Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has flip-flopped again …
After initially declining to participate in a candidate forum sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, Romney decided on Tuesday that he would rearrange his schedule to accommodate the Palmetto state stop – which is scheduled for next Monday.
As with numerous 2012 election stories particular to South Carolina, news of Romney’s decision first broke on our founding editor’s Twitter page.
Shortly thereafter it was confirmed by Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post.
“We’re pleased we were able to arrange our schedule so that Gov. Romney can attend Labor Day events in both New Hampshire and South Carolina,” a Romney spokeswoman told Rubin.
Romney’s surprise decision to come to the Palmetto state (his first visit here in months) comes just hours after a new poll revealed the complete and total implosion of his double-digit lead in this critical “First in the South” primary state.
The new South Carolina frontrunner? Texas Gov. Rick Perry – who enjoys a 20-point lead over Romney according to a survey released on Tuesday by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firm based in North Carolina.
Perry is also attending DeMint’s event, along with U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and former Godfathers’ Pizza CEO Herman Cain. A pair of other candidates, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum were not invited to the forum because their poll numbers aren’t high enough.
DeMint endorsed Romney in advance of the “First in the South” primary in 2008. He has yet to make his preference known this go-round.
DeMint’s forum is being sponsored by the American Principles Project – a political organization founded by Robert P. George, who is the same social conservative activist responsible for forming the National Organization for Marriage. That’s the group that got Romney, Bachmann and Santorum to sign this pledge.
It will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, S.C. on September 5 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. The event will be broadcast statewide on South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV).
Interestingly, the American Principles Project ran a scathingly anti-Romney column written by an Iowa political analyst shortly after the former Massachusetts governor declined the group’s initial invitation.
“Why is Governor Romney skipping out?” the column’s author asked. “Does he not believe that South Carolina voters (and beyond) are worthy of a more extensive interview? You’d think that since he has been bumped out of his frontrunner status that he would jump at this opportunity. Perhaps he’s afraid to get beyond sound bite answers on topics related to our founding principles?”
“South Carolina, don’t worry you’re in good company with Iowans who don’t seem to be worthy of his time and attention either,” the column concluded.
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By MittSuporter August 30, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Mitt’s campaign knows these “populist” candidates will shoot high then fall. His strategy is right on, truly gear up after Sept 1st, and work, spend and play hard.
He was always coming to this forum, it was just a matter of scheduling and keeping his head low. Let Perry play out this rush and then pounce.
By Nikki's Twitter August 30, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Get Excited. Yes sir, indeed you are. Let me help you with that bulge, er zipper. Perry’s in the bathroom, hop on the bed, quick.
By BD01 August 30, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Yeah — what MittSupporter said
By Billy Bob August 30, 2011 at 9:29 pm
This dude is right up there with Alvin Greene, unemployed!!
By hisgirlfriday August 30, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Does Mitt REALLY think he can win a South Carolina primary against a guy who has threatened secession?
If 2008 is anything to go by, it will certainly be fun to watch him try.
By rick beltram August 30, 2011 at 10:14 pm
This is very good news.
RSB
By NotRick August 30, 2011 at 11:56 pm
The Blogland has it nailed. This was a set up by the Romney campaign. The event location was rented by Romney’s consulting firm and one of the question-askers has been a Romney supporter. Does anyone think this event will be fair and even to the other candidates attending?
Romney was coming all along. He just wanted to milk attention.
By mohanna August 31, 2011 at 2:42 am
Remember when the Craziest person at the Tea Party was the Mad Hatter?
By Nikki's Twitter August 31, 2011 at 6:37 am
Get Excited. Mitt and Rick teamed up on me. It was old and limp, but hot.
By cash August 31, 2011 at 10:03 am
Obama will win by a land slide. Not a fan, but it will happen. Huge minority turnout. I do believe Paul is the best man for the job, without a doubt.
By ceilidh10 August 31, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Isn’t Perry gay?
Pingback: Wingnut Watch: Romney's Perry Problem | Progressive Policy Institute
By norman September 1, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Not so fast on huge monority turn out they are at the 21% unemployment. Must have forgot all of the trash talk from them about BO was going to make my payments etc. He has walked away from them faster than his silver back hitting a rack of ribs.