Why Rubio Wasn't the Match For Romney
ABC News is reporting that Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is not being vetted by Mitt Romney’s team, making it unlikely he’ll be tapped as a running mate.
In retrospect, the biggest clue that Romney wouldn’t be looking to Rubio took place Sunday, when the Republican presidential nominee awkwardly batted away questions about Obama’s executive order on “Face the Nation.” It was clear that immigration was the last thing Romney wanted to talk about. Selecting Rubio would only underscore the divide in the Republican party between immigration reformers and restrictionists.
Romney’s been trying to avoid ticking off his base while moderating his position for the general election, but his sharp rhetoric on the subject during the primaries is making it difficult. And he wants desperately to focus relentlessly on the economy, viewing immigration as an unwanted distraction.
At the same time, the conventional wisdom that Romney needs to cut his large deficit with Latino voters to prevail over Obama may also be missing the mark. On his bus tour this week, Romney spent time in the white, working-class Rust Belt, hitting small towns without much of a Hispanic presence. It’s becoming as important for Romney to win over white voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin as it is to appeal to Hispanics in Florida, Nevada and Colorado. Ron Brownstein noted last week that, Romney could win the election even if he loses the vast majority of minorities, thanks to Obama’s Mondale-like standing among white voters.
That means Romney is likely looking for a running mate with working-class appeal. Ohio Sen. Rob Portman is at the top of many pundits’ lists, but it may be another Midwesterner who campaigned energetically for Romney over the weekend that is getting renewed attention in Boston: former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty, who kicked off his political career by declaring the Republican party was “the party of Sam’s Club, not just the country club.”
--Hotline Executive Editor Josh Kraashaur
NATIONAL JOURNAL’S PRESIDENTIAL RACE REPORT
Romney’s Battleground Audition Tour: Every Veep Counts
[National Journal, 6/19/12] Romney’s six-state “Every Town Counts” bus tour through key battleground states has showcased no less than four GOP leaders mentioned as prospective veep picks. Rep. Paul Ryan, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and Sens. Kelly Ayotte and Rob Portman stuck close to the script.
Rubio Isn’t Being Seriously Vetted by Romney Campaign, Adviser Confirms NEW!
[Washington Post, 6/19/12] A Romney adviser confirmed to The Washington Post on Tuesday that Sen. Marco Rubio is not being seriously vetted by the campaign. ABC News first reported the story, saying that the campaign had not asked Rubio to complete a questionnaire or submit financial documents.
New Book Raises Questions About Obama’s Memoir
[New York Times, 6/19/12] A new book by David Maraniss claims to document the ways in which Obama’s youthfully constructed narrative appears to be contradicted by the people and events in his life. One story about the death of Obama’s step-grandfather was “a concocted myth in almost all respects,” according to the author.
Pro-Romney Super PAC Going Up With More Than $7 Million Ad Buy
[CNN, 6/18/12] Flush with cash from billionaire Sheldon Adelson, pro-Romney super PAC Restore Our Future is spending $7.34 million on two weeks of TV ads that will air beginning on Wednesday in nine battleground states.
Tim Pawlenty Goes For It, Again NEW!
[National Journal, 6/19/12] Tim Pawlenty is an energetic and highly visible co-chairman of Romney's campaign and is coming into focus as a short-lister. According to National Journal's Jill Lawrence, he is demonstrating that he is willing and able to take on the traditional vice presidential role, which he previously denied any interest in.
Romney Keeps Up Attacks on Russia
[National Journal, 6/19/12] Showing no sign of backing down on his hawkish stance on Russia, Romney had harsh words about the country in a radio interview broadcast on Tuesday. The remarks came as Obama has been meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to try to seek common ground over how to deal with Syria.
Romney: Deal To Halt Campaign Heckling Would Be `Nice,’ But Unlikely NEW!
[National Journal, 6/19/12] To halt the escalating incidents of heckling at campaign stops, Romney said he’s willing to meet with Obama’s campaign to reach an accommodation – but that he's skeptical any deal can be struck. Obama senior campaign strategist, David Axelrod, condemned the Democratic protestors who showed up at two recent Romney campaign events in Ohio and blasted Republicans by saying such behavior is “their tactic, not ours.”
Obama Immigration Policy Favored 2-to-1 By Likely Voters
[Bloomberg, 6/19/12] According to the latest Bloomberg poll, 64 percent of likely voters surveyed after Obama’s Friday announcement to end deportation of some illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children said they agreed with the policy, while 30 percent said they disagreed.
Wawa vs. the Post Office: Bus-Capade Update NEW!
[The Atlantic, 6/18/12] Romney illustrated the difference between big government and the private sector in his big rally on Saturday night, The Altantic's James Fallows writes. The crowd cheered on all his "the economy is broken" lines, so was his message heard?
Conventional Wisdom on Obama Tilting Too Far?
[National Journal, 6/18/12] For a long time, the conventional wisdom seemed to indicate that Obama would be a clear favorite for reelection. But now, National Journal's Charlie Cook writes, conventional wisdom seems to be shifting dramatically: In some minds, he’s already toast.
Gingrich Defends His Bain Attacks As ‘Legitimate,’ Details Zoo Love
[ABC, 6/19/12 ] Newt Gingrich toured the National Zoo with ABC and defended his attacks on Romney’s time at Bain Capital as “legitimate questions,” adding that the very rich have “enormous, and I think unfair, advantage.” He also details the penguin bite he suffered at a zoo in St. Louis.
GOP Reels As Obama Move Leaves DREAM Act Dead
[The Hill, 6/18/12] In the latest sign of the GOP’s struggle to counter Obama’s decision to stop deporting certain young illegal immigrants, Rubio on Monday dropped his plan to push a DREAM Act through Congress before the election. The political backlash underscores the challenge facing the GOP as they try to woo Hispanic voters.
Obama Campaign Launches Spanish-Language TV Ads
[National Journal, 6/19/12] The Obama campaign launched new Spanish-language television ads on Tuesday, featuring the Hispanic journalist Cristina Saralegui. The ads will air in Nevada, Colorado, and Florida.
Adelson Lavishing Casino Money on GOP Super PACs
[National Journal, 6/18/12] Billionaire casino operator Sheldon Adelson may end up giving $70 million or more to super PACs and shadow super PACs with ties to Romney, House Republicans, and other federal candidates this year – and no one seems to care that Adelson’s Macau casino is under investigation for possible violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Romney Adjusts Economic Message in Iowa
[Wall Street Journal, 6/18/12] Romney’s shout-out to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday marks a subtle departure in that the candidate acknowledged the Hawkeye State as an economic success story. In this and several other battleground states where the jobless rate is actually lower than the national average, Romney faces a challenge to his usual strategy of hitting Obama on the economy.
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