debut a potential running mate: Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who shared the stage with the GOP candidate.
A Tight Race
[National Journal, 4/23/12] Many GOP and independent voters will ultimately support Romney, but they do not feel at all personally bonded to the candidate; indeed, most were set to vote against Obama rather than for Romney. Charlie Cook weighs in on what is looking to be a close race in November.
Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum To Meet On May 4
[ABC, 4/24/12] A Santorum aide told ABC that the purpose of the meeting is that “we want to make sure that conservatives, Tea Partiers and middle America has a strong voice in the Romney campaign," though a Santorum endorsement isn't likely to follow soon.
Why Romney Won’t Take GOP Down Another V.P. Rabbit Hole
[Talking Points Memo, 4/24/12] Anticipating a V.P. flop? Don’t be. Republicans have avoided the possibility of a dangerous and risky choice because they chose Romney as their party’s nominee. His business background, mixed with his meticulous nature, shows that he and John McCain are completely different animals.
For Obama, Carolina No Longer So Sweet
[Politico, 4/24/12] No state better illustrates the challenge Obama faces in trying to consolidate the historic gains of his 2008 campaign than North Carolina: Fewer than 45 percent of state voters approve of the president’s job performance; both houses of the state legislature flipped from blue to red in 2010; and there is a general lack of enthusiasm, particularly among young voters.
Poll: Youth Support for Obama Rising but Still Tenuous
[National Journal, 4/24/12] A new poll from the Harvard Institute of Politics shows that young people overall are feeling disillusioned with the political system and unenthusiastic about voting in 2012, but Obama still leads Romney 43 percent to 26 percent among young voters.
Romney to Allow Press at Some Fundraisers
[National Journal, 4/24/12] A Romney senior adviser said the campaign will begin granting “access to the governor’s large fundraisers” starting as early as next week, a shift from previous policy, that has barred reporters from the events.
Study: Obama’s Media Coverage More Negative Than Romney’s
[National Journal, 4/23/12] According to a new study, the presumptive GOP nominee has gotten better press in 2012 than Obama, which researchers say “suggests the media have been treating [Obama] more as a presidential candidate than a chief executive for months.”
What Will Gingrich’s Super PAC Do With $5 Million?
[ABC News, 4/23/12] Winning Our Future, the pro-Gingrich super PAC largely supported by casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, has just about $5 million left in the bank. Although Gingrich’s time in the campaign is surely numbered, spokesman Rick Tyler said the rest of the money will be “used for Newt’s benefit.”
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