Something that I almost bypassed when reading and writing my post yesterday on Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s visit to Iowa was a quote from a supporter of Romney in 2008.
The Des Moines Register reports:
Waverly Republican Mary Lou Kelly supported former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the 2008 caucuses. Romney, the 2008 second-place caucus finisher, is weighing a 2012 campaign.
Lunching on barbecue and coleslaw with the others at the Walker farm, Kelly said Pawlenty’s profile, like Romney’s, as a conservative in a Democratic state appeals to her. But Pawlenty has something Romney doesn’t, the longtime GOP activist said.
“He has a sincere way about him,” Kelly said. “He’s a good communicator. I would prefer him over Romney. I view him as more electable.”
Romney’s conservative? I digress… obviously this is anecdotal, but with friends like these Romney certainly doesn’t need enemies. I think she’s spot on. One thing that turned me off to him was that he just seemed fake. I didn’t feel I could trust him; of course shifting your positions around for political expediency doesn’t help.
I don’t know how electable Governor Pawlenty would be, but comparing him to Romney I would have to agree with Ms. Kelly. I predict that Romney wastes more money here in Iowa with even worse results.
A lack of sincerity doesn’t play well in Iowa. You can be wrong as long as you are sincere about it (just kidding, well at least I am).