YOUR COMMENTS

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is campaigning throughout Iowa and New Hampshire, absolutely crowing about his “solution” for health insurance reform in MA while he was Governor. I’d like to know exactly what he is so proud of.

Romney’s “solution” was to enact a law that forces residents of Massachusetts to purchase health insurance if they do not already have coverage. And the deadline for obtaining this forced health insurance is December 31 - after which, severe recurring financial penalties will be assessed against anyone who has not been able to obtain said coverage.

Now, a majority of MA residents are not independently wealthy to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars as Romney is – these MA residents will be hard pressed to come up with the money to pay for this forced coverage, and hard choices and sacrifices will probably have to be made. Hey, are food and keeping a roof over one’s head really that important when your state government is telling you that you have to pay hundreds of dollars a month for health insurance?

Now, when Mitt Romney left his term in office as Governor of Massachusetts, if he had left the state with a huge budget surplus (he didn’t) to which the state could apply this surplus toward providing health insurance to those who need it but cannot afford it, now that would be something to be proud of.

But enacting a law forcing residents to pay hundreds of dollars a month for health insurance – money they can ill-afford to spend when they’re trying to put food on the table or keep their house from being foreclosed…Mitt Romney, this is what you’re proud of and touting as your “solution”????

Jim Nemeth
- Jim Nemeth, Marblehead, MA

Its been too long since this country has had a true hero ffor our children to look up to. John Mccain is that man. As far as the tax cuts he would have voted for them if they didn't also include the largest spending increase in history.
- jon fini, eureka ca

One thing that strikes me as odd in the recent Union Leader and Concord Monitor attacks against Gov. Romney is that mainstream media, particularly those on the left like the Monitor, are always criticizing candidates for the traditional compaign tactic of questioning another's record as "negative campaigning" and an "Attack". At the same time those media outlets make hateful and gratuitous attacks against candidates' appearances, positions, records, etc. Could it possibly be the media has discovered their selective loathing of "negative campaigning" on the part of the candidates leaves them as the sole arbitor of those attacks and an opportunistic means of increasing their role in selecting the winner? I say let the candidates put the gloves on and attack each other. Only then will we get a better indication of who should be elected, and return the media to a position in this process subordinate to the people!
- Rick Coston, Melbourne, FL

Good grief, is this what we've come to? Isn't anyone else running besides these two tax-and-spenders? Well, three if you count Rudy, who wasn't mentioned. Not one word in this article about actual issues. How about less of a toucy-feely approach to choosing a President in this critical time and some actual discussion about policy? Yeesh.
- Donald Cameron, New York, NY

It's not frequent I get to feel good about being a Southern Democrat.
Lately it has been great! I couldn't care less which one of these specific two candidates is trumping the other. I find neither one of them a threat.

Romney has advertised heavily in SC and seems to have problems here too. All his money, organization, and hair is not doing it for him.

I think the man is on the sinking ship Latter-Day-Saint-ania. He looks, acts, and talks too much like one of their missionaries. Apparently his modern-day-revelation way of changing his beliefs is just as problematic.

I feel sorry for the guy.

I also feel really sorry for John McCain that someone does not think he is a hero.
He has served his country.
- Laura Walker, Monetta, SC

The GOP does not need Bob Dole, Part 2 and that's exactly what we will get if John McCain wins the nomination.

McCain, like Dole, is a Senator that lost the nomination the first time around, and like Dole would be a loser nationally.

Sorry folks a 73 year old man with spotty health and a liberal voting record in the Senate (save Iraq only) is a recipe for disaster.
- Mark Sherwood, Las Vegas, NV

Since when are polished and prepared conflated as ungenuine? Hard work is required to reach the level of Romney's presentation skills.
- Joe Elie, Marlborough, MA

I'll concede that McCain may be more genuine than most of the other viable candidates (Huckabee also seems genuine to me). However, he's too much of a neocon for me. There was a time when a conservative Union Leader would see this as a major flaw. No more, apparently. They've gone soft, and are now closer to the liberal BGlobe and CMonitor and the neocon BHerald than they are to Russel Kirk and Ronald Reagan conservatism.
- Ralph Wallace, Plymouth

I will vote for Mitt Romney and these are the reasons. He balanced the budget in a very liberal state as Governor. That is fiscally conservative. He did not take a salary for his governorship,not one penny and that speaks volumes to me. How many people have done that??Few and far between. Sure he has changed positions on some issues but who has not? He is pro-life now and that is what matters to me. He refused sanctuary cities to the illegals. I stand by my convictions and will go with Romney far over MCain who turned on the republicans time and time again. I hope to see mitt romney as president, as he is the one to lead and i would not take one word of truth on the concord monitor. I am also very suprised at the Union Leaders stance.
- nancy ryan, kensington,NH

If we are to have a Republican elected President, they will have to be able to advance a conservative agenda with a Democrat-controlled Congress. Only Mitt Romney has a proven record of doing that.

John McCain has taken the left's side too many times. His stance on the use of torture is just one example of how his waffling is dangerous. With all deference to him, what he suffered at the hands of the North Vietnamese is NOT the same as what we should be doing with high-value Al Qaeda captives. McCain offered his captors nothing more than propaganda - we need to extract the information that will SAVE LIVES! To say that the comfort of an enemy outweighs the very lives of Americans is wrong - it is immoral! There is no amount of pain or discomfort that should be spared a high-value captive to save even one American life - or thousands (as in 3000 on 9/11).

Our servicemen have never benefited by the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and Al Qaeda is not a signator anyway. To suggest that we should adhere to those provisions so that our men and women will be protected is to confess being dumber than Pavlov's dogs.

John McCain, in spite of his war hero status has hurt this country!
- Mike Hathaway, Pembroke Pines, FL

I've been a Conservative Rebublican all my life. If I wanted to vote Democrat I'd vote for McCain.
You can't sleep with dogs and not get fleas.
- M. Shevenell, Rochester

The fact that the two conservative papers (NH Union Leader and the Boston Herald) and two liberal ones (Des Moines Register and Boston Globe) would choose to endorse McCain, demonstrates his electability. He is the only Republican candidate that consistently beats Hillary Clinton in the polls. He has broad appeal and unlike Hillary, you can trust that he believes what he says. McCain does not make decisions by opinion polls. And he does not change his political opinions when it is convenient (like say, running for Massachusetts governor and then later, for President.) The USA has already seen a flip-flopper from Massachusetts lose an election. Let's send a person of conviction and moral character to the White House - John McCain.
- Michael Watts, West Chester, Ohio

I'm a conservative republican and don't feel very comfertable any of the top tier candidates. I don't like Romney because of his flip-flopping on important issues like abortion. He's singing the right tune now, but who knows later. There's nothing wrong with changing your mind, but it seems that Romney has changed on his mind almost on everything in order to run for president. I don't like some of McCain's positions, but at least I know that I'm electing honest straight-forward individual-- and that is important to me.
- Robert Herron, Belvidere, IL

Electing a President is basically choosing a CEO for the country. We need someone with executive ability. Mitt Romney has that in spades. McCain does not. There is much to admire about McCain, but in light of his role in McCain-Feingold, he cannot be trusted to uphold the First Amendment.

That Romney has become more conservative with greater experience is not a "flip flop." It's called "learning from life."

I am sorry that my family moved from New Hampshire, such that I cannot vote for Romney in the NH primary. But I will definitely vote for him here.
- Barry Wood, Richland, Washington

Anybody but McCain, Anybody but Mitt-flops and certainly anybody but Guliani...McCain Feingold sealed his deal for me. Mitt Romney has no compunction about "taxing the other guy" whomever that might be at the present. And finally, Rudy the Rino is trying to pass hmself off as a conservative? "Yesterday, President Clinton outlined his proposals for more stringent federal licensing requirements...I applaud the president's proposals and I will support them any way I can..." Guiliani on March 6, 1997 addressing the citizens crime commission. Certainly, I am not going to vote for a guy who's foreign policy renders the U.S. weaker and isolationist...Ron Paul is out...Looks like its either Mike Huckabee or Fred Thompson for me. Both are adverse to taxes, both are pro 2nd amendment and both certainly have real ideas about sealing up our border and fighting terrorism. I am supporting Fred Thompson.
- Rick Olson, Manchester

I was supporting Mitt as of a few weeks ago, but he's lost me. Ask any political pro, and they will tell you that Romney is almost a sure loser in a general election--McCain is the one the Democrats fear. EVERY single poll taken recently shows McCain beating Hillary and Romney being devoured by her.

On another note, why are there so many Utah Romney supporters on this board?
- Ben Birnbaum, Newton, MA

Amnesty Shamnesty! 45% of the 12 million illegals now in the country overstayed their Visas. They didn’t sneak across the border or parachute in from outer space. I am so sick of Romney and Guiliani demagoguing this issue by talking only about fences and Border Patrol to solve the problem. I don’t care if you build a fence to the moon – it doesn’t address the problems with the State Dept. (called by Newt Gingrich one of the 2 most dysfunctional agencies in Washington) and its inability to work with state & local agencies, colleges, etc. to share information. Remember the 6 illegals that were arrested last spring for planning an attack on Ft. Dix? They had hundreds of interactions with NJ state & local agencies over 10 years, including police, school officials, etc. Why was it up to a Circuit City clerk to catch them? It’s a joke to worry about issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens when, during the 1.5 million U.S. Passport backlog this summer, a bad guy could have put in fake papers & now be sitting with an American passport good for 10 years.
Let’s elect John McCain, a leader who is familiar with the DC bureaucracy, to appoint smart Cabinet members (not Bush-like cronies) who will turn agencies upside down, get rid of incompetents & give them enough funding to do their jobs properly. The 400-page immigration bill was properly defeated. It tried to do too much and didn’t put the enforcement part first, but it was an attempt to fix a terribly broken system and it did bring the situation to the fore. If you are truly concerned about this issue, send your Senators and Congressmen constructive suggestions for a rewrite. Oh, but then you might have to READ it. Stop parroting the word “amnesty” as if that takes any thought.
- Marge Wilson, Wolfeboro

I formed my earliest political opinions from ages 10 through 15 by reading Bill Loeb's editorials in the Manchester Union Leader every morning at 5 am before delivering them. Eschewing labels like "liberal" and "conservative", I learned that American greatness was due to its freedom in all aspects of life - religious, personal, political, and economic.

So although he may not be a bad candidate among the run-in-the-mill GOP politicians this year, I am dismayed to see the Union Leader endorsing McCain, who would silence free speech under the auspices of campaign finance reform, who supports erosion of our liberties through the intrusive and ill-named Patriot Act, who would undermine the rule of law through amnesty for illegals, and who supports pushing our nation further into debt and maintaining an extensive overseas empire so we can continue to be the world's policeman, when this election season we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elect a true advocate of freedom: Dr. Ron Paul.

Dr. Paul articulates the philosophy of freedom like Reagan and Goldwater did, and his solid 20-year Congressional track record proves that it's not just talk.
- Conrad Poelman, Albuquerque, NM (originally from Laconia)

Thank you Union Leader for your support of John McCain! I have never heard a more sane statement than that made by journalist Howard Fineman in 2000. He said, "Forget Democrat, Forget Republican. Vote for character and courage. BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS COMING!' The ONLY candidate with true characater and courage is John McCain! I often wonder how different our response would have been to the Middle East had he been elected in 2000!

I have written John McCain in twice! I wish I had lived in NH so I could have had the opportunity to support John McCain just as you did in 2000! Please do so again all of you great people in state of New Hampshire.
- Nan Card, Elmore Ohio

McCain would be a disaster in the White House. He could not even manage his own campaign well enough during this primary -- it went bankrupt and he had to take out a personal loan for $3M just to stay in the race. Tack on the amnesty bill, campaing finance malform, the savings and loans crisis, the gang of 14, and the fact that McCain approached the dems about swithcing to the other side in 2004, and you have a disasterous GOP candidate.
- Paul Torres, Houston, Texas

John McCain for Pres...never!!! You want to talk about being a conservative? He voted against the Bush tax cuts; his stand on immigration was a joke; he has undercut his fellow Republicans on numerous occasions just to have the label of being a 'maverick.' Come on guys, he's way too old to be a 'maverick.' I am 66 years old and have been listening to him fall back on his 'war stories' for way too long. Get with the times, John! What else have you accomplished for the last few decades? A disaster w/Feingold/McCain Campaign Finance Reform (a joke)? Time for some new blood ) not to mention term limits in the Senate). Romney is a brilliant, young, successful businessman and family man. We need new blood in DC.
- June Hatty, Vonore, TN (born and raised in MI)

I hope I speak for many people when I say that nothing is more grating or tired than people claiming that "the media" is against their candidate or for another candidate. My feeling is QYB (as in Quit Yer ....). Anyone worth their salt doesn't listen to the media, but listens to the candidates and makes their own decision. An interesting collection of folks from Utah in support of Mitt. Wonder why that is?
- Stephen Boyington, Chester

Mike in Nashau:

Ron Paul has raised twice as much money this quarter as Giuliani raised last quarter.

He raised more than Romney as well, even including the $8 million Romney loaned himself.

Ron Paul's fundraising is increasing while all the other Republicans (except Huckabee) are decreasing.

RP is rasing enough money to campaign in all 50 states and can win the election.
- Rolf Lindgren, Middleton, WI

Good article which spells out the difference between these two candidates quite clearly. There is a reason that John McCain is so strongly supported by Independent voters, it's because he has a goo grasp of this nation and its values.

Elect John McCain, and watch the development of a Presidential statesman in our generation.
- L Marshall, Oceanside, California

McCain has no executive experience nor much other real experience. Hanging around an exclusive club of 100 people is not what I call experience. If he were to apply to be a Wal-Mart manager he would not be hired. He has, for the last eight years, done much to undercut the Republican Party and administration. It seems to me that he has sided with Democrats more than he has sided with Republicans. For this he has been amply rewarded with media face time exceeding almost every Republican including the President. He is not a maverick. He is more of a traitor to the Republican Party. He was even mentioned as a possible running mate to John "Bang Bang" Kerry. And he should have the word AMNESTY tattooed on his forehead in red so we will never forget. NH doesn't realize what it is doing. If War Heroes (McCain is certainly one) made good presidents John Kerry and Bob Dole would have been elected.
- Dennis Slater, Sun City West, AZ

Romney
Has a real record of actual accomplishments in Massachussetts, with the Olympics and in business. He took actual positions on marriage, taxes and immigration. His actual positions are more conservative than McCain's actual positions, so even disregarding Romney's recent more conservative positions, it is difficult to fathom how the UL or any voter in New Hampshire could really beleive McCain is more conservative.
McCain has meandered considerably since 2000 - but seems to get a free pass from the press as he always has.
- William Winfield, Ventura California

I am sickened by the woman you believes that flying an aircraft into hostile fire with a real chance of being killed does not take courage, flying a military aircraft, lady, is not like flying as a passenger in a 727
I served as a doctor in the USAF during the Vietnam War, I know who difficult and terrifying flying into hostile territory can be

Lastly John McCain, because he was the son of the Commanding Admiral of US forces was given the chance to get out of Vietnam early-- he turned it down, that's character

I have met John McCain, I have seen his visibly broken and shortened arms -- he was tortured and brutally John Mc Cain is a hero, he has character, and leadership abilities -- he's a President
- abe lieberman, phoenix arizona

A couple of years ago, as John McCain was the favored club that the media used to beat the President and Republicans in general into submission, I sent his office the only political email I had ever written. It said,"I will never vote for you ever. The media is using you for their purposes and will dump you as soon as it's convenient. You have done great harm to this President and your Party." Well, Republicans, John McCain is again needed by the media, not because of who he is but because he can can be pumped up enough to derail the Mitt Romney campaign. And after McCain has done his dirty work for the pundits he will once again become too old, too opinionated, soft on illegal immigration, the Republican judge killer and the author of McCain Feingold. Funny how that happens isn't it? And as to the Mormon candidate the media seeks to block- it's funny how we as citizens never seem to have good and capable men run for President. What we see today is the perfect example. The media would have us look past a life of excellent morality, tremendous preparation and problem solving ability and turn a possibly great President out the door based on not his life or accomplishments but their word games- It would seem that the great problems our country faces at this time don't require judgement, brain power or experience and Republicans today along with John McCain are pawns on a board to be moved by the media at will to keep the Republicans from uniting behind a principled and capable candidate. The media would keep us weak until it's too late to compete.
- John Crofts, St. George UT

I think New Hampshire should turn to Rudi
Giuliani. The issue of the day is terrorism for me--not abortion, gun control or gay marriage. People have forgotten about 911. My parents in Virginia are religious conservatives, but they support Giuliani because he has the courage to defend America. So what if he was married 3 times. I'm embarking on my 3rd as well.
- Jonathan Finch, Dodge City, KS

It amazes me to see John McCain come up in the polls. I am sure people don't remember that he was not against illegal Immigration, but for amnesty. I have never liked McCain and I have been watching him for years. You may say he is a conservative, If he is, a very liberal conservative. Folks, who do you want to lead the country, a man that can't get his story straight or a man that will put the White House on the right track. His name is Mitt Romney. Remember people don't change. John McCain's course is set to negatively represent us to nothing! If you could see him all the years before, he has no spine. He will not be able to deal with foreign affairs. We need an effective speaker, an executive and one that has governed before. I can't see McCain as president. Vote Mitt Romney
- Jacqueline Edwards, Columbia, MO

I love to see CONServatives argue who is the truest believer among the crooked: Guiliani (three wives), reinvented Romney, kooky Dr. No Paul or McGain-Feingold-Kennedy amnesty. I can't wait for our Democratic landslide in '08!
- Warren Butler, South Portland, ME

I'm a Huckabee supporter, but the UL is right: Mitt Romney has no conviction save the pursuit of power, and John McCain deserves to win NH and the nomination. If Mitt Romney wins the nomination, he will fall in the general election, like John Kerry, yet another picture perfect multi-millionaire out-of-touch Massachusetts flip-flopper. McCain, on the other hand, is extremely well-known and well-liked by Republicans, Independents and even a goodly number of Democrats, and can handily win against Hillary or Obama.

I would be thrilled to see McCain run as president with Huckabee as vp, not only because they would win, but because they would bring integrity back to the White House and the party. Mitt Romney would not.
- Brendan Payne, Edmonds, WA

As someone who has been to one of Mitt Romney's events, I saw more substance there than at any other political rally. He even ducked under the crowd control ropes at the end and started shaking hands and talking to everyone that wanted to shake and chat. And his message was substantive. Of course, if you already have your mind made up, you probably won't find anything interesting. However, Mitt's message is always concise and consistent. And I got a positive impression from the whole experience. I also find it sad that a little left-leaning newspaper from a little left-leaning state has so much responsibility in determining our nominees. That responsility should be spread around every 4 years, not stuck in the same old rut.
- Galen Haugh, Rigby, ID

During the Viet-Nam War more than 303,00 American G.I.s were WIA, that's if one includes the phony Kerry's scratches in the count. Approximately 7 3/4%, or 23,214 of us to be exact, were determined to be 100% disabled due to their wounds incurred, and yes, including I. In my opinion, John McCain was indeed a hero for enduring without breaking or compromising himself those 5 years of brutal imprisonment.

That said, I Catholic & conservative probably won't vote for him, because of his hostility toward the 1st & 2nd Admenments & his open borders attitude.
- Dave Livingston, El Paso County, Colorado

What you didn't put in this op-ed is telling...that Romney governed like a conservative in a liberal state. On the other hand, McCain has acted like a liberal when we wanted him to be conservative. It's about what the two have done when they had a chance to act. Romney is the only true conservative in the race!
- David Carlsen, Harlem, GA

Every four years, New Hampshire voters have a unique opportunity to vet candidates. But with great power comes great responsibility. I applaud the Union Leader, other newspapers, and the voters of NH for their critical analysis of the candidates. As this article indicates, it appears NH is coming home to John McCain. This was both inevitable and good.

Romney cannot win a general election. Clinton and Obama will mop the floor with him and his flip-flops. Romney also cannot be trusted, as he has changed his positions on abortion, immigration, taxes, gay marriage, Reagan, gun control, etc.

McCain is the man. NH, we need you to make the right choice. The stakes are too high. Don't let the rest of us down.
- Christopher Sells, Williamsburg, VA

I'm not a Republican, but I did live under Romney's administration in MA. He is a slick, lying snake-oil salesman. He sold himself as a moderate (MA-style) Republican like his predecessors, and turned out to be nothing of the sort. He left the state with over a $1 billion deficit. Ask the members of the MA GOP what they think of Romney. He left their party in flaming ruins. Just about none of them are endorsing him for president, because they know what a wreck he made of things here.
- Roxanne Theimer, Lowell, MA

As a long-time NH resident/follower of NH politics, I can't help but be amazed at this election. To have the UL on the same page as the Boston Globe and Concord Monitor! Desperate times call for desperate measures, I guess. The emotion on these boards is refreshing. Everyone get out and vote for whomever you support.
- Stephen Boyington, Chester

Are you looking for someone who is stubborn and not willing to compromise to bring about change, then maybe McCain is a choice, but if you want someone who is smart enough to be able to do what it takes to bring about positive change, Romney is the proven leader. I have seen him (well I didn't actually see him) but know he has been highly successful saving many companies, the 2002 Winter Olympics, Massachusetts fiscal disaster and is the only one running that will be able to bring about needed change in this country.
- Verl Doman, Cedar Hills, Utah

I'm amazed that anyone could think that Rudy Giuliani could impress southern voters as a better conservative than McCain. Those who lived the city he ran, know that that Rudy is 100% pro abortion, 200% pro illegal immigration, and 300% opposed to gun ownership. No conservative could ever be elected in N.Y.C. He's as liberal as they get on every issue but the war, but, in fact, Rudy has zero military experience.
- Dan Goldenbar, New York City

While I applaud the position taken on Mitt Romney, the John McCain described in this editorial is the candidate who ran in 2000 — not 2008.

The John McCain of 2008 is more the student of Mitt Romney than his foil. His embrace of George W. Bush, his pandering to Fundamentalist Christians, his flip-flop on abortion rights and the Federal budget and his "evolving" position on evolution are all classic Romney.

If the voters in New Hampshire do indeed "judge [McCain] to be a man of integrity and conviction, a man who won't sell them out, who won't break his promises, and who won't lie to get elected[,]" then the voters are exceedingly poor judges, swayed more by pretty words than genuine deeds.
- Graydon Wilson, Burlington, Vermont

Great editorial. McCain, even with his faults, will be a better President than Romney. Romney voted for Tsongas, was not even a registered Rep until the 90's. Ask folks in MA what a great leader he was, so great that the voters elected the most liberal Governor in years to replace him, almost like voters in NH, many die-hard Republicans who voted Lynch into office after suffering under the Craig Benson Governorship. Benson and Romney are two peas in a pod.
- Shari Demers, Chichester

Great article. I want a president who doesn't need to consult a dictionary before giving the "State of the Nation--

"My felow Americans, the State of our nation is strong...and I mean "is" in the general sense...'
- Pentis Clairmont, Ottawa

Amnesty MacCain is an open-borders, anti-free speech phony conservative. Too old, he's way too cozy with Ted Kennedy and Hillary. Mitt can and will beat her.
- Rick LaBonte, Sacramento

Of course Romney's a phony, BUT so is McCain. The only case that can be made for McCain otherwise involves speaking style.

Besides, "genuine" in and of itself is NOT necessarily a reason to vote for someone, both Hitler and Carter were probably sincere.

And, to say that McCain is conservative and Romney not is sophistry. Without a definition, the statement is virtually meaningless in distinguishing McCain and Romney. Does one mean conservative as in the traditional “paleo” kind, or the “neocon” type? Domestic or foreign policy? Social or fiscal issues?

On foreign policy McCain and Romney indistinguishable, and both of the neocon ilk.

On domestic policy, there are clear differences – immigration, taxes, abortion, health care, etc. – and here Romney looks a bit more conservative, but neither are serious conservatives.

One thing is certain, they will both continue the war, further curtail liberties and spend our future generations into indebted servitude – so why care about marginal differences?
- Dan Stewart, Atlanta

It's oddly sad and entertaining to see how the immigration red-herring may be the undoing of the modern G.O.P. If someone suggests anything less than a full scale massacre of illegals, you go and vote for a shape-shifting empty suit.
- Tim Furman, Scottsdale, AZ

I’m tied of hearing about John McCain’s so-called hero status. What did he actually do to earn that mantle? McCain flew an aircraft and dropped bombs on Vietnamese, then spent five years in a POW camp. Bombing targets from the air does not strike me as especially heroic, nor does being taken prisoner (where McCain later signed a statement condemning the war). Nor does the fact that he was supposedly tortured make him a hero either, any more than are prisoners tortured by the U.S. today.

Perhaps the word “hero” is cheapened in today’s society – everybody seems to be one. To me, a hero is someone who goes above and beyond while facing great personal risk. People like Bob Dole, Chuck Hagel, Daniel Inouye, and even John Kerry are a few of many politicians that may qualify for the title. But, not John McCain; to me, he’s probably a decent person, but a phony hero.
- Yehuda Cohn, NYC, NY

"Go see the two of them speak, and you'll see what the UL is talking about. McCain is genuine. - Katherine Morrison, Epping";;;;"Well written. As someone who has been to two of Mitt Romney's events, I've concluded that there is little substance to the man. My vote is for McCain. - Greg Kelly, Brentwood" These two commenters are exactly right. To see Mitt in person is to "get it." The man insults my intelligence. It pains me to see so many of my fellow conservatives fall for this guy. I thought they were all smarter than that...
- Doug Lambert, Gilford, NH

Well.. Let's talk truth. Unlike some folks, I believe there are a lot of good candidates in this race. We have far more choices than ever before. There is hope for the Republican Party. The Democrats are still way out beyond left field. No Republican candidate is perfect on all the issues. I am down to Ron Paul or Mitt Romney. There is usually one issue of conscience that determines my vote: Opposition to Abortion. Ron Paul would eliminate the IRS. Ron Paul would get us out of the Middle East. Mitt has the money to take it all the way. Mitt appears to have repented of his previous errors. Ron needs more money. I would prefer the two of them to work together and make this a team effort.
- Mike Gagnon, Nashua

What is happening is pretty clear. Conservative opinion makers are realizing that after foisting the debacle of the Bush Presidency upon the nation that the only candidate that will not get crushed in the general election and thus set the conservative cause back years is McCain. But those same opinion makers spent years poisoning the minds of the base against McCain. Pass the popcorn.
- John Sullivan, Falls Church, VA

I am very disappointed in the UL the Communist Monitor had a similar hit piece on Mitt and it backfired bigtime,

I think newspaper endorcements and influence are on the verge of extinction because they have no crediblitiy any more. McCain Fiengold, Amnesty for Illegals, and voting against the Bush Tax Cuts are not conservative.

So Mitt went from pro-choice to pro-life and fooled the liberals in flanterlandervill, and the UL attacks him?
- Van Mosher, Bow

this is laughable: you criticize mitt for not being a conservative but you endorsed mccain!

hah!
- dan aronstein, ny, ny

McCain is a loose cannon whose temper is legendary and whose judgment is clouded by emotion. I will not vote for a candidate whose behavior I can't predict.

I applaud your military service, Senator, but piloting an aircraft and your erratic Senatorial career don't qualify you for the most challenging management position in the world.
- Randy Watts, Crockett, VA

I can't tell which is worse, the article itself, or that I took the time to read it all the way through. Romney did alright with Massachusetts, give him a chance to see what he can do for the rest of us!
- Jennifer Croteau, Candia, NH

I'm entertained reading your responses.

"Good man" or not, he has shown a significant shift in many critical areas. While I've certainly changed my views after I've grown, Romney has seemed to adopt many of these positions only when he decided to take a shot at the White House. To address these issues isn't taking the man down, it is legitimately questioning his integrity as a candidate.

There cannot be a bias in an editorial, since it is inherently an opinion. You can agree or disagree with the opinion, but accusing the author of "media bias" reflects more on the inability for the reader to understand the purpose of the editorial to begin with.

Frankly, the comments in this section are a sad reflection on the Republican party I once held dear. The GOP has been hijacked by people who eschew reality and data (i.e. lower taxes increase tax revenues, which is patently false) for these untested beliefs.

The reason that un-endorsements are becoming popular is that the leaders presenting themselves, on the whole, are unfit to lead this nation through the uncertainty ahead. This isn't a liberal view, it's a view developed when you have the capability of making reasoned judgments.
- Robert Elias, Concord

McCain hasn't a prayer in the South, because of his liberal legislative bent, such as his support for Bush's lax anti illegal immigration proposals, so Independents in NH will realize this, and knowing that evangelicals will soon jump ship from Huckabee because of his left-leaning philosophy about government, the NH Indendents will choose to vote in the Republican primary, for the only candidate who will beat Hillary, that's Rudy Giuliani. The Rudy roll can start in New Hampshire, or maybe even in Iowa, as voters wake-up to the electoral realities.
- James I. Nienhuis, Houston, Texas

This piece hits it on the head. Romney's a Republican Clinton. Backs a "mandated" health care plan that crashes and burns, reinvents himself at the drop of a hat and comes over as someone who want's the job, but has no firm stance on anything. It all depends on the crowd he's in front of.

NH has an opportunity to send a loud and clear message to the nation. It's about character, ability, and being "straight" with the voters. That candidate is John Mc Cain!
- Joseph W. Mathews, Manchester, VT

This article is very disappointing. Romney is a good man with impressive credentials, and business experience that would bring a new perspective to Washington. McCain is part of the worst congress in history. His record is one of capitulation to the Democrats. Why the Romney hate from this newspaper?
- Jared Lucas, Ithaca. New York

The Union Leader once again paints the correct picture of Romney's short comings and why McCain is surging.

It is clear and should be for ALL Republicans that Romney can not be trusted and will change his mind to get elected. He is a poor politician and the worst version of a flip flopper. The only reason he is in this election is because he is super rich.

Mitt Flip Flopper Romney can't win in the General Election. He couldn't beat Kennedy in 1994 what makes any sane person think he can beat Clinton. Just watch this YouTube video for a reminder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9IJUkYUbvI

John McCain is the only one that can beat Hillary in the General Election. It is time for republicans to give McCain a second look. Please New Hampshire, make the right choice.
- Leon Anne, Elizabeth, NJ

Go see the two of them speak, and you'll see what the UL is talking about. McCain is genuine.
- Katherine Morrison, Epping

You know, McCain had SO MUCH conviction when he stood arm-in-arm with Teddy Kennedy before the cameras to hype their compromise bill on immigration. His conviction in giving illegal aliens amnesty was just so inspiring.
- William Smith, Manchester, NH

Both McCain and Romney are RINO's (Republican's in name only.)

The only true conservative is Ron Paul.

Vote for freedom. Ron Paul' 08!
- Bradley Jardis, Hooksett, NH

Good piece. There is still time for voters to see Mitt Romney for the phony that he truly is. The evidence is out there, all over the internet and newspapers. Get out and educate yourselves people, because we don't need a dishonest character like Mitt in our White House.
- Jason Kamler, Waynesboro, PA

Good to see the Union Leader (a so-called conservative paper) is teaming up with the rest of lefty rags in NH to trash a good man in Romney.

The Union Leader may want to whitewash McCain's stances over the years as simple differences of opinions. But I think most educated voters who aren't Dems (cough, cough Independents) will note McCain being on the wrong side of conservate's three most important issues: Freedom, Taxes, and Immigration.

The UL would like ya'll to forget it, but:

Taxes: McCain was a huge opponent (the only Republican) to Bush's tax cuts.

Immigration: McCain attempted to destroy our sovereignty with the most recent failed McCain/Kennedy Amnesty Bill.

Freedom: McCain's disgraceful McCain/Feingold Bill which attempts to rewrite the 1st Ammendment.

Ignore the liberal-leaning UL.
- Peter Daly, Lee

I love how the editorial attempts to point to newspaper endorsements as being a reason against someone.

Some people in journalism are so far gone in regards to arrogance it’s mildly amusing while still being thoroughly nauseating.

This is just another inkind editorial donation to John McCain by the quasi-liberal Union leader.

Remember GOPers, this is the same John McCain who gave us McCain/Feingold (=MoveOn.org). The same RINO who was loudly AGAINST Bush's tax cuts. The same McCain who drew up with liberals The Al Queda Bill of Rights. The same so-called Republican who drew up the Kennedy/McCain Amnesty Bill. The Gang of 14 ring a bell? The liberal media's favorite Maverick (i.e. Bush hater)? And on and on...
- Ken Simpson, Lee

From the Union Leader March 5, 2007:
"McCain is for small government except when he isn't. And on the most important civic activity in a republic - choosing who governs us - he shows again that he is for big government dictates and against personal freedom."

The subject was McCain's colossal campaign financing blunder, made with the total conviction of a total fool. Some conservative!
- Leo Paradis, Canterbury

Now that is what I call unbiased!!! The reason that Mitt has not received an endorsement from any NH newpaper is because they are all liberal and biased. What a joke. Who wrote this wonderfully articulate article? Way to present both sides of the story. This is journalism at its worst. What a waste of time. If you want to find out the truth about the candidates look at their records.
- Jimmy Masters, Concord

Lol. Is Romney not LEADING McCain in New Hampshire? How can you say his message of values, conservatism, and military and economic strength is not getting through?

Romney really is a conservative, and will beat John McCain on merits very soon. Wish I were there to help! What we do have in common is we've both met Mitt.

McCain is a figurehead. Romney is a leader and a problem solver. I say this as a veteran myself. Figureheads are a dime a dozen. People who have the track record to change Washington are priceless, and I urge every citizen of New Hampshire, Republican, Democrat or otherwise, to vote for change--vote for Mitt.
- Jed Merrill, Park City, UT

It's not true that Mitt claimed he marched with MLK; it was his father. Mitt was chosen to repair the scandal plagued olympics precisely because we was the experienced executive with an impecable reputation for integrity.

I'd rather believe the record of his life and his former associates who love him for being honest than his political critics for his supposed mispeaking.

(Editor's note: The editorial's reference to the candidate marching with Martin Luther King is taken from a 1978 newspaper report.)
- Jason Roiz, Houston

What's just as disconcerting is the number of Republican activists and officeholders in this state whom I knew and respected, and who ought to know better, that are buying this man's snake oil. There's still a couple of weeks, folks -- nothing's locked in concrete yet.
- william k. olender, manchester, nh

Do you forget John McCain's involvement in the Keating Five Savings & Loan scandal of the late 1980's? He has been in politics decades longer than Mitt Romney, and is more practiced in the appearance of having "convictions". Give Romney a chance - his "convictions" are in doing what's best, and if that means changing your mind as you learn more details, then so be it. McCain may also be involved in a new scandal - see attached link.
http://www.onecitizenspeaking.com/2007/12/scandal-once-ag.html
- James Kardaras, Morristown, NJ

Well written. As someone who has been to two of Mitt Romney's events, I've concluded that there is little substance to the man. My vote is for McCain.
- Greg Kelly, Brentwood