Here is the official press release:
Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced today that Matt Rhoades, who has held senior positions on major presidential campaigns and at the Republican National Committee, will serve as the PAC’s executive director.
“Matt Rhoades has one of the sharpest political minds in the business. He’s been a friend and an adviser for several years now and I’m pleased that he has agreed to run the day-to-day operations of my Free and Strong America PAC. He shares with me the view that 2010 is going to be a critical election year, with many races and lots of opportunities to elect Republican candidates,” said Governor Romney.
Rhoades is currently a Vice President with DCI Group, which advises clients on media, public relations and communications strategies. He replaces Peter Flaherty, who will become a Senior Adviser to the PAC.
He previously served as Communications Director for Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign, where he oversaw all message, response, regional media and research operations. During the 2006 election cycle, Rhoades was a Deputy Communications Director in charge of research for the Republican National Committee. He also was Research Director for the 2004 Bush/Cheney re-election campaign.
Rhoades also has held the position of White House Liaison at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in the Bush Administration. Prior to that, he was an Associate Director in the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
Mike Allen’s Politico Playbook calls it
One of the first big moves of 2012 —
K-Lo had this to say:
This is a staffing sign of seriousness from Mitt Romney: Matt Rhoades, who ran his communications shop in 2008, and was research director for the 2004 Bush/Cheney re-election campaign, is rejoining him, as executive director of his Free and Strong America PAC. Looks like a (re)gearing up.
Politico’s Ben Smith adds:
Rhoades, who’s moving to Boston, is a well-regarded guy whose return to Romney pretty much confirms what will surprise nobody: That he’s running in 2012. He’s also, incidentally, been valued for his relationship with a key player in any GOP primary, Matt Drudge.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Captian Milktoast!
I hope Palin hires Breitbart’s Folks.
She already hired the founders at conservatives4palin.com
February 15th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
BAGHDADReport,
I am sure that Romney is shaking in his boots for fear of having to face down all the Baghdadians4Palin.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
AKReport: #1
Why the snide remarks? That proves how ignorant you are to the world of Presidential primaries and clueless as to what needs to happen…. Romney is in the big leagues and is doing what needs to be done.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Don’t do it Mitt! I’m your friend and a 2012 run will only end in heartbreak!
February 15th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
This move is one of natural progression toward an eventual run, but it is done now to facilitate an escalation of the PACs work running up to the mid-terms. Matt takes Peter Flaherty’s place, though Flaherty was doing this as a part-time consultant. (Flaherty will continue as a senior advisor to Romney and the PAC.) The PAC now has a full-time communication and strategy expert. That will substantially increase their engagement with 2010 races.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Mitt is running. All doubt has now been removed. BTW, Drudge has always been onboard, and Hannity and Ingraham have both recently said they’re voting for Romney. All the pieces are falling into place.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Heartbreak for you, Flip.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
“Hannity and Ingraham have both recently said they’re voting for Romney.”
that was in 2008
Hannity is for Palin, same with laura.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
1. AKReport, She’s going to have to do better than a couple of bloggers if she’s serious. I know she has a few substantial people on board, but it will be interesting to see if she can attract some real help.
Some people say she’s brilliant and has the right political instincts and blah, blah, but it seems to me that she basically flies by the seat of her pants most of the time. That just won’t work when things get real.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
i’d take what hannity, beck, rush, and even Ingraham say with a grain of salt. reason being is that they are entertainers and are pushing the buttons of their listeners. They have to gcve you a reason to tune in and listen so they will tell you what you want to hear
February 15th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
This hiring just reconfirms what everyone already knows; Romney is running for President in 2012 and he is going to be a much stronger contender this time around. Unless a candidate appears to challenge Romney for moderate Republicans, he’ll lock those up against the likes of Palin and Huckabee.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I’m tempted to debate Martha, but I don’t want her to get banned again.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
If there was ever a candidate to be banned, it is you. You are well known for using few brain cells.
There is no way that Palin even gets out of the gate. In fact, I serious doubt she even runs. If she does run, she is in for a big dis-appointment. If she can’t handle being governor of Alaska, there is no way she can handle a presidential run.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Any citation to support this assertion at all?
As for Drudge, he seems to be in love with Brown and Palin at the moment given the articles that he has posted on the front page recently.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Jon,
Maybe moderate Republicans in the Northeast but Huckabee and even Palin seem to be doing well with moderate Republicans in other regions of the country (see the recent Alabama poll unless you believe that the moderate Republicans in Alabama are dramatically diffferent from the moderate Republicans in New Mexico and other non-Northeastern states).
February 15th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban’s Top Commander
The Taliban’s top military commander was captured several days ago in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to American government officials. The commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is an Afghan described by American officials as the most significant Taliban figure to be detained since the American-led war in Afghanistan started more than eight years ago. He ranks second in influence only to Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban’s founder, and was a close associate of Osama bin Laden before the Sept. 11 attacks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/asia/16intel.html?pagewanted=print
Commanders Say Fighting Narrows in Afghan Offensive
As heavy fighting in the insurgent stronghold of Marja carried into its third day, the number of Taliban fighters in the area has dropped by about half, American and Afghan commanders said Monday. About a quarter of the 400 Taliban fighters estimated to be in Marja when the Afghan-American operation began early Saturday have been killed, officers said. A similar number of Taliban appear to have fled the area, including most of the leaders, and local Afghans were offering help ferreting out Taliban fighters and hidden bombs, they said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/asia/16afghan.html?hp=&pagewanted=print
February 15th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
You can bet one thing, the formerly main stream (now lame stream) media will be promoting Romney (over Palin) — the same way they promoted McCain (over Romney) in 2008?
What does that tell you?
It tells me that Romney is to 2012 as McCain was to 2008! (losers — don’t excite the base — albeit if the current state of the Dems continue, Romney, albeit weak, could beat the Dems).
Romney is yesterday’s news. Palin is the future of the GOP and the USA. She (not Romney) defeated Obama and Obamacare (“death panels” etc.), she, NOT Romney, deserves and will secure the GOP nomination!
February 15th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
#8,
“Hannity is for Palin, same with laura.”
I’m sure you can back up your claim with LINKS ans DOCUMENTATIONS that states that Hannity and Ingram have fallen off the Romney wagon. Until you do, We will just have to except their previous endorsement.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
ROMe NExt…
With all due respect, of course Hannity and Ingraham (and Limbaugh et al) were for Romney in 2008 (over McLame) — but now, in 2012, get real! Of course Hannity and Ingraham etc. strongly support Palin over Romney for 2012.
Heck, in 2008, I favored Romney (over McCain and the rest; that was a diferent time and there was no Palin then anyway)
February 15th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
#18, #19,
Links! Proof! With All Do Respect!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
#20.
sorry,
“………Due……”
February 15th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Proof you want? I regularly listen to Hannity, Ingrham and Limbaugh — they UNDOUBTEDLY WANT PALIN wayyyyyyy more than Mitt.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
… and, again, with all due respect, the fact that you would think otherwise (whether YOU like Palin or not) conveys a lack of any political acuity on your part.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Heck, even Howie Carr, a long time close Romney friend on Boston Conservative Talk Radio, has essentially endorsed Palin OVER Romney.
1. Romney is so yesterday.
2. Massachusetts RomneyCare is a killer for Romney.
3. The GOP base doesn’t arise to Romney; but more than loves Palin!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Hannity wanting Palin is proof she’s a joke, just like him.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
22, 23, 24,
Can you say, HEARSAY?
When you HEAR IT FROM THEIR LIPS, and can provide LINKS/DOCUMENTATION, let us know. I’m sure it would deserve it’s own thread. I won’t hold my breath.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
ROMe NExt..
I’ve heard it from their own lips!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
and ROMe NExt, when I say “heard it”, that means listening to the “music” along with the “words”!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
27, 28,
LINKS, my friend! LINKS!!!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
links, links, OK have it your way; you are blind my fellow!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
30,
LINKS!!! If this where true, Palinites would be screaming this from the roof tops…it would be BIG NEWS…….LINKS….AND MORE LINKS……LINKS EVERYWHERE……
February 15th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
I think the likes of Hannity, Ingraham, and Levin like Palin and Romney for different things. Palin is a greater energizer and spokesperson for conservative causes. To an extent to reminds me of Huckabee. I likable person and one the people could easily befriend. To the radio hosts, I think they see Romney on a different level. Think about it this way, if Palin and Huckabee appeal to the same voters and have similar personas, why did the hosts endorse Romney over Huckabee.
Just because the radio hosts stand up for Palin and defend her remarks do not make them her supporters during a primary race. Wake me up when they say they prefer Palin OVER Romney. These are not casual political watchers, they know the limitations of each candidate.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
#32,
Well said my friend!
Do not fall asleep until they endorse Palin. I fear that you will miss a lot and have a beard equal to none!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Michael in NY and ROMe NExt, do you honestly believe those guys would pick Romney over Palin???!!!???
And btw, in a GOP primary, Palin would beat Romney straight out!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
24. Jack says, “Romney is so yesterday.” “The GOP base doesn’t arise to Romney; but more than loves Palin!”
According to the last poll that came out, Romney had more support than Palin. Romney has consistently been in the top three since 2008, along with Palin. Jack you are not very good at being informed are you? You are good at making general statements without providing links.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
ROMe NExt, so you’re honeslty saying you think Hannity, Ingraham and Limbaugh prefer Romney over Palin for 2012???
February 15th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
34,
If you say so!
What Polls are you looking at?
LINKS…….LINKS…….give me (CURRENT) links!!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
37. He doesn’t have any, because they don’t exist. We have to rely on his political intuition.
February 15th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
#36,
Until they SAY (from their LIPS) otherwise, YES!!!!!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Rome and Pablo,
Here is where Jack is getting his information.
http://www.pollingreport.com/2012.htm
In three of the four polls conducted after October of the 2012 primary race, Palin finishes ahead of Romney (Washington Post, CNN, Daily Kos/Research 2K).
February 15th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Tommy Boy, once again you are the most rational Palin supporter on this site. Thank you for the links.
I have no problem admitting that Palin is a little bit more popular than Romney. I do have a problem with the insanity that the base doesn’t like Romney. How does he consistently finish in the top three in polls, sometimes with more support than Palin?
Jack said that Romney was yesterday’s news. That is a stupid statement that is not backed up by the link that you just posted.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
#40,
In the MOST CURRENT polls:
1. KOS was a Push Poll. Had an extra question about Palin and CLEARLY BIASED
That leaves, GALLUP, FOX, and Marist.
Gallup and Fox have Romney AHEAD in those numbers. Marist, DOESN’T MENTION ROMNEY and SMELLS of KOS. How can Palin win Polls where Romney isn’t mentioned????
I have it 2 for Romney.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
#42
Kos was not push poll. The extra question about Palin came after the 2012 question. You can argue that it used a too conservative sample but it certainly was not a push poll.
The Fox poll was almost taken nine months ago and the Marist poll was taken six months ago.
The polls I cited to were polls taken after mid-October. I think the polls prior to August are dated at this point considering that Palin was still the governor at that time and not as active in national politics as she is now, healthcare/terrorism replaced the economy as the #1 issue, and of course, the clemencies.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
43,
FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Jan. 12-13, 2010
Gallup Poll. Feb. 1-3, 2010. Nationwide.
Marist College Marist Poll. Feb. 1-3, 2010
Daily Kos poll conducted by Research 2000. Jan. 20-31, 2010.
These are taken from the link you supplied. ALL are fairly current.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
#44 How is Romney leading in Fox? Fox didn’t poll a 2012 primary race in the January 2010 poll.
Marist didn’t poll a 2012 primary contst in its February poll.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Can we at least admit that both Palin and Romney are popular within the Republican party and the base?
February 15th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
45,
I COPIED and PASTED the FOX and MARIST headings from the link you provided. Does your link have the dates wrong?
February 15th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Rome,
C’mon man. You know what I’m saying. I’m saying that the Fox and Marist polls that you are citing did not poll a matchup between Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Gingrich, etc.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
45,
Isn’t the GALLUP/CNN POLL, THE MOST CURRENT?
Is it better to be ahead in the most CURRENT POLL or an OLDER POLL?
February 15th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
48,
Isn’t Palin and Romney the Republicans in Question?
Didn’t FOX and Gallup/CNN survey voters about PALIN and ROMNEY?
February 16th, 2010 at 12:00 am
ROMNEY / DeMINT in 2012!
February 16th, 2010 at 12:42 am
In 2008 I was for Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney,they were much,much better choice than McCain.
That was then,today is new reality.
Sarah Palin is such fofmidable force,I can not see any chance for good old Mitt.He’s typical
“mr establishment”, it’s not in vogue anymore.
Sarah Palin has Tea Party,grassroots in palm of her hand.Nothing and nobody can stop her.
Mitt Romney is wasting his time and money.But it’s OK,he has plenty of both.
You guys are enjoying arguing about various polls,and that’s fine.
All these polls at this time are worthless and meaningless.
Remember,Rudy was right at the top at one time.How good that did for Rudy?
February 16th, 2010 at 1:41 am
It’s too early for polls, but anyone who values preparation, analytical skills, temperament, intellect, over passion, sound bites (soundy/bities?), discipline over roguey/mavericky posturing, sense over nonsense, well, there isn’t a poll needed.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Tex, try not to be so naive. As much as I believe Palin is a joke, I don’t dismiss the obvious support she enjoys among a segment of the base.
Romney has key players in every state still on board with him, and has a solid base of support all over the country. He is the front-runner, and tops every poll, along with Huck and Palin. Not only that, he’s doing the real work of being prepared. He doesn’t just have 10 lines, he knows the issues deeply, and has a plan to move forward with them. Palin doesn’t come close in these important factors.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:42 am
BTW Tex, I am the base, and she doesn’t have me.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:43 am
53. Wish I could have said it so well.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:46 am
#52 – I agree that Mitt Romney was a much, much better choice than McCain and that polls are meaningless at this point – but I think you over-estimate Sarah Palin. “Nothing and nobody can stop her??” Nobody has to stop her – she’ll quit before she ever gets started. Over 70% of Americans already know the obvious – she’s not qualified to be the POTUS. I disagree with you that being “Mr. Establishment” is a bad thing. The country just took a chance and elected the first black President – and now we have voter’s remorse. We are going to take another chance in 2012 and elect the first woman to the POTUS?? even though more than 70% of us don’t believe she’s qualified?? I don’t think so – after three more years of the Obamination – the old establishment candidate is going to be welcomed back with open arms as hope and change give way to, “let’s just go back to the way things used to be”.
February 16th, 2010 at 2:32 am
53
In 2008 Mitt Romney had plenty of preparation,same analytical skills,his temperament or intellect
were same as today,yet,he lost to McCain,ultimate loser.
Ronald Reagan had less than 10 lines(that counted} and is still MAGNUS RONALDUS.
Sara Palin is not Republican hack,she has always been her own boss,that’s why she’s
loved and admired,yes,PASSIONATELY,by many,many millions.
Put this in your pipe and smoke it!
February 16th, 2010 at 2:39 am
54
So you think Sarah Palin is a joke.Libs use that word,Alinsky rule #4,are you one of them?
Are you one of those that called Ronald Reagan joke,stupid…when he was running for President?
February 16th, 2010 at 3:07 am
57 Kevin
So,you like establishment.
Let’s see how far did we get with “establishment”:
During George W we went to war with Iraq.Country that never attacked,never intended and never
was capable of harming USA.Thousands of young Americans dead,tens of thousands maimed and disfigured,zillions of dollars spent that we don’t have,”establishment” borrowed from China
and our future generations.
If that wasn’t enough,W “mr establishment” was spending our money and money of our children
like drunk sailor in a brothel bar,on domestic “programs”.
Then,our dear “establishment” spent zillions of our money that we don’t have to bail out
crooks,fat cats bankers,etc…
Sarah Baracuda is the ONLY person that have character,spine and hate for crooks(she proved it in Alaska)
to clean up Washington swamp.
February 16th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Hey Palin haters,
Where did you go?
What happened?!
February 16th, 2010 at 9:21 am
61. Tex, you’re not rational, so it’s hard to have a conversation with you.
Anyway, Ronald Reagan and Palin have nothing in common. I proudly voted for him twice.
Palin is the only one with character, spine, hate for crooks? Oh brother. She has one set of rules for herself, and another for everyone else when it comes to ethics and telling the truth. If she had a spine, she would still be gov.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I have no doubt that Romney will have a well-funded, professional organization. He had the same thing in 2008. But that’s not a substitute for grass-roots support, so Romney will fail once Republicans find a viable conservative alternative. The only issue is who that person will be.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:54 am
63. That person will be hard to find, especially in light of all the factors you mentioned. Romney has plenty of grassroots support. Why else would he poll at the top so consistently?
February 16th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
62
You sure like to throw insults and call people names.
This is why it’s hard to have conversation.
Once you start talking with civility,maybe it will be much easier.
Sarah Palin cleaned up corruption in Alaska and sent several crooks in jail.
Any other governor done it,anytime,anywhere?!
February 16th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
#24,are you still knockout from last election and not wake-up yet? one mistake is enough friends,no more repeat it.Yes! Palin was 2008 and Mitt is 2012(John and Palin were defeat or knockout by Obama,but you never learned from your mistake)I am guaranty that if the republican party opened their eyes,and nominee the right leader Mitt,now America will be better off than today.Most of America said yours Palin is not qualify for the presidency but most of America see Mitt is the right man for the right job.American people want a great leader,a best experience,and an economy expert like Mitt come to rescue America for America,they don’t want a great talker like Obama any more.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
65, How many Governors have quit in mid-term and went on to become President? Palin is a quitter and will never become President!! Count on it!!
February 17th, 2010 at 1:31 am
67
Sarah Palin,aka Sarah Barahcuda has conservative(true conservatives,not RINOs}Republicans in the palm
of her little hand.
And they will decide who is the Republican nominee in 2012.Which means-SARAH PALIN The PRESIDENT!
Relax,she will be nice and forgiving to any and all lost souls like you,if you come home and see the lite.
February 17th, 2010 at 8:08 am
[...] He’s hiring great staff, as reported by NRO – Ben Smith – Race42012; [...]
February 18th, 2010 at 3:27 am
I just pre-ordered his new book from Amazon.com! I hope he runs for president!