We’ll assume that FR readers who care are watching the debate live, or will catch the video stream at CNN.com. Nick and I are so close…but yet so far. We’re upstairs in the Spin Room, which is just a few hundred feet from the Air Force One hanger where the debate is taking place. So far, 25 minutes into the debate, our point made below that there is no Ronald Reagan in the race is being reinforced. Neither Nick nor myself have been impressed thus far.… Read More

I’m not sure which is worse… CNN’s repeated cutting off of Ron Paul… Or the fact that Paul doesn’t seem to be capable of sticking up for himself…… Read More

If you accept the notion that John McCain is the frontrunner for the nomination, then if you are Mitt Romney, you have to be on the offensive. You want John McCain in the hot seat. As we sit here, most of the way through this debate, clearly it has been Romney on the defense. If this doesn’t change, Romney’s ability to try and “win” the debate will be non-existant. McCain isn’t breaking a sweat tonight.… Read More

The other day I put up a video of what I thought was a very effective Giuliani ad (guess not so much!). A loyal FR reader sent me a link to the following ad by Citizen’s United — a very effective piece against McCain… … Read More

Nick Romero and I have finally made it to the “spin room” here at the Reagan Library. The security here is pretty hardcore, but somehow Nick and I have our names on the media list as “credentialed journalists” – go figure. We had to park off site, and shuttle over with a bunch of real reporters. Now that we’re here, we’ll go see how many reporters bash on Republicans when they “think” no one is listening.… Read More

FR Friend Joel Fox has been a McCain for President man for a long time, having served as a Statewide Co-Chair for his run in 2000. He’s President of the Small Business Action Committee. *Later on I will be posting a piece from Assemblyman Bob Huff that talks about his decision to endorse Mitt Romney, and is quite critical of McCain — so for all of those looking for balance — it’s coming…*

So without further introduction, Joel’s piece on McCain:

The California budget mess should echo with Republican voters as they consider their vote in the upcoming presidential primary election. Out-of-control spending has crippled California’s fiscal standing. In Washington, pork barrel spending destroys common sense and undermines the voters’ respect for the stewards of our tax dollars. Controlling Washington’s proliferate ways is one important… Read More

Tonight Senator John McCain won big in Florida. It is obviously the big story.

The story that should stand out to political observers is the impact Florida Governor Charlie Crist is having in his state. Crist stepped up to endorse McCain a few days ago. He helped shape the outcome of the race for President.

The key thing is that Crist is not just celebrating a victory for McCain tonight. He is celebrating a huge victory at the polls tonight as his state just voted in favor of a $9 billion property tax cut.

California state government faces a deficit of at least $18 billion. Florida meanwhile just passed tax CUTS totaling half of that. Imagine. I predict that we will see a tax increase considered in Sacramento before the end of the summer.

Look for Florida Governor Charlie Crist to be a regular name mentioned when Vice-Presidential… Read More

Assembly Republican Caucus Chairman Bob Huff recently endorsed Mitt Romney for President. In sharing his thoughts about that endorsement, he shares both things he admires about Romney, and serious reservations he has about John McCain. Happy reading:

First, the disclaimer: I’m a fiscal and social conservative looking for a presidential candidate who shares my values. When I first heard Romney, I found him to be very smart, articulate, and he connected with me. I was impressed with his MBA from Harvard, his very successful business career taking over ailing businesses and turning them around, as well as his success as a Republican governing in a very Democratic state – no easy challenge. His experience turning around the struggling Salt Lake Winter Olympics exemplifies his can-do attitude and abilities. … Read More