Capitol Calling

11. Romney in St. Louis County

BACKGROUND: It's been decades since the governor of Massachusetts make a successful transition to the White House. As it turned out, former Bay State Gov. Mitt Romney did not break that streak.

Like former President Calvin Coolidge, Romney wasn't originally from Massachusetts. The similarities pretty much end there. Coolidge spent his entire career either in law or in politics, while Romney spent most of his adult life in the private sector. And unlike Coolidge - who is widely seen as the gold standard of let-it-be Republicanism - some GOPers were questioning Romney's conservative credentials.

But at least in Missouri, Romney was lining up some major support. Gov. Matt Blunt, former Sen. Jim Talent, House Speaker Rod Jetton and many more had endorsed Romney's campaign. That lead to Romney being the guest of honor at Lincoln Days, the top event for Missouri Republicans. In addition to making a speech, Romney answered a few questions from assembled reporters. At the time, military issues were prominent, so I asked him about whether his lack of foreign affairs experience would affect his hypothetical presidency.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: While the Republican primary in Missouri lost some steam, it still showcased some interesting endorsement dynamics. Even though Romney arguably had the most prominent support, he still ended up coming in third behind Mike Huckabee and John McCain. I think McCain's strong support of the "surge" in Iraq helped him capture the Republican nomination for president. And unfortunately for the Straight Talk Express, that focus on foreign affairs over economic matters probably went a long way toward his defeat to Barack Obama.

 

So in some ways, Romney was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Had he been the nominee, he may not have been able to defeat Obama. But his focus on economic matters probably would have made the election a lot closer. And it's the reason that Romney is probably - at least in my opinion - the front-runner to win the 2012 nomination. No, he's no universally liked. But I think he engendered some good will by bowing out early and helping McCain, even though I'm sure the two men don't like each other.

In any case, the event in Frontenac showed that big named support doesn't equate to electoral victory. After all, the person with arguably the fewest endorsements - McCain - took Missouri.

 

FUN FACT: Frontenac is home to the nicest mall in the world.  

#10...

Davis rules out auditor's race

Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O'Fallon, will not be running for state auditor next year.

Davis, a term-limited representative who established a "statewide" campaign finance committee, said in a press release she is endorsing House Budget Chairman Allen Icet's bid for auditor. She also used the release to criticize GOP candidate Thomas Schweich, Icet's main rival in the auditor contest.

“I plan on being a candidate in 2010, but not for Missouri State Auditor,” Davis said in a statement. "Allen is the best candidate Missourians could ask for in a State Auditor. Not only is Allen a proven fiscal conservative, but he is the only candidate who has experience in balancing a state budget."

I'm not sure how Davis would have fared in either a GOP primary or a general election cycle, especially given her penchant for making controversial statements. But there's a common political theory out there about how a female candidate can have an advantage in a three or four-way primary. That's one of the theories some have made about how Sandra Thomas won the 2006 GOP auditor primary.

Of course, that aforementioned theory didn't help Danie Moore win last year's Republican primary for the U.S. Ninth District House seat. And Clint Zweifel prevailed in a contested Democratic primary for state treasurer that also featured a female candidate. So, the theory is not bulletproof.

Of All Time!

  KMIZ sports anchor Kevin Lewis (right) is one of seven Milwaukee Bucks fans in the world.

As many people know, I was honored earlier this year to win "Columbia's Best Blogger" award from Inside Columbia. It was, of course, the reason for this rather interesting situation. The magazine didn't include 'Best Blogger' category this year, dashing my hopes of once again donning a prom dress. 

Darn.

But there are several friends who were nominated. And I would like to take a few moments to briefly endorse these people: 

The first person I endorse is Kevin Lewis, a sports anchor for KMIZ. Even though he's a little bit down Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Redd, he's a top-notch sportscaster who deserves your vote and support. And as you can see from the above photo, he's also apparently a great guest coach for the Missouri Tigers.

For best newspaper reporter, I offer a dual endorsement for T.J. Greaney and Caroline Dohack. Both work for the Columbia Daily Tribune. Greaney is a versatile reporter who also pens the region's best column - Against the Grain. And Dohack, a native of scenic Ripley County, provides Columbia with much-needed exposition into fashion, travel and everything in between. 

I would also highly beseech you all to vote for Josh "Big Pants" Windle as Columbia's favorite bartender. Not does "Pants" pour a mean drink, but he's also a tremendous guy to converse with at Eastside Tavern.

You can vote for your favorite Columbia-centric things at this Web site.