Romney Gets Enthusiastic Response At W.V. Convention

By: Scott Conroy
Topics: Mitt Romney

(CBS)

From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

CHARLESTON, W.V. -- Mitt Romney hoped that a personal appearance at West Virginia's Republican delegate convention would help him secure a win in the first prize that Super Tuesday has to offer.

"I'll make sure that the house that Reagan built is the house we live in," Romney said to the crowd that was composed mostly of the 1,207 county delegates. "I'll make sure we reach across the aisle but we don't walk across the aisle. I'll make sure we live by the principles that have made this party great."

Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee were also scheduled to speak in Charleston.

The winner of the convention will receive 18 of West Virginia's 30 delegates. Nine more will be awarded in a May primary, and the other three are at-large delegates who are all committed to the former Massachusetts governor, according to Romney's senior adviser in the state John McCutcheon.

West Virginia has long been a key state in Romney's strategy, as the former Massachusetts governor has had a ground operation here since July of 2006.

The convention had a free-for-all feel, as the crowd, which was largely divided between Romney supporters (who appeared to make up the majority) and Ron Paul devotees, cheered loudly for their preferred candidates.

According to McCutcheon, Romney had 280 committed delegates out of the total of 1,207—most of whom went into the convention uncommitted.

The Romney campaign hoped that a first-ballot win for the governor would provide momentum and positive news early in the day, while voters in other states cast their ballots.

Scott Conroy
Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.
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by x_specter_x February 5, 2008 8:49 PM EST: When will the dirty tactics of McCain and Huckabee ever end. I would NEVER vote for either of them. If Romney doensn''t get the nomination I am voting democrat. I want to be sure to do my part to make sure McCain doesn''t get the white house after cheating repeatedly in the election.

Even now McCain is spreading another lie about Romney. The new lie is about distorting Romneys words about Bob Dole.; Reply to this comment


by kudlacek1 February 5, 2008 8:23 PM EST: Macusweil, you are incorrect about Romney and the deficit. He constantly talks about cutting spending and increasing revenues through tax cuts in order to balance the budget. You will see a decrease in spending if you vote Romney!

Go, Mitt, Go!; Reply to this comment


by todd_i-2009 February 5, 2008 7:43 PM EST: Did you hear about the Huckabee West Virginia Win? In the first round Romney got 41%, Huck 33%, McCain 15%.

Second round the entire McCain camp (except 10 people) voted for Huck. Final count: Huck 52%, Romney 48%.

Even with the games, Romney barely loses.; Reply to this comment


by todd_i-2009 February 5, 2008 7:40 PM EST: You have got to be kidding me. West Virginia votes Romney then McCain voters throw all their support behind Huckabee in the second round to keep Romney from getting the delegates. These two jokers, Huck and Mc, have formed an obnoxious union.

What is the Wal-mart thing Huckabee said this morning? %u201CI think there are more Wal-mart Republicans than Wall Street Republicans.%u201D When, in America, did we start admiring failure and condemning success? Wal-mart is notorious for low pay, avoiding benefits, and buying cheap foreign goods. Snapper lawn mowers quit doing business with Wal-mart rather than move their production from Georgia to China to meet Wal-mart%u2019s demands.

Huckabee%u2019s method of supporting the common man is no support at all. (I do not care if Wal-mart%u2019s CEO is Huck%u2019s major supporter).

McCain has little knowledge of economics either. Understanding the %u201CWal-mart Effect%u201D is maybe a good primer for McCain.

Huckabee and McCain are a joke.
If Huckabee were serious about winning the nomination he would be competing against McCain instead of Romney. From the beginning he has been playing the spoiler.; Reply to this comment


by news4all February 5, 2008 4:45 PM EST: Both Huckabee and McCain lack qualities of great leadership. They both shoot off their mouths, throw out cute little phrases when they are caught in a lie (or want to attack a rival without appearing negative), and neither of them are willing to take responsibility for their mistakes etc%u2026

Romney always shows great leadership ability, self-control, education, experience and vision. He also proves he is willing to listen to and learn from those around him, take responsibility for his mistakes and continually improve for the better.

Romney has every quality of a good leader and would make an excellent president!; Reply to this comment


by sdhansen11 February 5, 2008 4:35 PM EST: Bull-butter. Check Romney''s record. The man is a financial genius. He''s turned around businesses, olympics, and states. Now it''s time to turn around the United States before China sends us back into the dark ages... Clinton and Obama are lawyers and politicians- they say and do according to polls. Romney is a business man and believe me, he''s all business...; Reply to this comment


by simple9man February 5, 2008 4:28 PM EST: Here are two links that I''ve found useful:

www.NationalRepublicanNews.com

www.NationalVotersGuide.com; Reply to this comment


by macusweil February 5, 2008 4:12 PM EST: Mitt supports the same free spending habits of George W Bush. As president he has promised to continue the borrowing until the dollar is worthless. The Republicans these past seven years have out spent even the worst tax-n-spend liberal. What a discrace to the party''s fiscal conservative legacy.; Reply to this comment