Maybe He Was Brainwashed

Mitt Romney has announced he will not run for re-election as governor of Massachusetts, leading to increased belief that he will run for President in 2008. But by choosing to give up his office, he is making a rather large mistake if indeed he wants to occupy the Oval Office.

The financial resources available to a sitting governor are enormous, and given the crowded field that is expected for the Republican primary in 08, cash is going to be a crucial determinant in being able to stay in the game. The competition for the same dollars from the same donors is going to be fierce--and Romney has just given away his best fundraising tool.

The national spotlight is going to be divided into very small pieces as well. Competing for media attention (especially with the likes of McCain and Rudy) is going to be another crucial test of a candidate's viability. Again Romney has forfeited his greatest asset by giving up his elected office.

The only way this makes sense at all is Romney has internal polls showing he can't win re-election. Even if his polling shows him significantly behind, this is a mistake. Winning a second term in deep indigo blue Massachusetts would be a powerful talking point headed into the 08 campaign season.

Romney's father (governor of Michigan) saw his campaign in 1968 collapse when he said he had "been brainwashed" on a visit to Vietnam regarding the war there...maybe it's hereditary!