Caucus Diary: Mitt Romney competes in Iowa and N.H. as rivals focus on one or other
[fragment number=0]
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – While the rest of the Republican presidential field seeks a win in one or the other of the two lead-voting states, Mitt Romney campaigned in both yesterday.
It not only supported his boast of being a national candidate, but it also aimed at scoring perhaps insurmountable back-to-back wins in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.
But before he returned to New Hampshire for a spaghetti supper that prevented rival Jon Huntsman from having the state to himself all day, Romney competed in Iowa with the rest of the GOP field with an appearance alongside New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
(The other caucus leader, congressman Ron Paul, took a day off from campaigning to return home to Texas.)
Those who endured a truly bitter wind and flecks of snow outside a Hy-Vee grocery store also got to size up what some project as a potential 2012 ticket: Romney-Christie.
The New Jersey governor played the part as a campaign surrogate, accompanying Ann Romney on a visit to Cedar Rapids after her husband departed for his 24-hour trip back East.
But before that, Christie also warmed up the Hy-Vee crowd with his best Jersey Boy impression.
“I’m in a good mood this morning. I’m feeling happy and upbeat. I love being with Mitt and Ann, but let me tell you: You people disappoint my on Tuesday, you don’t do what you’re supposed to do on Tuesday for Mitt Romney, I will be back, Jersey-style, people,’’ the governor warned.
In his remarks, Romney strummed a patriotic chord, recalling trips his parents took him to national parks as a child.
“My Mom and Dad wanted me to fall in love with America, and fall in love I did,’’ he said.
Romney accused President Obama of threatening the country by pursuing policies that will create an “entitlement’’ society, rather than an “opportunity’’ society.
Later in the day, rival Rick Santorum chose a warmer venue for one of his stops: a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Ames, where local Iowa State University supporters watched their football team play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers.
Iowa State lost.
REPORTER’S DIARY:
Date: Friday, Dec. 30, 2011
Locations: Des Moines; West Des Moines, Iowa; Ames, Iowa; Des Moines.
Mileage driven: 91 miles
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com