YOUR COMMENTS

Don't forget that Romney is only a single term governor. He might not have been able to get re-elected in MASS. Maybe this was okay in the times of Silent Cal, but now most states allow the opportunity for consecutive 4 yr terms. The world is also more complex and the longer the time in office: the greater the possiblity of compiling a record of a "reformer with results."

The accounts I've read indicate that he started prepping for '08 in '04...two years after he got elected governor. In Woodward's "State of Denial" we find that George W. Bush was doing the same as he was running for re-election as guv of TX. And we all know how that turned out. We elect these guys to do a job and they should do it and run for higher office after they are out of the executive mansion. Damn ego-maniacs!

Nevertheless, Romney is still a talent, putting aside ideological heresies and flip-flopping. I'd like to see him run for his dad's job in Michigan. If he was able to finesse the residency requirements in MA, he could do the same in MI. The rust belt, especially Michigan, could use some good crisis management like what he did at the SLC olympic games.
- Jason S. Oakes, Columbus, OH

Mike writes that Senator McCain "has no executive experience...never run anything." I would like to point out that Senator McCain was the commanding officer of the largest attack squadron in the Navy. I do not know your background, Mike, but I can assure you that constitutes "executive experience."
- K Williams, Lithia, FL

When political scientists (and I am one) look back on the Romney '08 campaign they will be in nearly unanimous agreement that his downfall is attributable to the fact that he tried to be everything to everybody. He's the anti-immigration guy, then he's the religious conservative, then he's the tax-cutter, next thing he's going to be telling us he's a better terror warrior and more well-versed in foreign affairs than Senator McCain. But the saddest part is that every day we learn that he isn't any of the above. I hate to say it but I pity anyone who is bamboozled into voting for this guy. If, by some chance he does win the GOP nomination, he going to start sounding like a left-of-center, bleeding-heart, suburban soccer mom; because those are the voters his handlers will tell him he needs to win over to beat Hillary.
- Dan Karpiel, Westminster, CO

Imagine: a GOP front-runner w/a line of crap. Hard to imagine, huh? Puh-LEZE!
I've wondered why so few press-folks hadn't yet picked out some of the most egregious lines of cow puckie from Mitt!
You don't have to look far into our back yard to see a whole lot more!
- Jill Shackford, Sunapee

This incident doesn't speak to Romney's management skills, but to the truthfulness of his statements and supposed convictions. If he really cares about illegal aliens as much as he says he does, wouldn't he have at least tried to find a new lawn company? With Romney, I don't think you know what policies you're supporting when you vote for him. He may very well decide that he must become more liberal in order to win a national general election, or worse, in order to get re-elected.
- Larry Ramer, Charlotte,NC

This gratuitous hogwash from Romney supporters is driving me crazy. Since when is Massachusetts a well-run state?? Mitt Romney is a primped and preened soundbyte that has not shown any consistency in his stance over the years. His religious convictions are a concern for all Americans. I shudder to think of a Romney/Clinton election, as nobody will win with that outcome.
- JB, New Boston, NH

Romney is a good choice.He certainly has the qualifications to lead a country, very much like the business acumen he has had with Mass. His sense of urgency is apparent and he has the experaince to succeed at this enourmous task. In my opinion, the best options we have are any one of the Republicans, ( except Ron Paul) and certainly none of the Democrats qualify. I think it is very obvious, don't you?
- Charlie Jacoby, Rochester, NH

Union Leader is kiss of death. Let's see: Forbes, Buchanan, Du Pont and now McCain. The Union-Leader has a nearly unblemished record of endorsing angry candidates who will never win. McCain is a hero, but it's plain to see his time his well past. Other than generalities about victory and pork barrel spending, he has nothing to say about health care, the economy, competing with China or anything else. He even admits he doesn't know much about economics.
- Steve Jobin, Derry

I am sorry Dick, but I must disagree with your statement, and agree with the Union Leader, which happens once in a blue moon. This is pure "Do as I say" from Mitt Romney.
Yes, he is a good manager, but he fumbled this badly. This is the abortion issue all over again. First, he was against it. Then he was for it. Now, he is back to being against it again.
- Lee Sevigny, Manchester

It is a measure of Mitt Romney's standing and stature that political opponents seeking to undermine his candidacy must resort to making an issue about who a contractor hired to rake leaves. Romney has handled this tempest in a teapot appropriately at every step of the way. And he actually has an extraordinary record as a manager and a leader. John McCain is a hero, but has no executive experience. Like Hillary Clinton, he is a legislator who has never run anything. Come on Joe, is this type of sniping the best you can do for your guy?
- Mike Moffett, Concord

So the silly season starts for the Union Leader. Once they make "the endorsement", every candidate other than their annointed choice is evil and stupid. Strap yourselves in...
- Bill C, Nashua

The owner of the service also said he didn't have any illegals working for him yet there they were in plain sight. Governor Romney handled the situation well and the Union Leader is way off on this one. Who does YOUR lawns over there on 100 William Loeb Drive? Do you know??
- William Smith, Manchester, NH

If there is anything that Mitt Romney has absolutely shown, it is that he can manage. Think investment firm, Olympics, Massachusetts. I like that he gave the landscape company owner a second chance. I also like that he fired him when he found out the problem had not been corrected. Good judgement - and management - at every step.
- Dick D., Bedford