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Edited on Thu Dec-15-05 04:42 PM by Breeze54
From the http://www.metrowestdailynews.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Now the big question of his viability ariseshttp://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/articles/2005/12/15/now_the_big_question_of_his_viability_arises/Scott Helman, Globe Staff | December 15, 2005 If Governor Mitt Romney's announcement yesterday answers the biggest question in Massachusetts politics, it raises an even bigger one:
Is he a viable presidential candidate?
The short answer is yes, according to political analysts, observers, and Republican activists across the country. But the longer answer, they say, is that Romney faces tough challenges: convincing Southern conservatives that he's not a Northeast liberal, becoming conversant in foreign policy, and overcoming prejudices against his religion.
"Yes, he is a viable candidate: He's got a spectacular reputation in Republican circles, the camera loves him, and he's got a very focused message," said former Republican National Committee chairman Rich Bond.
But, Bond added, "He's got a lot of work to do."
With the first primaries more than two years away, other possible candidates -- including US Senator John McCain, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and a half dozen others have significantly more name recognition and political experience than the one-term Republican governor of Massachusetts. His highest-profile legislative goal, passing a healthcare bill, remains unfinished, with Democrats in the Legislature still negotiating a compromise.
Yet, by all accounts, Romney has turned himself into a top prospect for 2008 with a busy out-of-state schedule in 2005 and by taking increasingly conservative positions on gay marriage, abortion, and the environment in recent months. He will get more chances to grow his political network as chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2006.
Romney isn't likely to announce a presidential bid for another year, and the headlines in 2006 could have a big impact on his plans. If the war on terror continues to dominate, McCain, one of the country's leading voices on defense, could have an edge. On the other hand, if the economic threat posed by China is a defining story, Romney could do well.
Several observers say that Romney has a legitimate shot at capturing the nomination if he can finish in the top three in Iowa, win or take second in New Hampshire, and woo enough conservatives to make a stronger showing in South Carolina than McCain.
"Romney has the potential to put together a serious run for the nomination," said Scott Reed, who ran Bob Dole's presidential campaign in 1996.
In Iowa, Romney has left a strong impression on voters, activists, and politicians on the trips he has taken, including a quick jaunt last Saturday for two fund-raisers. One was for Brad Zaun, a Des Moines state senator who said he was impressed by Romney's down-to-earth manner.
"Even though he's been very successful, he comes across as a very humble, genuine person," said former Iowa governor Terry E. Branstad, one of several leading Iowa Republicans who held a private meeting with Romney during his visit. "And, yeah, I think that will have appeal in Iowa."Continued...
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