Former Mass. Governor Mitt Romney had the most support in a straw poll of Republican activists in a Washington annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with 21 percent support thus improving his efforts for the presidency significantly. Before this Republican conference, Sen. John McCain and former mayor, Rudy Giuliani were considered the favorites to win the nomination.
Romney’s campaign may have gained the momentum to compete with the two front-runners after receiving the political activists support.
Many of the Republican candidates for president were present at the conference including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani had 17 percent of the vote. Sen. John McCain decided not to attend the event and received 12 percent of the vote in the straw poll.
Senator, Sam Brownback of Kansas had 15 percent and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich of Georgia who will not decide on running until the fall received 14 percent of the vote. Both candidates were ahead of Sen. John McCain.
For the primaries, the winning candidate needs to appeal to his/her own political party and with the support given to Mitt Romney at the press conference, Romney has proven he is a legitimate challenger for the Republican nomination. Romney top five issues that must be addressed according to his official website are to defeat the jihadists, compete with Asia, simplify the tax system, stop runaway spending, and get immigration right.
“Immigration has been an important part in our nation’s success,” He said.
“The current system however puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest , yet those without skill and education are able to walk across the border.” Romney said on his website, www.mittromney.com.