YOUR COMMENTS

If indeed electability is a concern then why would anyone in their right mind support Romney? Romeny consistently polls double- digits behind HR Clinton and the entire Dem. field? Check out Romney's miserable numbers vs. Clinton & Obama on RealClearPolitics.com archive of all national polls. McCain has been consistently within margin-of-error range for the past several months and historically bested Clinton in poll match up data going back several years.
- Ed Thanet, Manchester

Huckabee is my choice! He has sound values and sound judgement!
- Judy Brown, Dover, NH

First off--I am a Mormon who has opposed Romney because he was pro-choice. (Mormon doctrine solidly supports pro-life .) The arguments put forth by Parker, Glen, John and Joseph have convinced me to join Mitt's cause.
I can't stomach any of the weak-kneed Democrat candidates, and Romney is now the candidate that comes closest to matching my personal values. It appears that the longer we conservatives wait to support his cause, the less chance there is of having a truly conservative candidate to vote for in 2008.
(By the way, have you noticed how may Christian denominations there are? They each must have unique beliefs, or they wouldn't exist. Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) also have some unique beliefs, but we are Christians in the full meaning of the word.)
- Paul, St. George, UT

"And then there's Mike Huckabee. If Dobson really meant what he said in his op-ed -- that winnability shouldn't be the deciding factor in supporting a candidate -- then Huckabee should be receiving bouquets of Ben Franklins with his morning beignets. A southern Baptist preacher, the former Arkansas governor is a human checklist of conservative values, as well as being personable, likable and funny.

What Huckabee doesn't have is the golden coffer, which means that electability is, in fact, a Christian concern."

One has to wonder what Dr. Dobson, Tony Perkins, and others in the CNP are really thinking. Mike Huckabee's so-called "electibility" simply hinges on whether he can raise money. A Christian conservative endorsement tomorrow translates into 10-15 million instantly, putting him on the threshold of "first-tier" money and some real national media attention, which could mean an enormous momentum bounce into Iowa and NH. A surprise win in Iowa, and their endorsement, especially late in the game, has some real teeth and creates a real horse race. The differences between Huckabee and Romney, minus the dollar network, is that Huckabee's credentials are unquestioned with no second-guessing on his record. There's also no "Mormon" question to answer. A former Southern Baptist preacher doesn't have to face questions concerning theology.

Huckabee, with the endorsement and the spoils that go with it, is Romney without the baggage. And with Huckabee's populist undertones, he can make a credible pitch to the working middle-class political center. Romney's slick style and his millions make it nearly impossible for him to make an argument to how he can relate to the everyday American.
- Kevin Blier, VT

I am just happy to see someone with an open mind, Ms. Parker, judging the presidential candidates qualities on their accomplishments rather than on their religion.
- Melanie Ferguson, Baytown, Texas

Romney does seem like a very good man, definitely a better one than Giuliani, McCain, or Thompson. The one thing that I and many others believe to still be missing is a returning to strict adhrence to our founding documents, namely the Constitution. The Constitution didn't change on 9/11. Romney again seems pretty sharp and I'm happy he has high morals. But looking at the most important issues right now, involving our economy,
unjust expansion of presidential powers, and foreign policy, we need to wake up America and do some better research of these candidates and realize there is one canidate that recognizes these most serious issues. Our future depends on it. Thanks.
- Jared, Vancouver, WA

Personally it comes down to two Candidates- Paul & Romney. Though I agree with Paul's ideas I think he is a little too radical to provide a stable Presidency. Romney has a very strong record of fiscal conservatism and seems to fit the bill of what a president should be. He has changed his mind on abortion. I see that as a great thing - he doesn't let his religion dictate how he does his job or how he thinks. Finally, he has been strong in the defense of marriage. The only thing that bothers me is his stance on gun control. I think assault weapons should be legalized again. I wouldn't buy one probably but I think the 2nd Amendment was installed for our protection against whomever WE deem - not the Federal Gov't. I really think Paul would be good but that Romney's sum total is better. Whoever you pick don't let it be a Socialist - or, as they call themselves, Democrats.
- Glen Perry, San Antonio, Texas

People who believe that Romney has miraculously become a conservative in the last three years need to educate themselves with the facts. Take a look at Romney's campaign literature from 1994 contrasting his positions on crime, welfare, economy, foreign policy, health care, ... with Kennedy's (http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/nostalgia_for_94.php). Romney's change to a full pro-life position was not a miracle, but the result of studying and confronting the reality of being responsible for possibly signing legislation that would legalize the taking of unborn lives. We need a President with Romney's executive skills and leadership.
- John, Los Angeles

I don't want to think I speak for the Religious Right, but it seems that they tend to appreciate integrity and rock-solid beliefs. McCain votes largely their way, but they HATE him because he is prone to getting jelly-legged on issues (campaign finance is a good example). The same type of thinking will DOOM Romney with the Religious Right, because he seems to have changed miraculously to be a True Conservative in, say, the last three years or so. Putting their faith in Romney would be akin to putting your faith in Benedict Arnold.
- Stephen Boyington, Chester

Excellent points made by Ms. Parker. Furthermore, leaders of the Christian Right do not speak for all Christians and I, as an ultraconservative one, supports Romney but not for religious reasons. This is the USA and we do not require a religious litmus test-I recommend that these leaders reread their American history. Romney is a married man never divorced, stable home life, but more than that a successful executive in both business and government. Most of all though is he gets it that we have to kill the terrorists or all this high-minded MOUTH about abortion, queers, and telling your boy to keep his pants zipped up is moot, if we are all dead from an attack. Now it is that simple people and all of the righteous talk being made by "leaders" needs to be moderated with the reality that in politics, no candidate is perfect and winnability is all that it is about-get real!
- Joseph Bailey, Maryville, Tennessee