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Former Massachussetts governor Mitt Romney launched his 2012 presidential bid by casting himself as the candidate most capable of solving America’s economic problems. Romney’s financial expertise gave him unique value to Republicans following his failed 2008 presidential bid as government bailouts, spending and deficits overshadowed social issues like abortion rights and gay marriage.
But it’s unclear whether Romney can broaden his appeal and capture the enthusiasm of the surging, anti-establishment tea-party activists as he runs again in 2012.
Republican presidential contest moves to Arizona and Michigan
(Eric Gay / AP)
Mitt Romney went on the attack while suddenly claiming the mantle of underdog as he seeks to avoid potentially devastating losses in upcoming GOP presidential primaries Arizona and Michigan.
Real-world issues, fantasy-land solutions
(Justin Sullivan / GETTY IMAGES)
Arizona debate presented a party adrift from reality.
Obama and the stimulus: A reader’s research sheds new light
We gave Mitt Romney Three Pinocchios for a claim about Obama and promises about the effect of the stimulus, but a reader has located some videos that may mitigate our ruling.
Rick Santorum loses ‘true conservative’ crown at Arizona debate
“Taking one for the team” may have cost the great lecturer on principles his crown as the “true conservative” in the GOP race.
Report: Debt will swell under top GOP hopefuls’ tax plans
(LAURA SEGALL / REUTERS)
A bipartisan group finds only Ron Paul’s plan pairs a big reduction in tax rates with even bigger cuts in spending.
Fact checking the CNN debate in Arizona
FACT CHECKER | We examine ten dubious statements, in what may be the last GOP debate of the 2012 primary season.
Arizona Republican debate: Romney good, Gingrich a zombie
Romney good, Santorum okay, Paul lucid, Gingrich a zombie.
Arizona Republican debate: mash-up in Mesa
These gatherings have excited and terrifying, and tonight promises to be no different.
Decoding Mitt Romney’s ‘1 percent’ rhetoric
(Gerald Herbert / AP)
At a campaign stop in Mesa, Ariz., the GOP primary candidate declared that his new tax plan wouldn’t help the “top 1 percent.”
Romney criticizes Obama’s tax proposal; offers glimpse of his own
The plan, details of which have been trickling out all week, would permanently reduce the marginal tax rate by about 20 percent across the board.
NBC News-Marist poll: Romney might need a Michigan Miracle
There’s a tension between what Republicans say they want in a nominee and who that nominee should be.
The GOP’s big donor advantage, and small donor problem
The question is, which group matters more?
Mitt Romney wins Detroit News endorsement
The move is a boost ahead of next week’s primary.
Romney gains in Mich.; religious freedom loses countrywide
Another look at the Michigan primary and contraception debate
Santorum is too strident for this ‘center-right’ nation
His rhetoric has gone so far to the right that even if he were to pivot towards the center he’ll still be far right.
Poll: Most Republicans want to avoid brokered convention
The survey shows GOP voters aren’t thrilled with the idea of a free-for-all at the national convention in Tampa.
Mitt Romney’s claim that Obama said stimulus would keep unemployment below 8 percent
FACT CHECKER | Did Obama tell America he “would hold unemployment below 8 percent?”
Today on the trail: Arizona debate eve
With one week remaining until the Arizona and Michigan primaries — and with the CNN debate in Mesa a day away — the GOP hopefuls are spread out across three different parts of the country.
Automaker bailout has costs and benefits for Romney, Santorum, Obama
No president could allow Detroit to implode.
Super PAC for Romney spent twice what it raised last month
Restore Our Future reported spending $13.9 million in January on ads, mailings and other activities in support of Mitt Romney, and raised $6.6 million during the same period,
Are presidential campaigns too cheap?
The costs of running for president have actually grown more slowly than inflation over the past century.
Another survey shows tight races for White House, Senate in Virginia
A fresh survey of Virginia shows exceedingly tight Senate and presidential matchups, the latest indication that the state is likely to host some of the nation’s closest contests in November.
President Obama and crony capitalism: Examining Mitt Romney’s claims
Mitt Romney claims the president used taxpayer money to manipulate markets and hook up political allies. Do Solyndra and the auto industry bailout qualify as “crony capitalism”?
Romney draws on 2002 Olympics in stumping for Utah votes
(Gerald Herbert / AP)
As Salt Lake City marks 10 years since hosting Winter Games, GOP hopeful points to his involvement.
Today on the trail: Homecoming
Three of the four GOP presidential hopefuls head to parts of the country they could consider their base of support.
Friday’s p-Op quiz: ‘Linsanity’ edition
Did someone really say that in the old days all ‘gals’ had to do was put Bufferin between their knees for contraception?
Jon Huntsman criticizes Mitt Romney’s China policy
Former Utah governor and ambassador to China Jon Huntsman (R) may be backing Mitt Romney, but he isn’t offering a full-throated endorsement of his former rival’s proposed China policy.
Romney holds wide lead in popular vote; Gingrich in second
In terms of the popular vote, the former Massachusetts governor is leaps and bounds ahead of his Pennsylvania rival.
Final pre-Super Tuesday debate falls apart
Mitt Romney will not take part in March 1 debate in Georgia — the final debate before Super Tuesday on March 6. And Rick Santorum and Ron Paul may join him.
Santorum says his position on auto bailout more consistent than Romney’s
Santorum said his opposition to the federal bailout of the auto industry offered a more consistent and conservative position than that of Romney.
Romney and Obama vie for title of most charitable; Santorum gave least to charity
Mitt Romney and President Obama gave about the same percentage of their 2010 income to charity. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum were far behind.
Tales of the 1040s
(The Washington Post / *not including returns of the family trusts or the Tyler Charitable Foundation Sources: White House, Newt.org, Mitt Romney’s campaign, Rick Santorum’s campaign)
Rick Santorum’s 2010 tax return showed the lowest income among candidates to date and the second-highest effective tax rate. Read related story.
Mitt Romney’s working class problem
THE FIX | If Mitt Romney loses in Michigan, it will probably be because less-affluent voters sent him packing.
Today on the trail: Romney, Santorum face off in Michigan
The two White House contenders spend the day in a key primary state.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to endorse Romney
(Carlos Osorio / AP)
The two men will appear at an event together on Thursday.
Romney’s big problem: A missing aura of electability
He is no longer obviously the most electable.
Obama, GOP candidates more hopeful about factory jobs
(Susan Walsh)
Obama and the Republicans trying to replace him offer a hopeful message amid the strongest uptick in manufacturing employment in 15 years.
How to follow the delegate race — in one chart
The Washington Post’s already-great delegate tracker has gone interactive.
Media should challenge Santorum and Gingrich’s ‘cafeteria Catholicism’
Moderators of upcoming debates should challenge them on their differences with papal decrees.
Mitt Romney’s opposition to auto bailout defended by Michigan surrogates
Three of Mitt Romney’s Michigan surrogates today defended his opposition to the 2009 auto industry bailout.
Campaign finance watchdog seeks Justice probe of ‘super PACS’
A watchdog group has asked the Justice Department to investigate two “super PACs” helping President Obama and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney.
Can money stop Rick Santorum?
(Charlie Litchfield / AP)
Rick Santorum’s is about to get buried.
Obama, former religious allies distant
(Franco Origlia / GETTY IMAGES)
You don’t call, you don’t write: “There’s no one there to pick up the bat phone.’’
Santorum off to an early start in the West
(Ted S. Warren)
Santorum has been meeting with pastors, condemning the expansion of same-sex marriage laws and of government, and touting his conservative values.
CNN Poll: Rick Santorum’s support stronger than Mitt Romney’s
Rick Santorum’s support is stronger, Democrats are shooting down rumors, Allen West has a primary challenger and Mitt Romney’s super PAC is spending another $1.5 million.
Should parties say farewell to caucuses?
The low-turnout contests have come under increased scrutiny this year.
Pre-game analysis: Michigan primary
A look at how the candidates are approaching the next contest.
Rick Santorum now rivals Mitt Romney in popularity, poll finds
(Stephen Brashear / GETTY IMAGES)
As Rick Santorum has become better known, the number of Americans with favorable views of him has gone up, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Romney backer Jim Talent, who voted for Medicare Part D, slams Santorum for supporting Medicare Part D
Sen. Jim Talent had an “oops” moment when he attacked Rick Santorum for supporting
Romney camp: We’ll win Idaho
As Rick Santorum visits the Gem State, Romney’s campaign is bringing out its top surrogates.
Santorum’s problem isn’t ‘insiderism,’ it’s economic literacy
His criticism of Santorum is off the mark.
Mitt Romney’s new Michigan ad: ‘This is personal’
In a new ad airing in Michigan, the former Massachusetts governor continues his recent focus on his own family history in Michigan.
Mitt Romney faces major test in Michigan primary, once thought an easy win
(Gerald Herbert / AP)
An upset could be a turning point in the Republican primary, finally setting up former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum as the alternative to Romney.
Mitt Romney, defending bailout position, says he’d be a ‘Detroiter in the White House’
The government should sell its remaining shares of GM, divesting itself of the ownership interest taken in the company as part of the 2009 bailout Mitt Romney argues in a Detroit News op-ed.
Romney’s toughest sale: His own conservatism
THE FIX | Mitt Romney spent much of his CPAC speech trying to convince the activists assembled that he’s truly one of them.
Romney allies spending $600,000 in Michigan
Mitt Romney’s attack machine heads to Michigan, Justice Breyer was robbed with a machete, Obama has a new “Truth Team” and Democratic debates are getting testy.
Ron Paul still waiting for elusive first victory
Rep. Ron Paul’s (R-Texas) campaign may have blown its best chance at winning a state in the Republican presidential contest last week in Maine.
As Santorum visits Washington state, Romney camp announces endorsements
Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are working to round up support in the Evergreen State, which holds its caucuses early next month.
Romney: ‘War against Israel is a war against all democracies’
“The war against Israel is a war against all democracies, including our own,” Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney said.
Why Obama’s budget is smart politics
THE FIX | President Obama’s budget proposal wouldn’t have gone over well in 2010. For 2012, though, it looks like a smart document.
Obama’s budget shines spotlight on Romney’s low millionaire tax rate
He proposes the Buffett Rule in his budget.
Comparing taxes under Obama’s and Romney’s budgets
How the two candidates would pay for the federal government.
Obama budget: National debt will be $1 trillion higher in a decade than forecast
(JEWEL SAMAD / AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
President Obama on Monday unveiled a $3.8 trillion spending plan that seeks to pump billions of dollars into the economy while raising taxes on the rich.
Campaign Ad 2012: Sponsored By Restore Our Future, Inc.
Campaign Ad 2012: Sponsored By Restore Our Future, Inc.
Today on the trail: Three go west
Gingrich, Romney and Santorum are hitting red and blue states on Monday.
GOP presidential race enters national phase
While the first month-plus of the GOP contest has been handled mostly one state at a time and has been dominated by many of the smaller states in the union, the next phase brings the race into bigger states holding their contests on the same day as one another.
Jay Mathews: Santorum’s success no shock to me — he’s the tallest
(JASON REED / REUTERS)
Did you think Rick Santorum’s campaign wins last week were a big surprise? Then you haven’t been reading my pieces every four years on what produces a winning presidential candidate: height.
CPAC 2012: Sarah Palin, motivator-in-chief
SHE THE PEOPLE | At the CPAC convention, the former vice presidential candidate had the audience enraptured as she fired off a year’s worth of sarcastic one-liners at “Professor Obama.”
Romney wins mask lingering questions about his candidacy
via CNN
Election 2012: Republicans united on goal — beat Obama — divided on how to get there
The GOP is united in its goal — beat Obama — but finds itself divided on how to do it.
CPAC straw poll: Mitt Romney wins
The former Mass. governor took 38 percent of the vote at the gathering of party activists in Washington on Saturday.
Ron Paul, Seamus allies team up outside Romney event
An unlikely group of protesters crosses paths outside Romney’s Portland town hall.
At CPAC, Santorum, Gingrich and Romney try to bag conservative activists
(Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST)
After months of sparring, Santorum, Gingrich and Romney each tried to bring the conservative movement into his corner at CPAC.
At combative town hall in Maine, Romney defends record, slams Obama contraception decision
Mitt Romney may be a native son of New England, but the reception voters gave him here in this northeastern state Friday was far from a hearty “welcome home.”
Nattering nabobs of negativism
(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
The GOP has an anger management problem.
CPAC 2012: Republican candidates speak on Day 2
(JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS)
The Fix team live-blogged day 2 of the Conservative Political Action Convention on Friday.
Mitt Romney was ‘severely conservative’ governor, he tells CPAC
(Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST)
“I know conservatism, because I have lived conservatism,” the former Massachusetts governor told a packed room at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Rick Santorum touts conservative pedigree
(Melina Mara / THE WASHINGTON POST)
“Conservatism did not fail our country,” the former Pennsylvania senator told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference. “Conservatives failed conservatism.”
Facing more key votes, Romney can't afford another stumble
via Reuters
Still no GOP goosebumps for a Romney candidacy
Romney paid 42 percent of 2011 income in taxes and charity
He has done more than his fair share for society
1 percent of Mitt Romney’s income would not put you in the top 1 percent
It’s still a lot of money though.
Florida GOP debate: Romney calls Gingrich ‘influence peddler,’ ramps up attacks
(EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
The Tampa Bay Republican debate on Monday night provided some early fireworks.
Mitt Romney’s 2010 tax return, Romney’s estimated 2011 filing (Full text)
(Nikki Kahn / THE WASHINGTON POST)
Washington Post staff writer Jia Lynn Yang has annotated the document with explanations of what each line item means and why it matters.
What the battle over Romney’s wealth is really about, in one poll finding
His unfavorability rating has spiked 20 points among blue collar whites.
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Former Massachussetts governor Mitt Romney launched his 2012 presidential bid by casting himself as the candidate most capable of solving America’s economic problems. Read the latest on Romney’s presidential campaign.