Quad-City Times: "Romney Stands Alone"

Like many Iowans, we've kicked the tires on the 2012 Republican presidential fleet of candidates, looking for the one who offers the best shot at substantively challenging President Barack Obama. After seeing all the candidates and interviewing five of them this season, the Times Editorial Board supports the one Iowans have kicked around the longest: Mitt Romney.

 

Before Romney even launched his 2012 campaign, he'd spent more time in Iowa than any of the current or former GOP candidates. 

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During those visits, we've found an articulate, polished chief executive with a range of business and governing experience that far exceeds his rivals. More than any other caucus contender, Romney acts as if his sights are set on the presidency, not just a nomination.

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We do not want to see the president face a token challenge in 2012.

 

Romney presents a far more serious challenge than any other caucus contender.

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Romney stands not as a last resort, but as a solid, first preference.

 

Like Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Sen. John McCain, Romney makes his second presidential bid as a much stronger candidate. We wished we'd have seen him more often this go-round. But his choice of a national - not just Iowa - strategy affirms our belief that his sights are set on the presidency, not just a nomination.

 

We support Mitt Romney in the Jan. 3, 2012 Iowa Republican caucuses.