Facing much stronger opposition than he did four years ago, “some senior Republican operatives and current and former elected officials in early primary states who backed Mitt Romney in 2012 will not immediately line up behind his potential third presidential run, saying they first want a full look at a GOP field,” according to NBC News.
Since telling a group of longtime supporters on Friday that he is considering running for president, Romney has been reaching out to former donors, staff members and supporters from his failed 2012 campaign.
While early indications are that Romney could do well, he will be facing much stronger competition this time around from other Republicans, many of which bowed out of the 2012 presidential race over concerns about running against a popular incumbent president.
While Romney’s past supporters feel he would make a good president if elected, many of them are not so sure that he is the best possible candidate to run against the heavily-favored likely Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton.
Here’s what some of them have to say.
Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Wall Street Journal [1]
“I rather agree with the [Wall Street] Journal this morning, which sort of lacerated Romney. He had his chance, he mishandled it, you know? I thought Romney was a terrible candidate.” Murdoch also slammed Romney for winning the nomination “by destroying every other Republican with his own money” and for failing to deflect criticism that he was “super rich.”
Frank Keating, former Oklahoma governor [2]
“People say he is a very fine man, but he had his chance. I think they’re looking over his shoulder at the next attractive candidates.”
Mark Lundberg, chairman of the Sioux County Republican Party in Iowa [2]
Speaking of a Romney campaign in 2016, Lundberg stated: “I would be surprised if he gets much traction.”
Kelly Ayotte, New Hampshire senator who endorsed Romney early in the last campaign [3]
“I think he’s going to be a strong candidate, but, you know, I think we’re going to have a very vigorous field here as you’ve seen.”
Brian Ballard, Romney’s finance co-chair in Florida in 2012 who says he will likely back Bush in 2016 [3]
“I think the world of Mitt Romney. If Jeb weren’t on the ballot, he would be a near lock to be the Republicans’ nominee, and he is still probably either a favorite or among the favorites.”
Brian Kennedy, chairman for Romney’s 2012 Iowa campaign [3]
“He would be an outstanding president. I could certainly see myself doing that [backing Romney again]. But at this time, I’m uncommitted. We don’t know who the field is yet.”
Mary Kramer, chairman of George W. Bush’s Iowa campaign in 2000 who was on Romney’s leadership team in Ohio in 2012 [3]
Specifically noting that former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has “strong credentials,” she said of Romney: “I think he’s extremely qualified, but I will just wait and see.”
Bill Eastland, a Republican party member from Texas [4]
“Mitt Romney. He didn’t run his campaign right against Obama. He flubbed it. Another Romney candidacy would be a complete disaster, and I don’t think he’ll even get there.”
Diane Nelson, a Republican party member from South Dakota [4]
Nelson, speaking of a possible Romney run in 2016 said: “No. I don’t think you can do it a third time.”
Republican Strategist, wishing to remain anonymous [4]
“We hear he is getting his old team back. We are all really concerned because his old team didn’t do such a great job last time. Everyone I talk to says he had his chance, and his chance has gone. They are desperate for someone new. And what would he do different this time?”
Jim Dyke, South Carolina-based Republican strategist [2]
“How does he define what he is trying to do besides the fact he just wants to be president? You can say what you will about Jeb, but at least he can effectively communicate about policies that are going to have a material impact on people’s lives. Romney has proven he’s incapable of that.”
Matt Moore, South Carolina Republican Party chairman [2]
“South Carolina Republicans want Governor Romney to make his case compared to our other talented candidates. No one is going to hand the nomination to Governor Romney on a silver platter.”
FOOTNOTES:
1. Rupert Murdoch weighs in on 2016, calls Romney ‘a terrible .., http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2015/01/rupert-murdoch-weighs-in-on-calls-romney-a-terrible-201107.html (accessed January 16, 2015).
2. Third Chance for Romney? G.O.P. Is Torn – NYTimes.com, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/14/us/politics/third-chance-for-romney-gop-is-torn-.html (accessed January 16, 2015).
3. Former Romney Backers Unsure About a Third Campaign – NBC News, http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/former-romney-backers-unsure-about-third-campaign-n285631 (accessed January 16, 2015).
4. Republican activists widely say Romney should sit out White .., http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/16/us-usa-republicans-romney-idUSKBN0KP03O20150116 (accessed January 16, 2015).
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