2008: The Election of Willard "Mitt" Romney

[tmthforu94]

This is a mini-timeline I will be doing, that will start in early 2007, and end on Election Day, 2008. It's just my idea of a scenario on how a President Romney could have happened. Things will mainly stay on course with how they actually happened, but there will be a few changes here and there, that will eventually lead to Mitt Romney's election as President. This timeline will focus heavily on the Republican primaries, but there will be a few posts on the Democratic side as well.

[tmthforu94]

Heading into March, 2007, here is a list of the candidates that have already declared that they will be running for President...

Democrats:
Senator Joseph Biden of Deleware
Former Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska
Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut
Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa
Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana
Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio
Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico
Senator Hillary Clinton of New York
Senator Barack Obama of Illinois

Senator and Former First Lady Hillary Clinton is seen as the favorite in the Democratic Primary

Republicans:
Representative Duncan Hunter of California
Senator John McCain of Arizona
Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York
Former Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin
Former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts
Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas
Representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado
Representative Ron Paul of Texas
Former Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas

Mayor Rudy Giuliani is believed to be the early favorite to win the Republican primary

[tmthforu94]

No thank you!

No one is forcing you to read this. Although, you did come to mind when I came up with the idea.

[tmthforu94]

March 11th, 2007: On Fox news, Former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee states that he may consider running for President.

March 22nd, 2007: After finding out that his wife, Elizabeth, had breast cancer, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina announces that he will not be seeking the Presidency.

While this decision was uncomfortable to make, I must put my wife and my family first right now. While a Presidential run may be on the horizon, now is not the time.
- Senator John Edwards

John Edwards will not seek the Democratic nomination.

April 26th, 2007: Former Governor Jim Gilmore of Virginia announces he will seek the Republican nomination.

May 3rd, 2007: CNBC airs a Republican debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The emphasis of the debate was the Iraq war. A poll held after the debate showed that McCain performed the best in the debate, with 26% favoring him to Giuliani's 21%.

May 14th, 2007: On ABC news, former Speaker Newt Gingrich states that there is a strong possibility he will run for President.

Could Newt Gingrich be the next President of the United States?

[tmthforu94]

May 20th, 2007: The Georgia Republican Convention straw poll is held. 44% voted for Fred Thompson.

June 13th, 2007: Encouraged by polling numbers, Senator Fred Thompson announces he will run for President of the United States.

Fred Thompson will run for President

July 2nd, 2007: Facing severe financial problems, Republican candidate John McCain fires over a hundred campaign staffers. John Weaver and Terry Nelson, McCain's chief strategist and campaign manager are also fired.

July 15th, 2007: Facing falling poll numbers and lack of finances, John McCain officially suspends his campaign.

July 19th, 2007: Speaker Newt Gingrich formally announces that he will be seeking the Republican nomination.

July 22nd, 2007: All Democratic candidates debate in Des Moine, Iowa, with the focus being on health care. Senator Hillary Clinton is seen by 37% as the winner in the debate, followed by Senator Barack Obama and Senator Joseph Biden.

[tmthforu94]

August 9th, 2007: The Human Rights Campaign sponsors a Democratic forum on LGBT issues in Los Angeles, California. Hillary Clinton and Dennis Kucinich are seen as the strongest candidates on the issue.

August 11th, 2007: The Ames Straw Poll is won by Mitt Romney, who received just over 30% of the vote.

August 15th, 2007: Pew Research comes out with a national poll in both the Republican and Democratic races.

Republicans:
Representative Duncan Hunter - <1%
Mayor Rudy Giuliani - 24%
Former Governor Tommy Thompson - 7%
Former Governor Mitt Romney - 13%
Senator Sam Brownback - 2%
Representative Tom Tancredo - 1%
Representative Ron Paul - 2%
Former Governor Mike Huckabee - 6%
Former Governor Jim Gilmore - 8%
Former Senator Fred Thompson - 19%
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich - 9%
Undecided - 7%

Democrats:
Senator Joseph Biden - 6%
Former Senator Mike Gravel - <1%
Senator Christopher Dodd - 2%
Governor Tom Vilsack -3%
Senator Evan Bayh - 7%
Representative Dennis Kucinich - 1%
Governor Bill Richardson - 6%
Senator Hillary Clinton - 37%
Senator Barack Obama - 22%
Undecided - 15%

August 16th, 2007: Discouraged by low polling numbers, Senator Christopher Dodd drops out of the Democratic race.

September 27th, 2007: PBS hosts a Republican debate at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney are seen as the winners of the debate.

September 29th, 2007: Mitt Romney announces he will loan his campaign about 10 million dollars.

September 30th, 2007: Sam Brownback is endorsed by the National Right to Life. Many expected the organization to endorse Fred Thompson, who has a perfect pro-life voting record and is seen as a more viable candidate.

Could an NRLC endorsement propell Brownback to the top?

[tmthforu94]

October 9th, 2007: Facing sagging poll numbers and poor fundraising, former Governor Tommy Thompson drops out of the Presidential race and endorses Rudy Giuliani.

October 13th, 2007: Former Governor Mitt Romney begins airing ads in all lead-off states. He is the first candidate to do so. Rudy Giuliani has been putting most of his energy into Florida, and has also spent some time in South Carolina. Romney currently has a lead in Iowa, but Brownback and Thompson aren't far behind.

November 5th, 2007:Ron Paul raises the most money on a single day of any Republican candidate to date with $4.3 million. Paul begins running ads in New Hampshire and Nevada.

November 15th, 2007: Senator Barack Obama announces that television host Oprah Winfrey, who had previously endorsed Obama, will begin campaigning with him.

What impact will Oprah campaigning have on the race?

November 21st, 2007: Former Governor Mike Huckabee makes his first attack on Governor Romney's religion, and questions the Governor's way of lifestyle. Romney's response...
Well, I'm not sure why Mr. Huckabee is attacking me on morality. I've had one wife, Anne, and unlike an opponent of mine, that's the only one I have had. He's got the wrong guy, really.
- Governor Mitt Romney

[tmthforu94]

December 6th, 2007: Former Governor Mitt Romney delivers an address on his faith and religion in the United States at the George Bush Presidential Library, which was broadcasted on several cable news networks.

December 7th, 2007: Iowa polling shows that Mitt Romney is in front, with Thompson, Brownback, and Huckabee about five points behind. Senator Sam Brownback announces that he will be spending the rest of the month in Iowa. On the Democratic side, it is a dead heat between Clinton and Obama.

December 13th, 2007: Potential candidate John Edwards and his wife officially endorse Barack Obama for President. They promise to campaign for Obama in South Carolina.

December 16th, 2007: Ron Paul raises more than $6 million through online donations in 24 hours, breaking his own record of $4.3 million to become the highest figure ever raised in a day. He has begun flooding the airwaves in lead-off states.

December 18th, 2007: Former Vice Presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman says he will not make an endorsement until after the primary season is over. When asked which party he would most likely back, he responded that he would back whichever party had the best candidate up.

December 20th, 2007: Congressman Tom Tancredo announces that he will be suspending his candidacy. He throws his support behind former Governor Mitt Romney.

What impact will Tom Tancredo's endorsement have on the race?

January 2nd, 2008: Almost all candidates are spending the last day before the Iowa caucus in Iowa. On the Republican side, Rudy Giuliani has decided to skip Iowa, and is focusing heavily on Florida. All Democrat's are campaigning in Iowa. Governor Vilsack, who is currently running right behind Clinton and Obama, announces that a loss in Iowa will be the end of his campaign.

[tmthforu94]

January 3rd, 2008: The Iowa Republican and Democratic caucuses are held. On the Republican side, Former Governor Mitt Romney has been declared the winner, recieving 31% of the vote. Brownback finished in second with 23%, while Thompson had 20%, followed by Gingrich.. On the Democratic side, Senator Barack Obama barely edged out Tom Vilsack, who suprised many by beating Clinton for second.

Will Romney be able to carry this momentum all the way to the end?

That night, Duncan Hunter and Jim Gilmore both drop out on the Republican side. Hunter endorsed Governor Romney, while Gilmore said he would make his announcement in the coming weeks. On the Democratic side, Senator Joseph Biden drops out of the race, making no endorsement.

[tmthforu94]

How did Vilsack, a Governor of Iowa, manage to lose Iowa?

Obama obviously has more charisma that Vilsack, and also had a lot more cash than Vilsack had. Vilsack didn't win any debates or come close, and didn't have the endorsements that Obama had. If Iowa had voted on Super Tuesday, Vilsack would have won, as Obama or Clinton wouldn't have spent nearly as much time or money there.

[tmthforu94]

January 5th, 2008: The Wyoming Republican caucus is won by Mitt Romney. Facebook hosts a Republican debate at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are seen as the winner's in the debate.

January 8th, 2008: Mitt Romney edges out Rudy Giuliani and Ron Paul in New Hampshire, winning just over 35% of the vote. On the Democratic side, Hillary proves the polls wrong, winning over Obama by 3 points.

Later that evening, Governor Bill Richardson drops out of the race. On the Republican side, Jim Gilmore drops out of the race, and endorses Mitt romney for President.

Remaining Candidates:
Republicans
Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Former Governor Mitt Romney
Senator Sam Brownback
Representative Ron Paul
Former Governor Mike Huckabee
Former Senator Fred Thompson
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich


Democrats:
Former Senator Mike Gravel
Governor Tom Vilsack
Senator Evan Bayh
Representative Dennis Kucinich
Senator Hillary Clinton
Senator Barack Obama

January 10th, 2008: Senator Evan Bayh drops his Presidential bid, citing lack of momentum. He endorses Senator Hillary Clinton for President.

Senator Bayh can't gain momentum, and endorses Clinton.

January 15th, 2008: The Michigan Democratic primary is easily won by Hillary Clinton, though no delegates were awarded. On the Republican side, Mitt Romney won his fourth straight contest, beating Thompson and Giuliani by about 5 points.

Later that night, Governor Mike Huckabee drops out of the Presidential race.

[tmthforu94]

January 19th, 2008: The Nevada Democratic caucus is won by Hillary Clinton. The Republican caucus is won by Mitt Romney. In South Carolina,  Newt Gingrich defeats Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson by 2 points, with Mitt Romney in a distant fourth.

That night, Fred Thompson drops out of the Presidential race. Sam Brownback also withdraws, and endorses Newt Gingrich. This leaves the race down to Giuliani, Romney, and Gingrich.

Mitt, Newt, or Rudy?

January 22nd, 2008: Dennis Kucinich drops out of the race, and endorses Barack Obama. This leaves the Democratic nomination down to Gravel, Clinton, Obama, and Vilsack.

Mike, Hillary, Barack, or Tom?

January 25th, 2008: The Hawaii Republican caucus is won by Mitt Romney.

January 26th, 2008: Barack Obama wins the South Carolina primary, beating Clinton by ten points. That evening, Tom Vilsack drops out of the race.

January 29th, 2008: The Florida Republican primary is won by Rudy Giuliani. The race was a three-way split, and many credit Rudy's win to being the only real moderate candidate left, as well as his early campaign efforts there. Hillary wins the Democratic primary, though no delegate are awarded.

Florida Republican Primary Results
Rudy Giuliani: 35.4%
Mitt Romney: 32.8%
Newt Gingrich: 31.8%

Going into Super Tuesday, Mitt Romney is seen having a slight edge, though Rudy and Newt are not far behind...

Will Mitt Romney be able to seal the nomination on Super Tuesday?

[tmthforu94]

February 2nd, 2008: The Maine Republican caucus is won by Mitt Romney.

Maine Republican Caucus Results:
Mitt Romney: 41.56%
Rudy Giuliani: 38.96%
Newt Gingrich: 19.48%

February 3rd, 2008: National polls are released for both parties, suggesting that Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney are leading their respective parties.

National Republican Poll:
Mitt Romney: 31%
Rudy Giuliani:  28%
Newt Gingrich: 27%
Undecided: 14%

National Democratic Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 42%
Barack Obama: 35%
Mike Gravel: 1%
Undecided: 22%

[tmthforu94]

February 5th, 2008: 24 states and America Samoa hold their primary or caucus.

Republican Results:

Alabama:
Newt Gingrich: 41%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 25%

Alaska:
Mitt Romney: 51%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 19%

Arizona:
Mitt Romney: 42%
Rudy Giuliani: 36%
Newt Gingrich: 22%

Arkansas:
Newt Gingrich: 48%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 18%

California:
Mitt Romney: 37%
Rudy Giuliani: 35%
Newt Gingrich: 28%

Colorado:
Mitt Romney: 58%
Newt Gingrich: 22%
Rudy Giuliani: 20%

Connecticut:
Rudy Giuliani: 47%
Mitt Romney: 38%
Newt Gingrich: 15%

Delaware:
Mitt Romney: 38%
Rudy Giuliani: 37%
Newt Gingrich: 25%

Georgia:
Newt Gingrich: 52%
Mitt Romney: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 18%

Illinois:
Rudy Giuliani: 43%
Mitt Romney: 29%
Newt Gingrich: 28%

Massachusetts:
Mitt Romney: 50%
Rudy Giuliani: 39%
Newt Gingrich: 11%

Minnesota:
Mitt Romney: 39%
Rudy Giuliani: 35%
Newt Gingrich: 26%

Missouri:
Newt Gingrich: 35%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 31%

Montana:
Mitt Romney: 46%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 24%

New Jersey:
Rudy Giuliani: 54%
Mitt Romney: 27%
Newt Gingrich: 19%

New York:
Rudy Giuliani: 62%
Mitt Romney: 25%
Newt Gingrich: 13%

North Dakota:
Mitt Romney: 45%
Newt Gingrich: 30%
Rudy Giuliani: 25%

Oklahoma:
Newt Gingrich: 36%
Rudy Giuliani: 34%
Mitt Romney: 30%

Tennessee:
Newt Gingrich: 38%
Mitt Romney: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 28%

Utah:
Mitt Romney: 91%
Newt Gingrich: 6%
Rudy Giuliani: 3%

West Virginia:
Mitt Romney: 36%
Newt Gingrich: 34%
Rudy Giuliani: 30%

Republican Analysis:
On Super Tuesday, Mitt Romney over-performed, and finished comfortably in first among delegate and popular vote. While Rudy Giuliani won both Illinois and New York, he really needed to win two or three of California, Minnesota, Deleware, and Arizona to be considered still in it. Newt Gingrich did well at defending the South, but did very poorly outside of it. His strong win of the day was Missouri.

Mitt Romney at a rally in California...

Today, voters across this nation made some tough and important decisions. Voters chose to reject big government. Voters chose to reject a corrupt voters. Tonight, my friends, voters have chosen a small conservative government! I thank the voters from all states for their support. After months of tirelessly campaigning, it has all paid off tonight. We still have a ways to go, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all!

[tmthforu94]

Democratic Results (Map Only)

Democratic Analysis...
Hillary Clinton won every state she was expecting to win, which is good for her. While she made more of an effort in caucuses, she still fell up short in most of them. Tonight was considered a victory for Barack Obama, mainly because he kept Clinton from clinching the nomination tonight, which many suspected would happen.

[tmthforu94]

February 6th, 2008:Following a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, former Speaker Newt Gingrich suspends his Presidential campaign.

We fought a good fight, but were kept within Southern borders. Unfortunately, Americans are looking to Governor Romney, and not myself. I have confident that Mitt will lead a strong ticket in the general election, and he has my endorsement and my support.

After only manage to win a couple Southern primaries, Gingrich drops his bid.

Later that day, both the Obama and Giuliani camp's express optimism about the Potomac Primaries, and vow to stay in the race.

February 9th, 2008: Mitt Romney wins the Louisiana primary with just over 54% of the vote. Mitt also wins the Kansas and Washington caucuses by more than ten points. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton's strategy to challenge Obama in caucuses has paid off, as she narrowly wins the Washington and Nebraska caucuses. However, Barack Obama wins the Louisiana primary.

February 10th, 2008: Hillary Clinton win's the Maine caucus.

February 11th, 2008: Rudy Giuliani drops out of the Presidential race, endorsing Governor Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney is the 2008 Republican nominee

Next Post: The Final Democratic results.

[tmthforu94]

The rest of the Democratic primaries went very similarly to how they did in real life, but not quite. Barack Obama never gained the support of John Edwards, since Edwards didn't run, which didn't give the Senator the boost he had in RL. Hillary Clinton stuns Obama in Wisconsin, then goes on to comfortably win the three remaining big states, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After the South Dakota and Montana primaries, Barack Obama withdraws from the race and endorses Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee

Next Post: July 2008

[tmthforu94]

July 4th, 2008: Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton both celebrate Independence Day with large rallies. Mitt Romney hold's his in Cincinnati, Ohio at Kings Island, while Hillary Clinton is down at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

General Election Poll:
Hillary Clinton: 45%
Mitt Romney: 43%

Hypothetical Tickets:
Hillary Clinton/Evan Bayh: 46%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 45%

Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama: 47%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 42%

Hillary Clinton/Evan Bayh: 45%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 44%

Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama: 46%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 43%

July 13th, 2008: Hillary Clinton leaves for a 1 week foreign tour with stops in Europe and the Middle East. The trip is seen with mixed reviews, with liberals praising the decision and conservatives criticizing it.

Map:

[tmthforu94]

August 2nd, 2008: The Peace and Freedom Party nominates Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez for president and vice president.

August 16th, 2008: Both Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton make an appearance at Saddleback Church where they are interviewed by Pastor Rick Warren. This is seen as a huge test for Mitt Romney, who has been struggling to win over evangelical voters. During the interview, Mitt Romney emphasized his conservative and Christian beliefs, as well as highlighted his stance on gay marriage and abortion. On the counter, Hillary Clinton stood firmly by her views, stating she believed in a woman's right to choose and that gay marriage should be legal.

As President, I can make a firm promise to you all that I will govern as a pro-life, pro-marriage, pro-family President.
- Mitt Romney

August 22nd, 2008: Hillary Clinton holds a rally in Columbus, Ohio, where she is expected to make her Vice Presidential nominee.

When I looked for a Vice President, I looked for someone with character, experience, and the leadership skills I'll need in a Vice President. Luckily, I found someone who fit all of the qualifications, and so much more! Ladies and Gentleman, please make a warm welcome for the next Vice President of the United States, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell!
- Hillary Clinton

The pick was met with immediate praise and criticism. Ed Rendell would likely seal Pennsylvania in Clinton's corner, and would also help her in the state's surrounding it. On the other hand, Rendell has a history of having a silver foot in his mouth.

General Election Poll:
Hillary Clinton/Ed Rendell: 46%
Mitt Romney/Tim Pawlenty: 43%

Hillary Clinton/Ed Rendell: 47%
Mitt Romney/Newt Gingrich: 42%

[tmthforu94]

It's back!

I'm determined to finish it.

[tmthforu94]

August 25th-28th: The Democratic National Convention is held in Denver, Colorado. Keynote addresses were given by Bill Clinton, Evan Bayh, Ed Rendell, and on the final night, Hillary Clinton. More than 40 million Americans watched Hillary Clinton become the first female to be officially nominated as a candidate for President by a major party, and also witnessed an emotional Bill Clinton who's "eye's were glassy".

August 30th: With the Republican National Convention just around the corner, Mitt Romney makes his Vice Presidential selection, Jim Demint. Several media outlets are reporting the Romney was originally planning on selecting former Colorado Governor Bill Owens for VP, but he backed out just days before the announcement was planned.

Polling:

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Hillary Clinton?
Favorable - 47%
Unfavorable - 41%
Neutral - 12%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Ed Rendell?
Favorable - 35%
Unfavorable - 27%
Neutral - 28%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Mitt Romney?
Favorable - 45%
Unfavorable - 43%
Neutral - 12%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Jim Demint?
Favorable - 29%
Unfavorable - 19%
Neutral - 72%

Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 43%

[tmthforu94]

September 1st-4th: The Republican National Convention is held in Saint Paul, Minnesota. On September 1st, due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Gustav, much of the convention events were cancelled. First Lady Laura Bush and Ann Romney stood onstage together asking for support for hurricane relief efforts.

The keynote speakers for the convention were Sarah Palin, Jim Demint, and Mitt Romney. Sarah Palin, unknown to many, stunned everyone with her strong speech delivered prime-time on September 2nd. Many in the party began to look to her as a rising star in the party and a future Presidential candidate.

Sarah Palin is seen as a rising star in the GOP

42 million Americans tuned in to hear Mitt Romney's acceptance speech, just over the amount who watched Clinton accept the Democratic nomination a week before. Romney steered from attacking Clinton, and focused much of his speech on the economy, and the need for a President with private sector experience.

Post-Convention Polling:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Romney/Demint - 47%
Clinton/Rendell - 46%

Pennsylvania:
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 41%

Virginia:
Romney/Demint - 50%
Clinton/Rendell - 43%

Arkansas:
Clinton/Rendell - 44%
Romney/Demint - 41%

Massachusetts:
Clinton/Rendell - 55%
Romney/Demint - 39%

Map:

Analysis: Romney has pulled ahead in national polls, primarily due to what is considered by many to be a "Republican Win" at the conventions, as well as conservatives beginning to rally around Romney since his announcement of Demint as VP. Clinton still has a narrow lead in the Electoral College, but Romney has an edge in a majority of toss-up states, including Ohio, Colorado, and Michigan.

[tmthforu94]

September 7th: At a rally in Torrington, Connecticut with Mitt Romney, Joseph Lieberman formally endorses the former Massachusetts Governor.

September 14th: Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy. The 4th largest investment bank in the US will file for bankruptcy protection.

September 15th: The Dow drops over 300 points. Many begin to fear America could be sliding into another recession. When asked to comment on it, Vice Presidential candidate Ed Rendell had the following statement:

Look, in trying times in our nation's past, we've been able to easily overcome all obstacles and continue to succeed. I'm confident today is just a minor bump in the road. We'll be just fine.
- Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell

September 25th: Jim Demint announces he will be suspending all campaign activities for several days to head to Washington to work on the financial crisis.

Jim Demint will be leaving the campaign trail to work in the Senate

September 26th: The first Presidential debate is held on the campus of Ole Miss. Clinton tried to tie Romney to the Bush administration, while Romney stated several times in the debate the need for a President who has experience in the private sector, someone who knows how to turn the economy around and keep America from going into a recession. Neither candidate made any gaffes. Voters were split when asked who won the debate.

Polling:
Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Ed Rendell?
Favorable - 39%
Unfavorable - 40%
Neutral - 21%

Do you have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral opinion of Jim Demint?
Favorable - 43%
Unfavorable - 34%
Neutral - 23%

Which Presidential Candidate do you trust more in regards to the economy?
Mitt Romney - 39%
Hillary Clinton - 36%
Unsure - 25%

[tmthforu94]

October 2nd: The Vice Presidential debate is held in Saint Louis, Missouri. Jim Demint highlights his experience in the Senate, and also boasts his recent trip to Washington D.C. to work on the financial crisis. He also goes on the attack of Ed Rendell for saying the economic downturn was just a minor bump.

Governor Rendell, this economic downturn will be a bit more than a "bump in the road" to the many Americans who will be jobless.
- Jim Demint

Ed Rendell spends much of the night defending his record as Governor and his recent statements, and is also able to throw in a few jabs at Demint, calling him an "extremist". Polling showed that 53% of Americans believed Jim Demint won the debate, compared to 38% for Ed Rendell.

October 7th: The 2nd debate is held in Belmont, Tennessee. Clinton finally begins to attack Governor Romney on his position changes, calling him a hypocrite for calling Kerry a flipflopper in the 2004 Presidential election when he did the same thing. 54% called Clinton the winner of the debate, compared to 40% for Governor Romney.

Mitt Romney can be whatever you want him to be. We need a leader who will stand firm on their positions.
- Hillary Clinton

October 9th: Mitt Romney unveils his plan to stop America from plunging into a recession, which is a mixture of tax cuts, reduction in government spending, as well as a federal bailout plan. The plan receives mixed reactions, with most economic experts saying all the plan would do is slow down the inevitable.

October 13th: Since he chose not to take public financing, Mitt Romney has a considerable financial advantage of Hillary Clinton, and has begun airing ads attacking Clinton for supporting tax hikes, as well as highlighting what he did in Salt Lake City.

I've had the experience of turning something around - look at the job I did at the Salt Lake City Olympics. I'm the only candidate in this race with the public and private sector experience needed to bring America out of this economic slump.
- Mitt Romney

Polling:
Who do you plan on voting for in the General Election?
Clinton/Rendell - 49%
Romney/Demint - 46%

Clinton: 269
Romney: 209

[tmthforu94]

Current Senate Projections: