Romney Aides Discussed Skipping Iowa
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) spent a lot of time and treasure in Iowa in 2008, and all he got was a lousy second-place finish behind Mike Huckabee (R).
So as Romney contemplates kicking off another bid for president, his team is considering a new approach. Sources tell us Romney's strategists have spoken with potential consultants about skipping the Iowa caucuses altogether and launching a campaign from New Hampshire.
That strategy first came up last summer in conversations with several possible advisers. But it's not clear how far along the planning has gotten, and sources emphasize that no final decisions have been made.
But Romney is clearly signaling that the Granite State will be his top priority in 2012. As I wrote in Thursday's On The Trail column, Romney has held several private meetings at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee, just north of Manchester and Concord, according to people who have attended the events, to garner support. The events are secretive; attendees are invited just a few days before and are asked not to share the information.
Romney's top advisers, including spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom, former campaign manager Beth Myers, lobbyist Ron Kaufman, and others are making Romney's presence felt in New Hampshire. Late last year, they held a Christmas party in Manchester with supporters.
Giving less attention to Iowa is a time-tested tradition. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) barely set foot in the state during the 2008 campaign; instead, he watched results roll in from New Hampshire, the state that saved his campaign. Bill Clinton, and almost every other Democrat running in 1992, skipped the state because home-state Sen. Tom Harkin (D) was also seeking the nomination.
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