◆

FOX News’ Bret Baier sat down with the fifth potential vice presidential candidate in his series titled Running With Romney. Condoleeza Rice, former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State to President George W. Bush, was featured today. Her thoughts :

SAN JOSE — Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said again this afternoon that she has no interest in being a candidate for vice president, but she had some advice for Mitt Romney about the kind of person he might choose.

“Somebody who actually wants to run for office would be a good start,” Rice said.

The Republican told a conference of business leaders hosted by the Bay Area Council in San Jose that Romney would make a “fine president.”

“I think he’ll find a fine vice president, too,” she added.

(emphasis added)

Part 5 – Condoleeza Rice, Fmr Natl Security Advisor & Secty of State

Previously aired segments:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio

Part 2 – Sen. Rob Portman

Part 3 – Congressman Paul Ryan

Part 4 – VA Governor Bob McDonnell

● If you haven’t voted on Nate’s latest Veep Madness poll, do so here.

► Jayde Wyatt

◆

Today Bret Baier’s fourth installment of veep series Running With Romney aired on FOX News. Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA) was the topic:

McDonnell joined America’s Newsroom this morning to weigh in on the visit. “We’re excited,” he said. “[Romney’s] talking about jobs and energy, and I want to be there to help him.”
[...]
He added that the only thing he can do is help the voters see who should be the president, because 30 to 35 percent of the Independent voters in Virginia will determine the outcome of the election.

McDonnell plans to help Romney in the next six months by talking about jobs, energy and taking care of America’s veterans.

“Mitt Romney is the guy to do it,” he said. “If we don’t convince people that he’s the best one for jobs with an 8.2 percent unemployment rate and debt reduction with a $15 trillion debt, we’re not going to have a stronger country going forward. So, that’s the role that I’m playing right now.”

(emphasis added)

Part 4- VA Governor Bob McDonnell

Previously aired segments:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio

Part 2 – Sen. Rob Portman

Part 3 – Congressman Paul Ryan

► Jayde Wyatt

◆

The third segment of Running With Romney, a series of potential VP interviews by FOX News’ Bret Baier (Special Report) aired today. The spotlight was on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan:

At age 28, Ryan was elected to Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district but he quickly moved up to become the youngest chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2011. Speaking about his budget plan, Ryan says, “We knew that if we offered solutions, that they were going to demagogue those solutions. But we feel that we have a moral and a legal obligation, that if we don’t like the direction the president’s taking the country, we should do something about it.”

Republican strategist Mike Murphy noted a downside if Romney chooses Ryan as his vice presidential nominee, saying, “Paul Ryan budget genius, very important in the Congress, good guy, Romney’s close to him, talks to him a lot. The downside is you nominate Paul, one, you take a real player out of the Congress. And two, you’re going to re-litigate the Ryan plan which has policy advantages but some political baggage.”

Ryan reiterated what he has previously stated when asked about becoming Romney’s running mate. “If they ask me to consider it, then I’ll consider it. But that’s months away from that kind of decision being made as far as I know. I like my job. I think I can make a big difference doing what I’m doing.”

Part 3 – Congressman Paul Ryan

View additional segments by clicking on names below:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio

Part 2 - Sen. Rob Portman

► Jayde Wyatt

◆

As part of a series of potential VP interviews FOX News’ Bret Baier (Special Report) is promoting, the second installment of Running With Romney aired tonight. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) was showcased:

Republican strategist Mike Murphy weighed in on the possibility of a Romney-Portman ticket. “He can govern, he gets along well with Mitt Romney, and he’s from Ohio a very vital state… And he’s somebody the press knows and has vetted so you don’t get the shock effect.”

Portman was known as the “budget hawk” when he served under the Bush administration. Critics say bringing up those years will not be helpful in the current election cycle. He defended his credentials, saying, “I came in as you know in 2006, 2007 and the budget that I proposed actually was a balanced budget … So the year that I was there, 2007, the deficit was about 1/8 of the deficit today.”

Part 2 – Sen. Rob Portman:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio may be viewed here.

► Jayde Wyatt

◆

FOX News’ Bret Baier is running a series on his television program (Special Report) in which he interviews potential VP picks for Governor Mitt Romney. He’s dubbed his series Running With Romney. Last night Senator Marco Rubio was the first to be featured. Here’s the interview:

► Jayde Wyatt

The Republican National Committee is throwing their official support and all of its weight behind Governor Romney.

WaPo:

Less than 24 hours after sweeping five primaries and declaring the Republican presidential nomination fight officially over, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and the Republican National Committee are moving quickly to coordinate their efforts.

“Governor Romney’s strong performance and delegate count at this stage of the primary process has made him our party’s presumptive nominee,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “In order to maximize our efforts I have directed my staff at the RNC to open lines of communication with the Romney campaign.”

The leading edge of the synchronization will be four liaisons between the two organizations. Brian Jones, who has been serving as an adviser to Romney since late last year, will lead that effort. Kevin Madden, who served as the press secretary for Romney’s 2008 presidential bid, will advise the communications operation and serve as a DC-based television surrogate for the Romney/RNC effort. Ward Baker, a veteran Tennessee-based GOP strategist, will help coordinate the political and field teams. Ron Kaufman, a veteran RNC member, and Ben Ginsberg, who served as national counsel to Romney’s 2008 race, will also facilitate interaction between the two groups.

From the beginning of the Romney’s primary campaign they stated that his planning and fundraising would be designed to perform a long slog through the primary season in order to win the nomination. They have done just that and a new election season begins. For many Romney diehards this moment has been six years in the making. For myself it almost seems surreal that it is finally happening.

The time has come to rally around the nominee. Please consider donating to Romney’s campaign what you can. Maybe pick up some promotional t-shirts and bumpers stickers too. Learn where and how you can volunteer to help the campaign. It’s only six and a half months until election day – let’s gear up for a tough fight now. You can start by watching Mitt’s speech from last night’s victories.

MRC Announcement: I’m pleased to inform you that my brother Luke Gunderson and I, along with staff writer David Parker, were elected as alternate national delegates for the RNC convention in Tampa and will be attending it in August. We look forward to doing some live blogging and tweeting directly from the big event.

~Nate Gunderson

UPDATE: The RNC has made good on their word to help Romney and have done so extremely quickly. Check out the new video they made entitled A Tale of Two Leaders

It’s Primary Election Day!

Voters are going to the polls today in Connecticut (28 delegates), Delaware (17 delegates), New York (95 delegates), Pennsylvania (72 delegates), and Rhode Island (19 delegates).

Hoping to further finalize the primary process, Romney supporters are hoping for victories in all five states.

UPDATE:

IT’S A CLEAN SWEEP FOR ROMNEY!

Congrats!

A better America began tonight!

“After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and not a few long nights, I can say with confidence – and gratitude – that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility.
. . .
To all of the thousands of good and decent Americans I’ve met who want nothing more than a better chance, a fighting chance, to all of you, I have a simple message: Hold on a little longer,” he said. “A better America begins tonight.” ~ Mitt Romney

Text of Governor Romney’s victory speech, given tonight in Manchester, NH, may read here.

Video of Romney’s victory speech:

“Four years ago Barack Obama dazzled us in front of Greek columns with sweeping promises of hope and change. But after we came down to earth… what do we have to show for three and a half years of President Obama.

Is it easier to make ends meet? Is it easier to sell your home or buy a new one? Have you saved what you needed for retirement? Are you making more in your job? Do you have a better chance to get a better job? Do you pay less at the pump?” ~ Mitt Romney

► Jayde Wyatt

Mitt Romney has just been given a BIG helping of Special K…

Ohio Governor John Kasich and Arizona Senator Jon Kyl are keen to support Governor Romney ‘s campaign for the presidency. Ohio Lt. Gov Mary Taylor is also standing with Romney.

Serving as an important link to the northeast and midwest, here’s the latest from the beautiful Buckeye State:

Announcing his support, Governor Kasich said, “The biggest issue in this presidential election will be who can make the economy stronger so that America’s families can be stronger. I’m for Mitt Romney because he’s got the proven experience as a manager and as a job creator that America needs right now. The progress we’ve made in Ohio is hampered by a White House that can’t make up its mind and which can’t set the right course for our economy. Mitt Romney’s got what it takes to get us back on track and I look forward to working with him to make his campaign in Ohio and across the country a success.”

Lt. Gov. Taylor said, “With job creation being Ohio’s top priority, the presidential race is going to be about whose policies can help us continue to get back on our feet. The tax-and-spend policies we see now from the White House are only barriers to our efforts to get Ohioans working again. By contrast, Mitt Romney has a deep understanding of the needs of job creators and will put that experience and know-how to work for Ohioans and the nation, and I’m happy to support his campaign for the presidency.”

Romney responds:

“I am proud to have earned the support of Ohio Governor Kasich and Ohio Lt. Gov. Taylor,” said Mitt Romney. “This might be the most important election in a generation. Our country can continue on its current path, or we can choose another path – one with lower spending, more jobs, and less debt. Ohio will be a critical – and possibly deciding – state in November. Having the support of Governor Kasich and Lt. Gov. Taylor will be vital in our efforts to defeat President Obama and change the direction of the country.”

Background on Governor Kasich:
Governor John Kasich was elected in 2010. Previously he served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives where he was chairman of the Budget Committee and the architect of the first balanced budget in decades. In his first year as governor, he closed an historic $8 billion budget shortfall without a tax increase and instead cut taxes by $800 million. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on Gov. Kasich’s watch Ohio has created more than 82,000 jobs –the most in the Midwest and the fourth largest increase in the nation – and both Standard & Poors and Moody’s have raised Ohio’s credit outlook from negative to stable.

Background on Lt. Gov. Taylor:

Lt. Gov. Taylor was elected with Gov. Kasich in 2010. Previously she served in the Ohio House of Representatives and as Auditor of State. As Lt. Gov. she oversees the Department of Insurance and leads the Administration’s effort to streamline and update Ohio’s regulatory policies.

From the magnificent Grand Canyon State, which attracts five million visitors per year, comes the call from Senator Jon Kyl to unite behind Governor Romney:

Announcing his support, Senator Kyl said, “After a long primary, it is time for the Republican Party to come together and support the candidate who will defeat President Obama. That is why I am proud to support Mitt Romney. President Obama’s record is full of broken promises and failed policies. Mitt Romney will restore American greatness at home and abroad. He has a bold economic plan that will create jobs and help middle class families prosper. He will also make the 21st century an American century and regain America’s respected status in the world. These next months will be hard fought and change will not come easy, but I am proud to stand with Mitt and to do anything I can to make sure he is our next president.”

Romney:

“Senator Kyl has been a leader in the Senate in the fight to cut spending, make government accountable, and to protect our country,” said Mitt Romney. “I am proud to have the support of someone who shares my vision for getting our country on the right track by allowing the private sector to flourish and getting government out of the way. Senator Kyl has been a tremendous public servant for Arizona and I look forward to working with him to reach out to Arizona voters over the next few months.”

Background on Senator Kyl:

Senator Kyl Was First Elected To The U.S. Senate In 1994. For over four years, Kyl has been the Senate Minority Whip. He also served eight years in the U.S. House and was a lawyer before entering government. He and his wife Caryll have two children.

As the GOP’s presumptive nominee and 2012 standard bearer, Romney is in Arizona today to speak at the 2012 RNC State Chairmen’s Meeting. It’s the last formal meeting before the nomination convention in August in Tampa; those running Republican organizations at the state level will be in attendance.

C-Span will air it LIVE at 3:45pm (ET). CNN will provide a livefeed here.

From PBS NewsHour:
GOP Establishment Gets Behind Romney
By Christina Bellantoni, Terence Burlij
April 20, 2012:

It’s a big day for Mitt Romney, who will be embraced by GOP establishment figures during the Republican National Committee’s meeting of state chairmen and officials in Scottsdale, Ariz.

All week he’s been collecting endorsements from governors and other top lawmakers — including House Speaker John Boehner …
[...]
The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

Santorum supporters are joining Romney:

A top RNC official contended Thursday that enthusiasm for Mr. Romney, who has struggled at times to connect with the party’s conservative base, is on the rise.

“Romney is getting conservatives on this committee to rally behind him,” said Illinois RNC member Demetra DeMonte, the elected secretary of the RNC and a founding member of the RNC’s Conservative Caucus. Ms. DeMonte had originally favored Mr. Santorum, who often outpaced Mr. Romney in primaries and caucuses among evangelical voters and tea party activists.

The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

★ UPDATE - Watch Romney’s speech here.

By the way, the Romney campaign is giving away FREE bumper stickers. Get yours now; click here!

(emphasis added to endorsements/article)

► Jayde Wyatt

M&M.

Sound sweet? It is!

Signaling further party consolidation, both big name GOP Mitch-es say “It’s Mmmitt!”

Governor Daniels from Indiana and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have endorsed Governor Romney:

Governor Mitch Daniels

Announcing his support, Governor Mitch Daniels said, “Mitt Romney has earned our party’s nomination and now deserves the support of every American still committed to government that serves the people rather than rules over them. The ruinous debts and anti-enterprise policies of today threaten more than our near-term economy; unaddressed soon, they will end the promise of upward mobility that our nation has always offered to its young and its poor. And they will end the U.S. leadership which has promoted peace and progress around the world for so many decades. Mitt Romney has proven that he understands what is at stake and is prepared to summon Americans to the changes that will restore the American Dream and our national greatness. I’ll do whatever I’m asked to help him.”

“Governor Daniels’ leadership and service in Indiana should be an example to public officials across the country,” said Mitt Romney. “Governor Daniels shares my background in business, and he has used the principles of the private sector in government. Indiana has been served well by his leadership based on fiscal discipline, smaller government, and a friendly environment for job creators. I am honored to have his support and look forward to working with him to fix our economy and get our country on the right track.”

Background On Governor Daniels:
Governor Daniels was elected as the 49th Governor of Indiana in 2004. Governor Daniels was reelected in 2008 and received the most votes for a statewide official in Indiana history. Prior to his election, Governor Daniels served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, CEO of the Hudson Institute, President of Eli Lilly and Company’s North American Pharmaceutical Operations, Chief of Staff to Senator Dick Lugar, and Senior Advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

Self-deprecating Daniels appeared on FOX & Friends this morning to make his announcement. Here’s a portion of the interview (if full video becomes available, it will be posted):

Daniels continued on to state his solid commitment to help The Gov in any way possible.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
April 17, 2012

Joining other top Republican officials, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president on Tuesday, saying the GOP is united behind the presumptive nominee.

Earlier this month, McConnell avoided giving Romney the nod because the Kentucky primary was approaching. But with former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum dropping out of the race—and basement candidates Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul barely campaigning—the pathway for Romney to gain the nomination against President Obama is much clearer.
[...]
“I support Governor Romney for President of the United States and he is going to be the nominee,” he told reporters. “If you’ve noticed, the party is in the process of unifying behind him. And I think it’s going to be an incredibly close, hard fought race.”

“I think it’s going to be a very, very competitive election. We’re all behind him [Romney] and looking forward to the fall campaign, which is actually already under way.” ~ Mitch McConnell

Thank you Mitch and Mitch!

It’s getting sweeter day by day.

► Jayde Wyatt

UPDATE – After John Boehner endorsed Mitt Romney, he appeared on CBS This Morning. Charlie Rose tried to play hardball:

It’s a triple-header today….

House Speaker John Boehner, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced today they are standing with Mitt Romney.

As Chairman of the Republican National Convention Aug. 27-30, Speaker Boehner remained neutral throughout the GOP primary. Now that Governor Romney is all-but-official to be the nominee, Boehner offered a hearty endorsement:

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)

Saying he “will be proud to support Mitt Romney,” House Speaker John Boehner gave the former Massachusetts governor his endorsement Tuesday.

“I think Mitt Romney has a set of economic policies that can put Americans back to work and, frankly, contrast sharply with the failed economic policies of President Obama,” Boehner said. “And I will be proud to support Mitt Romney and do everything I can to help him win.”

Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) have already endorsed The Gov.

From the wonderful Equality State, where women were first granted the right to vote, comes today’s endorsement from Wyoming Governor Matt Mead:

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead

“I am proud to have Governor Mead’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “With his help, we can defeat President Obama, reverse the failures of the last three years, and change the direction of the country. I look forward to his efforts as we work to make government smaller, create jobs, and ensure that future generations are not burdened with debt.”

“Very few leaders come along with the breadth of experience and knowledge of the economy as Mitt Romney,” said Governor Mead. “At this moment in our nation’s history, with economic uncertainty at home and instability abroad, we need a leader like Mitt Romney to strengthen our economy and maintain America’s place in the world. I am proud to stand with Mitt and will work my hardest to get him elected in November.”

Background On Matt Mead:

Governor Mead is the 32nd Governor of Wyoming. Mead was elected in 2010 and currently serves on the Council of Governors, which advises top federal officials on matters related to the National Guard. He also co-chairs the National Governors Association’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. A recent poll shows that Governor Mead has a 77% approval rating.

Prior to his election, Mead was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Attorney for Wyoming from 2001 to 2007. Mead has worked in private practice and as a local, state and federal prosecutor. He and his wife Carol operate a farm and ranch business in southeast Wyoming.

From the Keystone State, where a Jefferson Republican victory rally in October 1802 saw Pennsylvania toasted as the keystone in the federal union, comes the enthusiastic endorsement from Governor Tom Corbett:

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett

“I’m extraordinarily proud to earn Tom’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “Tom has been a wonderful leader for Pennsylvania and shares my values of spurring economic security through scaling back the size of government and promoting pro-growth policies. There is no doubt that Pennsylvania will be a crucial state in November. With Tom’s help, I know that I will be able to share my vision of restoring American greatness to Pennsylvania voters.”

“Now that the long primary season has ended, it is time for Republicans to come together and unite around the one candidate who can defeat Barack Obama and institute a bold conservative vision that we need in Washington,” said Governor Tom Corbett. “That is why I am heartily endorsing Mitt Romney. Our country needs a president who will reverse President Obama’s failed policies and ensure an opportunity for all Americans to prosper. Mitt Romney will restore fiscal sanity to Washington by cutting spending, lowering taxes, and reforming entitlements.”

Background On Tom Corbett:

Tom Corbett was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2010. Corbett served two terms as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. He was also the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1989 until 1993. Corbett and his wife Susan have two children.

Newsy…

Santorum still hasn’t endorsed Romney:

To crystallize the point that he isn’t going to make an endorsement in the immediate future, Santorum told his supporters that it was entirely up to them who to vote for in next week’s Pennsylvania primary. “I haven’t supported any candidate at this point,” he said.

And, Santorum sent out a mailing still ripping Romney:

The Des Moines Register reports that a week after he quit the presidential race, a fundraising letter from Rick Santorum arrived in Iowa mailboxes saying, “It truly frightens me to think what’ll happen if Mitt Romney is the nominee.”

“The blunt message quickly had Republicans here speculating: Did Santorum order up the mailer right before he suspended his campaign on April 10, so its timing was just a simple and understandable mistake? Or, did Santorum, who is still raising money and possibly not quite ready to come to grips with his loss, send this wording out deliberately?”

Meanwhile, after Newt Gingrich’s Utah ballot check bounced and he said it was “one of those goofy things” and after making news for being bitten by a penguin, I guess it was too much for Gingrich’s campaign chief, Michael Krull. He quietly departed from the campaign yesterday.

Ron Paul is still doing his thing.

Team Romney is kicking it up! The inner circle is expanding and Beth Myers is on the hunt for a V.P.

Cheers!

(emphasis added to endorsements)

► Jayde Wyatt