YOUR COMMENTS

Romney is an opportunist.

His wealth will not buy this nomination.
Voters see right through his phony and slick attempts.

What did he accomplished as Governor?
The guy will say anything to get nominated.

He is inherently a flip flooper who could not be trusted. He is BRAINWASHED!
- JOHAN NUREMBERGER, Manchester, NH

Quite frankly, the only people in Massachusetts that Governor Romney hurt were those who were used to their entitlements. My inlaws have lived in Massachusetts for over 40 years. They thought Mitt Romeny has been the best thing to have ever happened to the state. Of course, there is going to be backwash over change. People get used to certain norms, then all of a sudden it becomes politically and financially expedient for change and the majority of people are not going to like it even though it is needed. It is like a big layoff at a Fortune 500 company, people are not going to be thrilled about losing their jobs even when it is necessary for the business's financial survival. The same thing needs to happen in our national government, I hope the next president will eliminate about 80% of the jobs. Otherwise, the rest of us may lose ours.
- David Aust, Spanish Fork, Utah

The one mistake Jane Swift is making here is that John McCain is and does flip-flop. Look at his 2000 stance on Roe vs Wade and his then moderate beliefs. Now he has changed on multiple issues to try and appeal to the conservative/religous right.
- Ryan Clarmont, Manchester

You have got to be kidding! Jane Swift, the one who united with Paul Cellucci and drove Massachusetts financially into the ground, $3 Billion in the red?? (Mitt turned that around to a $3 Billion surplus) Jane Swift who used state owned helicoptors to travel betweeen her home and the governors office?? Janie Swift couldn't manager her own finances let alone the state budget and she's taking pot shots at Mitt?? Any of you who listens to this loud mouthed know nothing deserves what ever you get, which is pure baloney.
- Milt Farar, Hudson

Why the intense bias against Gov. Romney? Gov. Romney would not even be on the radar screen of Senator McCain had not run such a pathetic campaign. Why do we need a Senator who is part of the worst performing congress in history to lead our country. His moment has passed and we need to move in a new direction. No candidate is perfect, but the total package of Gov. Romney surpasses the other. Gov Romney is not a republican or democratic insider. This is why he is vilified in the press. The flip-flop thing is getting really old and stale. Come up with something new and relevant.
- John Ellis, Ithaca, NY

The disconnect between perception and reality is amazing as GOPers continue to back candidates who have little chance of winning the crucial independent vote. The head-to-head polls show that McCain has the right character and trust of moderates. The distinctions on immigration are actually very minor, but McCain is the one GOP choice who has tried to form a consensus smart solution to a difficult problem ignored by others. A plan oft mis-characterized which would have helped to reduce the magnet by rewarding the productive family-oriented workers we need, and eventually increasing legal immigration. An important step which will be part of the solution when we stop procrastinating. It would be a shame to skip on substance in favor of xenophobia and short sighted agricultural protectionism. Others just avoid political risk, but McCain will do his best to not leave environmental, medical, and pension problems to future generations. And he'll obviously be strong on diplomacy to ensure fair trade rules, open markets, and less chance of future conflicts. Action in DC requires teamwork, and McCain can engage both parties without forgetting his Goldwater roots.

Sorry for the following negativity, but this is why others will have difficulty grabbing swing voters who don't care as much about smooth packaging: even though all the candidates have good intentions, Giuliani appears too autocratic, and his appeal among moderates will likely be concentrated in states which will go Dem anyway, Huckabee has great values, but his too frequent religious references and evolution denial are a turnoff to independents who see a problem of facing religious enemies and technological challenges, and Romney, as mentioned appears like a plastic facade, presenting ideas which are not from his heart or brain, but rather from detached advisors who turnover with the seasons.
- Eric Wannamaker, Salt Lake City, Utah

Flip Flop Mitt - for all you Romney apologists who say it is reasonable for a supposedly mature man of 50+ years to suddenly flip on a huge moral issue like abortion, well OK, the rest of us might, might give you one pass. However, the problem is Mitt has done flip flops on several huge issues, and all his flop flips unbelievably correspond with what is needed to make himself look better for an election. Even more worrisome, he often can not respond to questions with straight declarative answers. Look at him in the debates. He always wants to reserve the right to flip flop in the future. He is the Republican version of Hillary.
- Steve Webb, Albany, NY

Mitt Romney never flip-flopped. There is a difference between that and changing your opinion over time as we all do. So, get it straight and stop making ignorant attacks against one of the greatest leaders since Reagan!
- Stephen Robert Wilhelm, Omaha, NE

I applaud Gov. Swift's article, and not a moment too soon. In 2002 she made a principled decision to step aside and let Mitt Romney run for Governor, a man who it turns out has never made a principled decision in his life. He viewed the MA Gov win as nothing but a springboard to higher office, and the people of that state suffered for it. I only hope the national GOP does not suffer the same fate by nominating this charlatan. I hope Gov. Swift rethinks her decision not to run for Governor, so she can clean up the mess Romney and his successor(who is in office because of Mitt), and I hope that my party makes the right choice and nominates John McCain to be our standard bearer.
- Corey Cronrath, Reading, PA

You made the point that citizens in Massachusetts suffered by Romney cutting taxes. You can always look at that in two different ways. Cutting taxes puts money back in the pockets of citizens so they can spend it how they please. Towns in the state didn't have to raise property taxes. They could have lowered the property taxes to put more money into peoples pockets so they could purchase the services they wanted through private companies (free markets almost always work better than government). Raising fees is different than raising taxes across the board because people who pay for the services are the ones who actually use those services (as opposed to making people pay for services they don't use).
Too many people look to government for the solutions rather than to the free market. If the government were to cut a service, then the free market would eventually take over and provide a better service at a lower price. Plus, the more local the services and the accompanying taxes to pay for them, then the more efficient the government becomes because there is more accountability at the local level. It just goes back to the conservative vs liberal way to do things. Romney is no fool. He knows how markets work to make things better. He balanced the budget all four years he was governor. It's important to have grown-ups in power who understand that every thing has it's price and you cant just spend money recklessly.
- Phillip Larsen, Bountiful, UT

It's about time McCain gets some of the respect he deserves. His sidelining by Republicans is a blight on the party faithful. He is honest, informed, brave, and an American hero. I can only hope the rest of the country begins to recognize soon that McCain is the only great man (or woman) running on either side of the aisle.
- Jeb Brown, New York, NY

I must say I had a hard time containing my laughter at former Governor Swifts' remark about "two party government" is Massachusetts. Her record in office was sad indeed and she did have the sense to see that se had no chance at re-election. The attack on Mitt Romney is in poor taste. He did what he could to bring State government under control. His "shell game", as she called it, allowed costs to be moved from the general popukation to those actually using a program. The Democrat controlled State government was going to spend what it wanted, his input was limited. Those who do not live under a single party system can not understand the extent of it's total power.
As to Mr. Romney's personal changes of heart, I find they are similar to my own. When I moved to Mass 21 years ago I was a Liberal Democrat, but two decades of life under a corrupt one party system has made me into a reformed Liberal and recovering Democrat.
- B.L. Cross, North Attleboro, MA

Frank, are you serious? Those who DONT flip-flop dont win? Can you say John Kerry? Can you say Al Gore? Those names ring a bell? Most of the country thought Kerry was more qualified than Bush to run the country. However, NOBODY and I mean NOBODY trusted the man. Most of those who voted for Kerry report voting not FOR Kerry but against Bush! Hillary Clinton is a dream candidate for the GOP to run against. She flipped on NAFTA, flipped on Iraq, flipped on Dont ask dont tell, flipped on single payer Health Care. You name it, she changed on it. Most of her changed occured AFTER she decided to run for president. The greatest gift to the Democrats and Clinton would be to nominate a Republican that can be trusted LESS! While most Americans may understand flipping on Iraq, how will he explain flipping on abortion? As a lifelong Republican I MIGHT even vote for Clinton if Romney is nominated! Id rather put a panderer in the White House verses an outright liar!
- Nate kimbleton, Boynton Beach, Florida

Romney and Clinton are political opportunists, but at least Clinton is a little less transparent about it. Romney's so-called "evolution" was timed precisely for his presidential aspirations. Had he been smarter (and less power hungry), he could've let an election cycle go by after his "transformation." At least in four or eight years he could decide if he wants to stay a conservative or go in yet another direction.
- Tom Roedel, St. Louis, MO

It is amazing to watch so many GOper betray the 11th commandment of the Gipper and bash fellow Republicans. Jane clearly as envy for Mitt (that he was elected while she could not be or jealousy of his wealth and solid family).
- Peter Schwartz, Bloomfield, MI

The author of this article is named Jane Swift, as in "Swiftboat." Nice try Jane. First of all, Romney may have flipped, but he didn't flop. Did you ever take geometry? A flip-flop would be a full 360 degree turn. Actually Romney did a 180 and realized that he was wrong to support legal abortion. Ronald Reagan did the same flip and went on to become a very effective pro-lifer. Romney should be applauded for his change of heart. I think we've all changed our minds on major issues. He who has never flipped, may cast the first stone!
- John Allen, Boston, MA

I think Mitt Romney has gotten a 'bad rap' on the question of authenticity. The only real issue where he has changed is abortion, and people overlook a few relevant facts. First, Romney really did have a close relative die from an illegal abortion. It was not some sort of strategy for a campaign. Who can blame him for having been conflicted on the issue? Second, Romney has always maintained that he thinks abortion is wrong and has advised people against abortions. Third, Romney has always refused to be labeled "pro-choice". People who say "Romney used to be pro-choice" are wrong. He used to be "effectively" pro-choice, which Romney says has the "effect" of being pro-choice but is not ideologically pro-choice. The fact that Romney refused to be called "pro-choice" when running in the liberal state of MA shows that Romney had a genuine struggle with the issue. If Romney had wanted to pander to the MA electorate, he would have labeled himself pro-choice. Instead, Romney chose to hurt his campaign by admitting that he was neither pro-choice nor pro-life.
- Ryan Larsen, Salt Lake City, Utah

Ms. Swift, please don't play the "Hillary Card". There are several other candidates for President on the Democrat's ticket. I am dismayed at how readily the media and others play out Chicken Little scenes as they cite HRH as the "one" to beat. They assume that Hillary will win the party nomination. I am one among many Democrats who are looking for "Change That We Can Believe In". We are full of "Hope" and we are working hard to make sure that Senator Barack Obama, the Hope and Change candidate will win the Democratic primary. It is a tactical error for Republicans and political pundits to underestimate the power of the grass-roots campaign that Obama and his supporters have built.
- Charlotte DiLorenzo, Newmarket NH

Is Jane Swift expecting to have any credibility when speaking of her former political rival. She didn't step aside for Mitt, she was forced aside because her bumbling incompetence.
- Clint Long, Cairo, Ga

Actually E. O'keefe, Governor Romney doesn't drink Bud or a nice merlot. In fact he doesn't drink at all. And as far as Rudy being an everyman -- it doesn't make a bit of difference because Rudy is a one issue candidate. With the success in Iraq and the recent NIE report (erroneous though it may be), terrorism and national security are no longer the most important issues facing the electorate. They probrobly should be, but barring another terror attack, it won't be important come November 08. Without those two issues on which to campaign, Rudy handily loses to Hillary or Obama. Even with those issues on the table, the Democratic nominee will force Rudy to constantly have to play defense on all his personal issues and thus divert his ability to keep the electorate focused on terror and national security. In that case he loses as well. Basically the only candidate we have who is capable of beating the Democrats is Romney so best we all start praying that Huckabee doesn't start eating away at Mitt's lead in New Hampshire. If he does, then we may as well get used to saying "Madame President".
- Steve Morris, Providence, RI

Most folks understand that rhetorical opportunism is a necessary evil in any campaign, or put differently, saying what it takes to win is all part of the process. Not only do they all do it but those who don't do it don't win. Accusing a politician of this is like accusing the pope of being religious. Let's not overlook the fact that moderate fencestters just might find comfort in the fact that he was elected in the bluest of blue states. No other candidate has that quill in his quiver.
- Frank Byrne, Milwaukee WI

This is nothing more than a hit piece on Romney. Shame on the Union Leader for running so blatant a piece this close to the primary. If the paper wants to endorse McCain, Huckabee, Giuliani, Thomson or even Romney, then go ahead and do so, but don't abdicate that right by allowing campaign surrogates to take such obvious pot shots at one candidate or another and call it commentary.

By the way, Jane Swift was an ineffectual governor whose own political flexibity hardly seems to place her in the position of making such a judgement on her successor.
- Gregg Miller, Boston, MA

I've written on my blog about how romney would be on the defensive from Day One of the general election because of his flip-flops.

I'll also cite something Gov. Romney said from the Florida debate. He was asked if, in a post-Roe v. Wade world, he'd sign legislation outlawing abortion. He quickly replied that he would.

That's a troubling answer to me because I believe in states' rights, the Tenth Amendment & the principles of federalism. With that answer, Romney just told me that he doesn't care about the Constitution.

No Thanks. We can, & will, do better.
- Gary Gross, St. Cloud, MN

I disagree...Mitt flipped but he hasn't flopped (yet). People can change their views. I wouldn't trust a person that goes back and forth or sits on the fence. We'll see after the nomination if Mitt remains a conservative.
- Robert Thompson, La Quinta CA

The Democratic candidates are so pathetic even Romney could certainly win in the general election. However, he has some real weak points. Aside from shifting positions, he comes across as too smooth, too sophisticated. He does not drink Bud but probably a nice Merlot. He would, with some international experience, make a fine Sec. of State. The average guy can identify with Rudy. He can win handily. McCain can be Sec. of Defense (for a year} after which Rudy will have had enough of him. Huck can be on the ticket as VP. He will help big in the deep South. The GOP can win with an effective campaign, telling the way the Dems have dishonored America.
- e. okeefe, chappaqua, ny

Based strictly on the records of the candidates, there is no doubt that Mitt Romney is the very best we have, and he should be backed by the GOP 100%.

The Romney bashers have a leftist bias, proven by their lack of substance on the issues against him.

McCain would be the very worst for the Republicans. His CFR bill is a total disaster, and he sides with democrats just to get something done without regard for the consequences! Besides that, he's just too damn old! Dems would eat McCain alive in the general election, which is obviously why this article was written.
- F. Melgin, Chicago, IL

This is so true - GREAT points made! -
- Robert Fisher, Dracut, MA

Although disparaging one candidate (Romney) in support of another (McCain) I commend Jane Swift on citing strong specifics around Romney stint as govenor here in Massachusetts rather than hearing them twisted by Romney.
All of Romney's conversions have been to accommodate whatever office he seeks.

I recently saw Romney taking a "No Tax Pledge" what a line of baloney. Just take a look at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's report on property taxes in Massachusetts (January 2007). From 2001 - 2006 residential property taxes share of total property taxes climbed 73.3% to cover the State budget cuts in local aid. Romney presided as Governor from 2003 - 2007.

Romney just plays a shell game, cut state taxes for the bump in public relations and media sound-bite opportunities and shift a big portion of the tax burden to the towns. Local schools and services continue to suffer under such reckless fiscal policy cutting senior services, special education teachers and sport programs.

Show Romney that his slick corporate marketing machine doesn't quite cut it in the political arena where people are not under his employ and have to tow the line or get fired. Don't vote for him in the primary.
- Bob Heff, Wakefield MA