So yes, that’s a violation of one of the classic tenets of conservatism right there. Fiscal conservatism even, which you go at lengths to defend him being.

And RNC is the organization, NRCC is the post discussed in the national party organization. Note the thread I quoted at the top. Same abbreviation.

However, as we pursue new trade agreements, I’m far less interested in just getting an agreement signed than I am in getting an agreement signed that is good for America. I promise you that any nation that unfairly manipulates its currency, steals our patents and designs, dumps unsafe products in our markets, or stifles the American goods in their market place, will face a very aggressive President across the negotiating table.

Now let me be clear, I strongly support free trade, but free trade has to be fair in both directions. And when the playing field is level, America can compete with any country in the world. And we will win.

Maybe I’m ignorant of Free Trade principles or something, but I really am not seeing where Romney repudiated Free Trade here, rather than unfair trading practices. Another thing I’m seeing is that he is rather unsubtly pointing with all fingers and toes to China.

Heck, the main rap against Romney isn’t that he governed as a liberal but that he campaigned in 1994 (in 23 of 24 issues he was perfectly in line with the Contract with America) and 2002 as one - in fact, Reagan himself couldn’t have done any better in a state with a 137-19 Democrat House and a 35-5 Democrat Senate.

As Governor of Massachusetts he was a fiscal conservative - you really should look it up. On the social conservative front, he was at the forefront of the fight against the Goodridge decision, against the ruling that all hospitals (even Catholic ones) should provide abortion services.

Dislike Romney all you want. But he’s a good man and he’s been nothing but a loyal soldier. He doesn’t deserve the crap you’re dumping on him.

PS: It is the RNC, not the NRCC.

And not being a “perfect conservative” isn’t even the issue. His record is about as consistently conservative as Obama’s is centrist. Great, his rhetoric in the primary was conservative (well, other than the whole Michigan thing, and what do conservatives care about Free Trade anyway eye roll). Tell me, what did he ever do as Gov. that proves he’s one of us?

I don’t care that he’s a Mormon. But he was a Mormon when he held all those left of center social views as Governor too. When he left office he conveniently “evolved” so he could run for office. yay. That’s supposed to convince me? Lots of Catholics support abortion rights too in office. Claiming to have faith does not prove that the person will act on it in office. Romney never did before.

If I’m not supposed to be convinced when Obama panders to me on issues because his record shows otherwise, consistency demands we hold Romney to the same standard.

As far as Huckabee goes (and I’m not on his bandwagon either), at least he was honest where he differs from the rank and file. Tell me, what core issue of Romney’s campaign wasn’t at variance with his entire record?

So no, I do not want an Establishment Republican who was obviously trying to pander to the base in the Primary by masking his record under rhetoric…just like Obama…leading the party ever. Someone can send him on the junket circuit for cash if you believe he’s great for money. Don’t tell us that he should be doing any strategy with that cash though.

Simply put, like him or not, Romney knows how to raise money. He’s also got a good head about him in terms of how to spend it. He may not be the perfect candidate, but his particular skill set could be quite useful for the NRCC.

(Personally, though, I believe that Romney’s downfall in the primaries was largely due to conservative Republicans splitting their votes between him and the populist Huckabee, leaving McCain as the last one standing. But, just to be fair, if 2008 proves Romney should never run again, it proves the same for Huckabee.)