Romney Supporters Flocking to John McCain
Although the race for the Republican nomination was quite passionate, it seems that former Mitt Romney supporters and donors flocked to Senator John McCain shortly after Romney dropped out. This was obviously an important development for McCain, because Romney was the number one Republican fundraiser and more popular among the conservative base than he, McCain, was.
Other Romney supporters, big donors as well as party activists who provide critical volunteer time, have thrown themselves into the McCain campaign. At least 100 Michiganders, according to Federal Election Commission records, have given money to both Romney and McCain with most of the McCain supporters giving after Romney dropped out of the race.
“It’s really been a seamless transition,” said Leah Yoon, a McCain spokeswoman. “From grassroots campaigning to coalition building or fund-raising to surrogate responsibilities, I know all of those components have folded easily into the campaign here.”
That sure sounds good, but there’s a problem; donors may give to McCain, and some of Romney’s most fervent supporters may have decided to work for McCain instead, but the overall feeling among Republicans isn’t one of enthusiasm. It seems that many Republicans will vote Republican because they believe in the basic principles of that party, not because they’re supportive of McCain himself.
This while McCain needs to energize the base; yes, many Romney donors are now donating money to McCain, but Romney was also one of the few candidates who could rally fiscal conservatives (and even, to a lesser degree but still) social conservatives. Especially bloggers - not unimportant in elections these days - supported the former governor of Massachusetts.
Which leads us to the following question; who will McCain pick as his running mate? There are quite some options for him, Romney is certainly among them. Of all the other Republicans who tried to win their party’s nomination this year, Romney would be worth most; if he’s running mate, it’s quite likely that McCain will attract more donors and that Romney will use some of his own fortune on the campaign. More importantly, perhaps, is that - of all the former Republican candidates - Romney will be able to instill most passion. And that’s something sorely lacking from McCain’s campaign right now.
Then again, there are many other options for McCain. Romney would make sense, but there are other Republicans - who did not run for president this year - who would also be able to create enthusiasm and passion. Think, for instance, about Bobby Jindal. And there are others, many others even.
I have been encouraging this ticket since my favorite candidate, Mr. Romney, suspended his campaign.
McCain-Romney 2008!