From the Republic: We believe the nation’s best opportunity to escape the compounding woes of spiraling debt and economic stagnation lies with a president who believes in the free market’s capacity to heal its own wounds.

That leader is Romney. The nation’s economy now is in desperate need of the kind of jobs-creating animal spirits that President Romney would encourage.

The economy indisputably will benefit, perhaps significantly, from a flatter, fairer system of taxation along the lines proposed by Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan.

It will benefit, too, from a regulatory environment that does not smother small businesses with punitive, anti-competitive, hoop-jumping requirements that favor their bigger competitors. We expect a Romney administration to foster that kind of growth-oriented, business-friendly environment.

But, more to the point, we expect better job growth in a Romney economy mostly because Mitt Romney does not fear or dislike a free-wheeling, growing, free-market economy.

We cannot say the same of President Obama.

The editors remind the reader that President Obama has worked diligently to promote the view government not individuals grow the economy casting aside the long held belief that small business is the backbone of the country.

The reason Obama’s infamous “You didn’t build that” comment on July 13 in Roanoke, Va., resonated among his political opponents wasn’t because it revealed some great secret.

It resonated because it validated a suspicion that the president has done little to dismiss. He has consolidated federal power and reach in health care, banking, the auto industry and energy production. He has fostered the view that all good economic things flow from Washington.

It’s an interesting review. The state of Arizona continues to struggle with the poor housing market, foreclosures, and unacceptable unemployment numbers. Most analysts put the state in the red column so perhaps the Republic is just hoping to gain approval and perhaps subscriptions among its readers. Never the less, an endorsement by the newspaper of record for the of Arizona is still a coup for the Romney-Ryan team.

You can read the entire editorial at the Republic’s website AZCentral.

While the majority of the media sat around waiting for missing ballots, Politico delivered what could very well be the death nail in Mr. Mitt “The Only Electabale Candidate” Romney’s coffin: the declaration that John McCain is set to endorse Mitt Romney.

The really strange thing is that the Republican Establishment still does not seem to get it! We The People have had enough of the same ole’ “politics as usual” game. The Republican Party has played the game for years, and we’ve all just gone along to get along, so to speak. One would think the mid-term elections in 2010 would have sent the message loud and clear to The Establishment, but, they still don’t seem to get it. We The (Conservative) People do not care that they The Establishment say it’s Mitt Romney’s “turn” to run for President. That’s all he’s been doing for four years now.

So many of us have said we are sick and tired of having to hold our nose and vote for the “lesser of two evils“. That’s what we were stuck with in the 2008 election, with John McCain and Barack Obama. Mitt Romney was in full swing back then, as well, and as Politico stated:

“The Arizona senator fought a bitter nomination battle with Romney four years ago, though Romney has worked to mend the relationship since then. “

The saying is definitely true…. “politics sure makes strange bed fellows.” Bitter rivals in 2008 now on the “same team” in 2012? That pretty much sums up the whole attitude of The Establishment: it’s all a game to them. They spout a few endearing words here and there about taking our country back, restoring her and the principles she was founded on, but they are hollow words at best. It’s nothing but one big game to all of them.

John McCain’s endorsement of Romney should shake the Tea Party into full action. Things have been a little too quiet in that camp since the 2010 election. Rick Santorum’s virtual win in Iowa should be the kick in the pants the Tea Party needs to get them moving again. While Rick Santorum “officially” lost to Mitt Romney, it was by a mere 8 vote. Eight votes! That’s all that kept Rick Santorum  from an “official” win in Iowa last night.

Mitt Romney has been campaigning since the 2008 election (and before, in reality), and has spent millions of dollars. Rick Santorum spent “next to nothing”, and campaigned the good ole fashioned way: “riding around in a borrowed pickup”, shaking the hands of the constituents and asking for their vote.

Rick Santorum is by no means “new” to politics, and has some marks against him, but as my colleague so eloquently stated:

“…Santorum is much less polished and much more human than Romney…”

If there were ever any questions about Mitt Romney, the fact that John McCain will now endorse him should clearly define our reality: politics is nothing but a game, literally! The Republican Party and Super PAC’s will continue to throw millions of dollars behind Mitt Romney, and essentially buy the election.

If ever there were a time in this nation’s history for people to stand up and shout, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”, this is it! No more “politics as usual!” It is NOT Mitt Romney’s “turn” to run for President simply because some elite few think they are the ones to make our decisions for us. If The Establishment has their way, John McCain’s endorsement of Mitt Romney will be the “defining moment” of this election, not the death nail.

In a perfect world Rick Santorum would not have been the perfect choice going into this battle. However, pulling the lever for him will be MUCH easier than pulling the lever for John McCain ever was! When push comes to shove, if Rick Santorum becomes the Republican nominee, voting will not be nearly as disgusting this time around. One can definitely hope!

Indeed, Mr. Santorum: “GAME ON!”

“Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life in the private sector, as leader of the Olympics, as governor, and in this campaign that he will not back down from difficult challenges. His plans to revitalize the private sector and restore our country’s fiscal health are drawn from his 25 year career as a conservative businessman.”  -Sen John Thune

Is Mitt the “inevitable” candidate?  Or do these endorsements, ultimately, amount to nothing?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Fiscally responsible former Governor of New Mexico continues to garner support nationwide

May 17, 2011, Santa Fe, NM – Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson today announced that he has received the official endorsement of legendary entertainer Willie Nelson and the National Teapot Party, which Nelson co-founded.  The endorsement comes following a meeting between Johnson and Nelson last week, and marks the first presidential endorsement for the Teapot Party.

Upon hearing the news of the endorsement, Governor Johnson said, “I am truly gratified to have the endorsement of such a legendary entertainer and champion for individual rights as Willie Nelson.” Johnson continued, “Not only is Willie a superstar talent but, he is a strong advocate for social change, as seen through his tireless work on behalf of family owned farms and hard working Americans.  People across this country are demanding the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams without interference from a heavy-handed government, and Willie and I stand together to lend our voices to those demands.”

Recently, Governor Johnson appeared in the first Republican Presidential debate on FOX News. Throughout the debate, Governor Johnson reinforced his reputation and credentials as the most fiscally conservative governor in modern times, including his unmatched record of vetoing 750 bills. Governor Johnson was the only candidate to discuss sensible drug policy, advocating a cost-benefit analysis of the War on Drugs. As part of his drug policy platform, Johnson reiterated his unequivocal support of marijuana legalization, stating, “I advocate legalizing marijuana – control it, regulate it, tax it.”

Serving as the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003, Johnson formally announced his candidacy for President of the United States in April from the New Hampshire State House.

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Update: It seems Willie Nelson has had a change of heart on his endorsement for Gary Johnson.

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