Silver in the Sunshine State

Romney delivered his speech from St. Petersburg, Florida and it could have easily been one of his finest yet. He hit upon his core message of working towards strengthing our families, economy and military, while bringing change to Washington.

It's hard to even imagine McCain who championed the Democratic Party's platforms in Congress more times than he has supported conservative ideals as being the Repubican nominee. But, now that we are seeing a McCain - Romney match up, there is no better situation because of the stark contrast between these two candidates: a liberal McCain versus a conservative Romney. And, with rumors circulating that Giuliani will endorse McCain, could it become any clearer?

In the coming days, we might learn about what part of Mitt's message did not resonate with a majority of Florida voters, or how many voters changed their votes because of deceitful McCain campaign tactics.

Before Romney thanked his family, the volunteers, staff, local leaders, and politicians, Ann Romney stated that "Our hearts are warm and they are filled with gratitude." As Mitt mentioned some of the people assembled, two names stuck out to me: Mel Sembler, national finance co-chair of Romney for President, and Meg Whitman, CEO and President of eBay, and former colleague of Mitt Romney's at Bain & Company.

Mel Sembler has written about why he supports Mitt over at JTA:

As president, Mitt will govern by emphasizing his core principles: faith in free enterprise and free trade, accountability in education, personal responsibility, tolerance, strong families and a strong national defense. Our country faces what could be a defining moment in shaping its history, and I believe Mitt Romney can provide the kind of leadership that is sorely needed. Americans are losing faith in Washington and the ability of our elected officials to tackle the new generation of challenges facing the American people.

America needs a proven leader and executive like Mitt Romney, not another lifetime politician who has never run a corner store, let alone the largest enterprise in the world.

I am confident that millions of Americans will conclude, as I have, that America and its allies deserve nothing less than Mitt Romney as the next president of the United States.

Tomorrow night is the big debate at the Reagan Library and there's no telling what could go on, given the climate of the race. There's no doubt that Hucktard will stick to his personal attacks and McCain will invoke his image as a "maverick" which in plain terms means that he is game to sell us down the river at any time.

As always though, I remain optimistic because Mitt Romney's campaign is grounded in the principles of true conservatism. Super Tuesday will prove to be more interesting than most people predicted.