Mt. Hood overlooking Portland, Oregon

Mitt Romney’s diligence on the endorsement front is energizing Republican candidates across the country. Four candidates from the northwestern region of the USA have been singled out today. Here’s the latest from Free and Strong on oh-so-grand Oregon: 

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following four Oregon candidates and said it is contributing a total of $17,500 to their campaigns:

Chris Dudley: Chris Dudley, a successful businessman, philanthropist, and former professional basketball player, is running to become Oregon’s next Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.chrisdudley.com.

Congressman Greg Walden: Congressman Greg Walden currently represents the 2nd Congressional District of Oregon and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.waldenforcongress.com.

State Representative Scott Bruun: Scott Bruun, a state representative and businessman, is running to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visitwww.joinscott.com.

Rob Cornilles: Rob Cornilles, a successful business owner and active community leader, is running to represent Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.cornillesforcongress.com.

The PAC also announced that it is sending Dudley’s gubernatorial campaign a $10,000 contribution, and that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Walden, Bruun, and Cornilles each a $2,500 contribution

Governor Romney’s statement:

“Rather than enacting pro-growth policies that will encourage private sector growth and put people back to work, far too many of our leaders are instead turning to the false promises of big government and slowing our economic recovery. Oregon – and our nation – needs leaders who will say no to the culture of higher taxes, higher spending, and higher debt, and that is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

Regarding the gubernatorial race between Romney-endorsed Chris Dudley and opponent John Kitzhaber (D), Chris Cillizza (The Fix) adds this today:

Romney’s endorsement of Dudley comes as the Beaver State’s gubernatorial race is heating up. The most recent independent poll — conducted by Survey USA — in the race, conducted last month, showed Dudley and former Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) essentially tied at 46 percent to 44 percent.

Kitzhaber told the Democratic Governors Association last week not to air a TV ad that the committee was planning to run against Dudley. The DGA refrained from airing the ad but is still planning to spend on the race.

Kitzhaber trails Dudley in the money race; as of early July, Dudley had $263,000 on hand while Kitzhaber had $210,000.

Take a moment to click on the links above and learn more about these outstanding candidates.

► Jayde Wyatt

Tucson, Arizona sunset

Arizona’s 8th Congressional District hopeful, Jesse Kelly, has lassoed an endorsement from Mitt Romney:

Tucson, AZ

Governor and business leader Mitt Romney and his Free and Strong America PAC are pleased to announce their endorsement of Jesse Kelly for Congress in Arizona’s Eighth District. Jesse is a project manager with his family’s construction business, a Marine combat veteran and a proud husband and father.

Jesse Kelly AZ 8th

Governor Romney notes Jesse’s business experience and his record of leadership as a combat Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gov. Romney had this to say about Jesse, “I am particularly impressed with his practical conservative solutions to get Americans back to work. It is time to send businesspeople with experience in creating private sector jobs and balancing budgets to Washington.”

In responses to Gov. Romney’s support, Jesse stated, “I am excited to accept the endorsement of a leader like Governor Mitt Romney. We must apply innovative solutions to the budget issues facing America. Gov. Romney and I share the same philosophy for putting America in a more competitive position and expanding the economy.”

Jesse Kelly is the Republican nominee for Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District in the southeastern region of the state.

(emphasis mine)

Jim Kelley from TucsonCitizen.com adds:

His [Romney’s] recognition is based on Mr. Kelly’s strong business experience and proven solutions that work.

Although Mitt Romney said he has not made the decision to run for President in 2012, he is the one the GOP is most likely to give frontrunner status to soon. Many view him as the man most likely to unite the conservatives and the pragmatists in the GOP.

(emphasis mine)

UPDATE: Having found a video specifically for Tucson, I changed videos. Even though it’s slightly blurry at first, you’ll be able to get a feel for the area:

► Jayde Wyatt

Nippersink Forest Preserve, Lake County, IL

When Mother Nature is splashing the landscape with reds and golds, Governor Mitt Romney will be heading to Lincolnshire, Illinois to do what he does so well – keynote a GOP fundraiser and help raise some cash:

Lake County NewsSunonline.com  (Aug. 28, 2010)

ROMNEY IN COUNTY: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate, will be the keynote speaker for the Lake County Republican Federation’s annual fall dinner Sept. 24 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. “We are delighted to welcome Gov. Romney to Lake County and to our fall dinner,” said Alexander Stuart of Lake Forest, federation president. “It is an honor to have such a distinguished champion of free  enterprise and public service speak to us as we gear up for the critical elections in November.”

Tickets for the dinner range from $100 per person to $1,000 for a table of 10. Seating is limited. For more information, contact federation Executive Director Chelsea Stanley at (847) 680-6680 (847) 680-6680 or e-mail chelsea@lcgop.org .

(my emphasis, link added)

On the day of this event, there will be just 39 days until the mid-term elections. Mitt Romney is a force of nature who is working mercilessly to paint the political landscape red!

► Jayde Wyatt

STRATHAM — The Seacoast Republican Women will host their 11th annual Chili Fest with special guest speaker Gov. Mitt Romney on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Scamman Farm, 69 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham from 3:30-6:30 pm.

Meet the candidates for local, state and federal elections just three days

Scamman Farm, Stratham, NH

before the primary. Come enjoy many different types of chili with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods.

Red Sox tickets 10 rows behind home plate will be raffled off as well.

The cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Go to www.nhsrw.org for more information or ways to volunteer. All are welcome.

NewHampshire.com adds this:

The Seacoast Republican Women are pleased to host their 11th annual Chili Fest. Special guest Mitt Romney will be on hand to speak as well as numerous other state and local Republican candidates. Come enjoy many different types of Chili’s with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods. Great conversation and good food make for a great afternoon. Please join us.

Sounds like a great way to mix ‘n mingle with local candidates. No doubt, Gov Romney will spice things up!

Read more about Scamman Farm here.

► Jayde Wyatt

You can add the great state of Oklahoma to the list!

What list is that?

The list of states in which Mitt Romney’s generous PAC has endorsed candidates who will “work to lower taxes and spending, restore commonsense principles to healthcare and get our economy moving again.”

The list: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Count ‘em. That’s half the states in the union. The number coincides with  news we learned three days ago that Romney is planning a 25 state stumping tour for GOP candidates (no itinerary, yet):
National Review 8/24/10:

Mitt Romney, having met last weekend in New Hampshire with the staff of his 2008 presidential campaign, is preparing to embark on an aggressive schedule that will take him to more than 25 states in what is seen as a prelude to another possible White House bid.

The two-month itinerary will launch a cycle of politicking for Republican midterm election candidates that will make Romney one of the nation’s most visible politicians in a year when he is not on the ballot.

(my emphasis)

Who has Romney endorsed in Oklahoma?
From Free and Strong America Pac:

Oklahoma City, OK

Congresswoman Mary Fallin: Congresswoman Mary Fallin currently represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Governor. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.maryfallin.org.

State Senator Todd Lamb: Todd Lamb currently serves as an Oklahoma state senator and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Lieutenant Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.votetoddlamb.com.

Congressman Tom Cole: Congressman Tom Cole currently represents the 4th Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.tomcoleforcongress.com.

Congressman Frank Lucas: Congressman Frank Lucas currently represents the 3rd Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.frankdlucas.com.

Congressman John Sullivan: Congressman John Sullivan currently represents the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.johnsullivanforcongress.com.

James Lankford: James Lankford served as the director of a Christian youth camp for over a decade, and is now running to represent the 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.jameslankford.com.

[*]The PAC also announced that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Cole, Lucas, Sullivan, and Lankford each a $2,500 contribution, and that it has already sent Fallin and Lamb each a $250 contribution toward their respective campaigns

Governor Romney’s statement on the candidates:

“Oklahoma – and our nation – deserves leaders who will focus on enacting pro-growth policies that will put people back to work. Too many of our elected officials are instead more interested in growing the size of government, and that is why it is more critical than ever that we elect leaders who will make the tough decisions necessary to turn our struggling economy around,” said Romney.

There isn’t room to include six campaign videos from each of these excellent candidates, so take the time to click on their websites, get to know them, and lend them your support.

In their honor, I’ll dust off the musical movie archives and let cowboy Curly McLain and his farm girl bride, Laurey Williams, sing a well-known tune from a production that brought an Academy Award to Rodgers and Hammerstein way back in 1955. (By the way, it’s the state song.) Here’s Oklahoma!

*UPDATE:Romney’s PAC is sending a total of $10,500 to help the candidates’ campaigns.

► Jayde Wyatt

California Gubernatorial Hopefuls, Meg Whitman & Jerry Brown

“The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in California finds Whitman earning 48% support, while Democrat Jerry Brown picks up 40% of the vote. Six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and six percent (6%) are undecided.”

“When leaners are included in the new totals, Whitman posts a 51% to 43% lead over Brown. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate.

Early in any campaign, the numbers without leaners are generally more significant. Later in a campaign, the numbers with leaners matter more. After Labor Day, Rasmussen Reports will report the numbers with leaners as the primary indicators of the campaign.”

In follow-up of yesterday’s post from Jayde, there is more big news out of Michigan today. Below is a short peek at Romney and gubernatorial hopeful, Rick Snyder, touring the Tapemaster Tool factory in Troy, MI. No doubt, these two Michigan natives are working hard to make the ‘Great Lakes State’ great again.

The video has been removed, and can be found here
Video h/t: BOSMAN

Also, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following 11 Michigan candidates and a total of $28,400 in contributions to their campaigns:

Congressman Dave Camp: Congressman Dave Camp currently represents the 4th Congressional District of Michigan and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.davecampforcongress.com.

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter: CongressmanThaddeus McCotter currently represents the 11th Congressional District of Michigan and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.mccotterrocks.com.

Congresswoman Candice Miller: Congresswoman Candice Miller currently represents the 10th Congressional District of Michigan and is running for reelection. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.candice-miller.com.

Congressman Mike Rogers: Congressman Mike Rogers currently represents the 8th Congressional District of Michigan and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.rogers4congress.com.

Congressman Fred Upton: Congressman Fred Upton currently represents the 6th Congressional District of Michigan and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.uptonforallofus.com.

State Representative Justin Amash: Justin Amash currently serves as a state representative and is now running to represent the 3rd Congressional District of Michigan. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.amashforcongress.com.

Dan Benishek: Dan Benishek, a career surgeon, is now running to represent the 1st Congressional District of Michigan. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.danbenishekforcongress.com.

Bill Huizenga: Bill Huizenga, a small business owner and former state representative, is now running to represent the 2nd Congressional District of Michigan. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.huizengaforcongress.com.

Rocky Raczkowski: Rocky Raczkowski, a former state representative and businessman, is now running to represent the 9th Congressional District of Michigan. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.rockyworksforus.com.

Tim Walberg: Tim Walberg previously represented the 7th Congressional District of Michigan and is running to reclaim his seat. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.walbergforcongress.com.

Bill Schuette: Bill Schuette has served the people of Michigan as a Congressman, Director of Agriculture, state senator, and appellate judge, and is now running to become Michigan’s next Attorney General. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.billschuette.com.

Thanks, Mitt, for supporting conservative candidates across the country! We look forward to following you on the campaign trail leading into the November midterms.

~Luke

It was a whirlwind weekend for Mitt Romney. After writing an economic op-ed last Wednesday, he kicked off the weekend Friday night with Bill O’Reilly at Fenway Park and then hosted a picnic for about 250 people at Lake Sunapee, NH, on Saturday afternoon. To top it off, Romney announced he is backing the guy seeking Michigan’s gubernatorial seat who calls himself ‘one tough nerd’ – Ann Arbor businessman, Republican Rick Snyder.

Press release from Romney’s Free and strong America PAC:

Today, Mitt Romney endorsed Rick Snyder for Michigan Governor (www.rickformichigan.com). Romney is traveling to Michigan on Monday [today] to attend campaign events with Snyder.

“Rick Snyder is a successful businessman, manager, and job creator, which makes him uniquely qualified to lead Michigan through these challenging economic times. Rick will promote pro-growth policies that will put people back to work and get Michigan back on the right track,” said Romney.

Governor Romney signs the @RickForMI Nerd Mobile in Michigan

Romney has a special place in his heart for Michigan; he grew up in Bloomfield Hills, MI and his father was once governor of The Great Lakes State. Romney thinks so much of the place that he even travelled to Dearborn to announce his presidential candidacy (February 13, 2007) at the Henry Ford Museum (located in Metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn).  Needless to say, Gov Romney is very concerned about Michigan’s failing economy; the state has the second-highest level of unemployment in the nation, trailing only Nevada.

Snyder is running against Democrat Virg Bernero (Lansing mayor). Jennifer Granholm (current governor) is prevented from seeking re-election due to term limits. Good luck, Rick!

To see a one-minute video of spectacular Michigan, click here.

About that Romney picnic at Lake Sunapee, NH (Saturday, Aug 21st)…  Real Clear Politics released the following on Aug 19th:

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s likely 2012 presidential bid is gathering more steam this week: He’ll head back to New Hampshire again this weekend after having placed an economy-focused op-ed Wednesday in his neighboring hometown paper, the Boston Globe.

Romney and his wife, Ann, will spend all of Saturday afternoon at a summer barbecue at Bob and Tona White’s house on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, according to an invitation provided to RealClearPolitics by a longtime Romney supporter.

Bob White is Romney’s close friend and adviser, and he was a former business partner of Romney’s when they worked at Bain Capital. The barbecue is another line on Romney’s agenda to get the band together again; several hundred former campaign staffers and close supporters are expected to attend. […]

The day after the picnic, Eric Fehrnstrom summed up the alfresco event with this tweet:

Big crowd of 250 people at Saturday’s Romney picnic on NH’s Lake Sunapee. Lots of old friends. Lots of new friends, too. 8:04 AM Aug 22nd via web

While the waning days of August claims the last of relaxing summer vacations for Congress and President Obama, Romney’s hammock continues to collect dust. Keep stirring it up, Gov!

UPDATE – More on the Romney/Snyder fundraising schedule today:

A trio of events will fill the evening at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham on Monday, August 23, 2010.

A VIP reception will take place beginning at 5:00 p.m. allowing guests to rub elbows with Snyder and Romney. Those paying the four digit price tag to attend will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the pair.

A general reception follows at 6:00 and will include remarks by Romney and Snyder.

Dinner follows at 7:00.

UPDATE 2 – Romney touts Snyder’s business skills at Oakland Co. event

One thing is for sure. Governor Romney isn’t lollygagging around on Lake Winnipesaukee this summer. After just writing an excellent op-ed piece on Obama’s economic blundering, he’s announced ‘thumbs-up’ for nine more new candidates in three states:

A press release from Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC highlights hopefuls from the Equality State – Wyoming:

Matt Mead: Matt Mead, a small business owner and former U.S. Attorney for Wyoming, is now running to becomeWyoming’s next Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.meadforgovernor.com.

Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis: Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis currently represents Wyoming’s Congressional District and is running for reelection. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.lummisforwyoming.com.

“Too many of our leaders are intent on enacting policies that will grow the size of government and further stall our economic recovery. Wyoming – and our nation – needs fiscally conservative leaders like Mead and Lummis who will work to turn our ailing economy around, and put people back to work,” said Romney.

The PAC also announced that it is sending Mead’s gubernatorial campaign a $5,000 contribution and Lummis’s Congressional campaign a $2,500 contribution.

Candidates endorsed by Romney in The Centennial State (Colorado) include Ken Buck (nominee for Senate), House Rep nominees Scott Tipton (3), Cory Gardner (4th) and Ryan Frazier (7th district), John Suthers (state Attorney General nominee) and Walker Stapleton (nominee state Treasurer).

Hailing from The Evergreen State (Washington), Senate nominee Dino Rossi, characterized by Romney as one who “will stand up to the Washington culture of higher spending, higher debt, and higher taxes” has also been endorsed.

Also, when the leaves begin to turn colors, Romney will be heading to The Hawkeye State to campaign with former Iowa Republican Governor Terry Branstad.

It’s important to take a moment to learn more about these candidates. Click on their links to learn more about ways you can help (money is always needed!). 

With Romney charging ahead, the march to take back Congress continues…

So Missouri - Ozark Natl Scenic Riverways

Governor Mitt Romney returns for seconds in Missouri – announces more candidate endorsements in The Show Me State!

From Free and Strong America PAC Press Room:

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC added two Missouri candidates to its previously announced slate of endorsements in the state.

Vicky Hartzler: Vicky Hartzler, a former state representative, is now running to represent the 4th Congressional District of Missouri. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.vickyhartzler.com.

Billy Long: Billy Long, a successful small businessman, is now running to represent the 7th Congressional District of Missouri. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.billylongforcongress.com.

The PAC also announced that is sending Billy Long and Vicky Hartzler each a $2,500 contribution toward their respective Congressional campaigns.

“Rather than enacting pro-growth policies that will put people back to work and turn around our economy, politicians in Washington are instead focused on growing the size of government. We need leaders like Vicky Hartzler and Billy Long who will stand up to the Washington culture of higher spending, higher taxes, and higher debt. The road to taking back our majority in Congress runs through Missouri, and I am proud to stand with them today,” said Romney.
[...]
These are the second wave of Missouri endorsements announced this year by the PAC. The PAC has previously endorsed the following Missouri candidates:

• Congressman Roy Blunt, who won his primary election last week, and is running for U.S. Senate;

• Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, who won her primary election last week, and is running for reelection in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District;

• Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, who won his primary election last week, and is running for reelection in Missouri’s 9th Congressional District;

• Congressman Sam Graves, who won his primary election last week, and is running for reelection in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District;

• Ed Martin, a community leader and public servant, who won his primary election last week, and is running to represent Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District; and

• Tom Schweich, a former U.S. Ambassador, prosecutor, law enforcement official, and author, who won his primary election last week, and is running for Missouri State Auditor.

(emphasis mine)

Honored to receive Mitt Romney’s endorsement today! He’s supporting conservatives who will stand up to Washington! Onward!

Thanks to Mitt Romney for his endorsement and $2,500 contribution in our Congressional bid as the GOP nominee in MO7 – Thanks Mitt!!!

Romney has really put his muscle into helping conservatives get elected this fall. While supporting our favorite candidates, let’s continue to support his Free and Strong America PAC. Every little bit helps. Click here to donate. Thank you!