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3.03pm: In his speech in Lansing today, Mitt Romney attempted some political jujitsu, by making an unflattering comparison between Barack Obama and Bill Clinton:
President Clinton said the era of big government was over. President Obama brought it back with a vengeance. Government at all levels now constitutes 38% of the economy, and if Obamacare is installed, it will reach almost 50%.
President Clinton made efforts to reform welfare as we knew it. President Obama is trying tirelessly to expand the welfare state to all Americans, with promises of more programmes, more benefits, and more spending.
The trouble with this line of attack is that it lasts as long as it takes Bill Clinton to go on TV and say that Romney's all wrong.
And what of Mitt Romney's exciting new policies? The AP reports bluntly: "Romney offered little detail about his new vision for the country."
2.49pm: Great moments in political campaign punctuation:
As president, Mitt will work to expand and enhance access and opportunities for Americans to hunt, shoot, and protect their families
From Mitt Romney's official website, via ABC's Rick Klein.
2.21pm: How could the 2012 election be boring if Rob Portman, the world's most interesting man, is a contender for the vice presidential spot on the ticket with Mitt Romney?2.21pm: How could the 2012 election be boring if Rob Portman, the world's most interesting man, is a contender for the vice presidential spot on the ticket with Mitt Romney?
Here Rob Portman does an excellent impression of a chicken. Also, he once smuggled a kayak into China. Thank you BuzzFeed Politics.Here Rob Portman does an excellent impression of a chicken. Also, he once smuggled a kayak into China. Thank you BuzzFeed Politics.
2.06pm: Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone wonders if 2012 is the Most. Boring. Election. Ever.2.06pm: Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone wonders if 2012 is the Most. Boring. Election. Ever.
But this campaign, relatively speaking, will not be fierce or hotly contested. Instead it'll be disappointing, embarrassing, and over very quickly, like a hand job in a Bangkok bathhouse. And everybody knows it. It's just impossible to take Mitt Romney seriously as a presidential candidate. Even the news reporters who are paid to drum up dramatic undertones are having a hard time selling Romney as half of a titanic title bout.But this campaign, relatively speaking, will not be fierce or hotly contested. Instead it'll be disappointing, embarrassing, and over very quickly, like a hand job in a Bangkok bathhouse. And everybody knows it. It's just impossible to take Mitt Romney seriously as a presidential candidate. Even the news reporters who are paid to drum up dramatic undertones are having a hard time selling Romney as half of a titanic title bout.
We'll have to bow to Taibbi's authority on the matter of Bangkok bathhouses, but the 1996 election was even more boring that this. You think Mitt Romney's dull? He is, but Bob Dole lacked even Romney's exotic Mormon charm. The economy was going like a freight train so there wasn't that to add some uncertainty.We'll have to bow to Taibbi's authority on the matter of Bangkok bathhouses, but the 1996 election was even more boring that this. You think Mitt Romney's dull? He is, but Bob Dole lacked even Romney's exotic Mormon charm. The economy was going like a freight train so there wasn't that to add some uncertainty.
More seriously: shouldn't we wait until after the result to declare that it was so very dull? A lot of people – people much like Taibbi in fact – said that the 2000 election was super-dullo yawny and that Bush and Gore were Gush and Bore. How we laughed. And then.... yeah.More seriously: shouldn't we wait until after the result to declare that it was so very dull? A lot of people – people much like Taibbi in fact – said that the 2000 election was super-dullo yawny and that Bush and Gore were Gush and Bore. How we laughed. And then.... yeah.
1.44pm: Oh dear. Mitt Romney is holding an event today in Lansing, Michigan, and some rude people are holding up this enormous banner right across the road:1.44pm: Oh dear. Mitt Romney is holding an event today in Lansing, Michigan, and some rude people are holding up this enormous banner right across the road:
That photo is via Reuter's Sam Youngman. And indeed, Mitt Romney did say that Detroit should go bankrupt, although he now says this was all part of his cunning plan. It became necessary to destroy GM in order to save it, or something.That photo is via Reuter's Sam Youngman. And indeed, Mitt Romney did say that Detroit should go bankrupt, although he now says this was all part of his cunning plan. It became necessary to destroy GM in order to save it, or something.
1.35pm: More manufactured outrage, this time over comments on Iran from Uncle Joe Biden, which has got Republicans very excited:1.35pm: More manufactured outrage, this time over comments on Iran from Uncle Joe Biden, which has got Republicans very excited:
According to Biden, the US was "the problem" with Iran because ... I'm not sure, but it's all George Bush's fault, the end.According to Biden, the US was "the problem" with Iran because ... I'm not sure, but it's all George Bush's fault, the end.
There must be a secret White House strategy: get Joe Biden to wander about making supposedly "off the cuff" remarks that get the GOP all riled up and forget to talk about the economy. I think Dick Cheney pulled off the same thing in 2004.There must be a secret White House strategy: get Joe Biden to wander about making supposedly "off the cuff" remarks that get the GOP all riled up and forget to talk about the economy. I think Dick Cheney pulled off the same thing in 2004.
1.21pm: The Huffington Post's Elise Foley has more on the confusion within the RNC over what their presidential candidate – Mitt Romney – thinks about immigration.1.21pm: The Huffington Post's Elise Foley has more on the confusion within the RNC over what their presidential candidate – Mitt Romney – thinks about immigration.
Here's the full quote from the RNC's head of outreach to Hispanic voters:Here's the full quote from the RNC's head of outreach to Hispanic voters:
I think that as a candidate, to my understanding that he's still deciding what his position on immigration is, so I can't talk about what his proposal is going to be because I don't know what Romney exactly – he's talked about different issues, and what we saw in the Republican primary is that there's a diverse opinion on how to deal with immigration. I can't talk about something that I don't know what his position is.I think that as a candidate, to my understanding that he's still deciding what his position on immigration is, so I can't talk about what his proposal is going to be because I don't know what Romney exactly – he's talked about different issues, and what we saw in the Republican primary is that there's a diverse opinion on how to deal with immigration. I can't talk about something that I don't know what his position is.
To be fair, it isn't clear to anyone what Mitt Romney's position is on immigration. Sure, he said various things during the primaries, but who knows?To be fair, it isn't clear to anyone what Mitt Romney's position is on immigration. Sure, he said various things during the primaries, but who knows?
1.06pm: In North Carolina, the Guardian's Karen McVeigh talks to Adam Limehouse, regional field manager of the Coalition to Protect All NC Families, on the "no" campaign's get out the vote effort:1.06pm: In North Carolina, the Guardian's Karen McVeigh talks to Adam Limehouse, regional field manager of the Coalition to Protect All NC Families, on the "no" campaign's get out the vote effort:
There are four Coalition campaign offices in the Triangle, a region comprising the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill and taking in North Carolina State University, Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and 11 across the state, where volunteers are sitting at phone banks or out canvassing, talking to people and hanging leaflets on the door handles in places where no one is home.There are four Coalition campaign offices in the Triangle, a region comprising the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill and taking in North Carolina State University, Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and 11 across the state, where volunteers are sitting at phone banks or out canvassing, talking to people and hanging leaflets on the door handles in places where no one is home.
It is the last push of a strategy that began in January, when they targeting early voters to get out to vote in April. The coalition have identified 35,000 people who were planning to vote against the amendment and, through research extrapolated that number to 115,000 people who were similar to that population to try and get them out to vote too.It is the last push of a strategy that began in January, when they targeting early voters to get out to vote in April. The coalition have identified 35,000 people who were planning to vote against the amendment and, through research extrapolated that number to 115,000 people who were similar to that population to try and get them out to vote too.
LImeshouse takes heart in the success of the early voting push.LImeshouse takes heart in the success of the early voting push.
"Already 22,000 of them (voters targeted by the coalition) voted early and that represents a 90 per cent increase from what we would have expected if we had done nothing" he says."Already 22,000 of them (voters targeted by the coalition) voted early and that represents a 90 per cent increase from what we would have expected if we had done nothing" he says.
12.41pm: Yesterday it was Barack Obama's position on gay marriage that was being undermined by underlings; today it's Mitt Romney's turn on the subject of immigration, via The Hill:12.41pm: Yesterday it was Barack Obama's position on gay marriage that was being undermined by underlings; today it's Mitt Romney's turn on the subject of immigration, via The Hill:
The Republican National Committee attempted to walk back a potentially bruising, botched response Tuesday after an official said Mitt Romney is still making up his mind on immigration.The Republican National Committee attempted to walk back a potentially bruising, botched response Tuesday after an official said Mitt Romney is still making up his mind on immigration.
"As a candidate, to my understanding, he's still deciding what his position on immigration is," said Bettina Inclan, the Republican National Committee's director of Hispanic outreach."As a candidate, to my understanding, he's still deciding what his position on immigration is," said Bettina Inclan, the Republican National Committee's director of Hispanic outreach.
Great job Bettina, the Romney campaign will be delighted that he is "still deciding". This then happened:Great job Bettina, the Romney campaign will be delighted that he is "still deciding". This then happened:
Within minutes, as Inclan's comments started spreading on Twitter, RNC spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski stepped in and said Inclan's comments had been misconstrued.Within minutes, as Inclan's comments started spreading on Twitter, RNC spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski stepped in and said Inclan's comments had been misconstrued.
"We never said the governor is still deciding on immigration," Kukowski said. "I want to make sure we are exponentially clear.""We never said the governor is still deciding on immigration," Kukowski said. "I want to make sure we are exponentially clear."
Then the Obama campaign attacked the comments, saying that Romney's "position may be inconvenient, but it has been clear."Then the Obama campaign attacked the comments, saying that Romney's "position may be inconvenient, but it has been clear."
I misspoke, Romney's position on immigration is clear mi.tt/KiMi3xI misspoke, Romney's position on immigration is clear mi.tt/KiMi3x
And finally this. News cycle complete. That was quick.And finally this. News cycle complete. That was quick.
12.11pm: In North Carolina today, the Guardian's Karen McVeigh hears from opponents of the constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage working to defeat the proposal at the ballot box:12.11pm: In North Carolina today, the Guardian's Karen McVeigh hears from opponents of the constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage working to defeat the proposal at the ballot box:
It is the first shift – 8am to 10.30am – at the main phone bank for the anti-amendment Coalition to Protect All NC Families in downtown Raleigh at the headquarters of EqualityNC. The voices of eight volunteers criss cross and echo as they outdo each other to be courteous and polite to voters, whom they are trying to persuade, firstly to get out and vote and secondly, to vote against the amendment. Another volunteer sits in another room, a phone pressed to his ear.It is the first shift – 8am to 10.30am – at the main phone bank for the anti-amendment Coalition to Protect All NC Families in downtown Raleigh at the headquarters of EqualityNC. The voices of eight volunteers criss cross and echo as they outdo each other to be courteous and polite to voters, whom they are trying to persuade, firstly to get out and vote and secondly, to vote against the amendment. Another volunteer sits in another room, a phone pressed to his ear.
"If they hang up, is that considered a no?" asks Sue, rhetorically of another volunteer whose last few calls have been to voters for the amendment."If they hang up, is that considered a no?" asks Sue, rhetorically of another volunteer whose last few calls have been to voters for the amendment.
There are an awful lot of explanations going on, about what the amendment will and won't do, suggesting that, on polling day, many voters are still confused.There are an awful lot of explanations going on, about what the amendment will and won't do, suggesting that, on polling day, many voters are still confused.
"No, no, maam, that means you're voting with us," says Ron, who later explains that the woman he was talking to believed the Coalition was for the amendment."No, no, maam, that means you're voting with us," says Ron, who later explains that the woman he was talking to believed the Coalition was for the amendment.
"If they are not watching TV, they are not getting the full picture" he says. "They are confused about what against means and what for means which is scary. They are polar opposites.""If they are not watching TV, they are not getting the full picture" he says. "They are confused about what against means and what for means which is scary. They are polar opposites."
Chris, another volunteer is explaining to another voter that the amendment will go far beyond the ban on same sex marriage already in place in the state.Chris, another volunteer is explaining to another voter that the amendment will go far beyond the ban on same sex marriage already in place in the state.
"Either way, gay people are not going to get married in the state" he said. "But the amendment says the only legal union is between a man and a woman. It is really, really broad, so it will affect other people who are not married.""Either way, gay people are not going to get married in the state" he said. "But the amendment says the only legal union is between a man and a woman. It is really, really broad, so it will affect other people who are not married."
The coalition volunteers are optimistic, despite recent polls which show the measure as likely to pass. They say that, once they tell voters that the amendment will outlaw civil unions, domestic partnerships and impact on the children of those unions, they say they will vote against:The coalition volunteers are optimistic, despite recent polls which show the measure as likely to pass. They say that, once they tell voters that the amendment will outlaw civil unions, domestic partnerships and impact on the children of those unions, they say they will vote against:
Roxanne Kolar, 30, who works at a non-profit and is volunteering all day, said: "It's an issue that is close to my heart. We can't write hate into the constitution. We have a duty to call every person we can."Roxanne Kolar, 30, who works at a non-profit and is volunteering all day, said: "It's an issue that is close to my heart. We can't write hate into the constitution. We have a duty to call every person we can."
"We are getting a good response. The ones who know about the amendment are going to vote against it." She smiles at my raised eyebrow: "I've chosen to be optimistic.""We are getting a good response. The ones who know about the amendment are going to vote against it." She smiles at my raised eyebrow: "I've chosen to be optimistic."
The coalition's regional field manager, Adam Limehouse, who is overseeing operations, is optimistic too.The coalition's regional field manager, Adam Limehouse, who is overseeing operations, is optimistic too.
"What we've done over the last three months has been truly amazing" says Limehouse. "We've built a world-class campaign. We have made over 600,000 personal calls and we made 100,000 of them yesterday.""What we've done over the last three months has been truly amazing" says Limehouse. "We've built a world-class campaign. We have made over 600,000 personal calls and we made 100,000 of them yesterday."
11.51am: So Rick Santorum finally got around to making his public endorsement of Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential candidate.11.51am: So Rick Santorum finally got around to making his public endorsement of Mitt Romney as the Republican presidential candidate.
Santorum opted for the highest possible profile by emailing his entirely ungrudging backing to his supporters in the dead of night and not mentioning Romney until the 13th paragraph of a 16 paragraph statement.Santorum opted for the highest possible profile by emailing his entirely ungrudging backing to his supporters in the dead of night and not mentioning Romney until the 13th paragraph of a 16 paragraph statement.
Roll Call's David Drucker samples Santorum's ringing call to arms:Roll Call's David Drucker samples Santorum's ringing call to arms:
But like one of Santorum's trademark long, meandering campaign stump speeches, the Senator's email took awhile before finally getting to the punchline, expending 879 words before finally writing: "Above all else, we both agree that President Obama must be defeated. The task will not be easy. It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious. Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win this the most critical election of our lifetime."But like one of Santorum's trademark long, meandering campaign stump speeches, the Senator's email took awhile before finally getting to the punchline, expending 879 words before finally writing: "Above all else, we both agree that President Obama must be defeated. The task will not be easy. It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious. Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win this the most critical election of our lifetime."
Yes, that will do it.Yes, that will do it.
11.38am: Important socio-economic demography factor for election day turnout on 6 November:11.38am: Important socio-economic demography factor for election day turnout on 6 November:
If Obama is relying on young male voters to win this election, he's screwed: Halo 4 releases on Election Day.If Obama is relying on young male voters to win this election, he's screwed: Halo 4 releases on Election Day.
Indeed it is. Mitt Romney's best chance is to name Master Chief as his vice-presidential running mate. He's a combat veteran and cybernetically-enhanced supersoldier, which helps, and generally stays silent, an excellent attribute for a VP.Indeed it is. Mitt Romney's best chance is to name Master Chief as his vice-presidential running mate. He's a combat veteran and cybernetically-enhanced supersoldier, which helps, and generally stays silent, an excellent attribute for a VP.
11.25am: When it comes to sensible analysis of the 2012 presidential contest, Sean Trende is your friend. Here he pokes holes in the idea that Mitt Romney only has a narrow route to victory thanks to the Democrats' "blue wall" of safe states – which aren't really so safe:11.25am: When it comes to sensible analysis of the 2012 presidential contest, Sean Trende is your friend. Here he pokes holes in the idea that Mitt Romney only has a narrow route to victory thanks to the Democrats' "blue wall" of safe states – which aren't really so safe:
Recent polls have shown the race closing to a one-point Obama lead. Now Ohio joins the Republican coalition, and Romney is up to 253 electoral votes. North Carolina and Indiana are no longer close. And, critically, a number of states in the "big blue wall" are placed on the playing field as the margins in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, along with New Hampshire and Iowa, join the "less than five points" category. In other words, Romney now has multiple paths to victory (as does Obama).Recent polls have shown the race closing to a one-point Obama lead. Now Ohio joins the Republican coalition, and Romney is up to 253 electoral votes. North Carolina and Indiana are no longer close. And, critically, a number of states in the "big blue wall" are placed on the playing field as the margins in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, along with New Hampshire and Iowa, join the "less than five points" category. In other words, Romney now has multiple paths to victory (as does Obama).
11am: As North Carolina votes today on its constitutional amendment barring gay marriage or civil unions, what better time to be reminded of the state's former US senator, who has proved to be such a fine advertisement for traditional marriage.11am: As North Carolina votes today on its constitutional amendment barring gay marriage or civil unions, what better time to be reminded of the state's former US senator, who has proved to be such a fine advertisement for traditional marriage.
It's former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, seen here leaving the federal courthouse in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he is accused of conspiring to secretly obtain more than $900,000 from two wealthy supporters to hide his extramarital affair. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple violations of campaign-finance laws.It's former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards, seen here leaving the federal courthouse in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he is accused of conspiring to secretly obtain more than $900,000 from two wealthy supporters to hide his extramarital affair. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple violations of campaign-finance laws.
10.44am: For the background and significance of today's Indiana Republican senate primary, ABC News's the Note has a good backgrounder.10.44am: For the background and significance of today's Indiana Republican senate primary, ABC News's the Note has a good backgrounder.
It points out that while the contest has been protrayed as "Tea Party versus moderate Republican," in fact the challenger Richard Mourdock is no Christine O'Donnell-style lightweight, according to former Democratic senator Evan Bayh:It points out that while the contest has been protrayed as "Tea Party versus moderate Republican," in fact the challenger Richard Mourdock is no Christine O'Donnell-style lightweight, according to former Democratic senator Evan Bayh:
For lack of a better comparison, he's not Christine O'Donnell, who just appeared out of nowhere. He's a two-time-elected statewide candidate, which means he's just more substantive.For lack of a better comparison, he's not Christine O'Donnell, who just appeared out of nowhere. He's a two-time-elected statewide candidate, which means he's just more substantive.
The Indiana contest has seen heavy spending: the incumbent Richard Lugar has spent $6.7m to Mourdock's $2m defending himself, with Mourdock's Pac and super Pac supporters spending $2.9m compared with Lugar's $1.7m.The Indiana contest has seen heavy spending: the incumbent Richard Lugar has spent $6.7m to Mourdock's $2m defending himself, with Mourdock's Pac and super Pac supporters spending $2.9m compared with Lugar's $1.7m.
10.31am: Presidential debates in Mexico are much the same as anywhere else: a row of people in dark suits behind podiums, former Playboy models...10.31am: Presidential debates in Mexico are much the same as anywhere else: a row of people in dark suits behind podiums, former Playboy models...
To mark the debate's start, a stunning, undeniably well-endowed model took the floor, smiling silently and carrying a box with four pieces of paper in it that candidates drew to see who went first.To mark the debate's start, a stunning, undeniably well-endowed model took the floor, smiling silently and carrying a box with four pieces of paper in it that candidates drew to see who went first.
The candidates managed a straight face, but at first sight of her, dozens of journalists inside the debate press room at Mexico City's World Trade Center gasped and jeered.The candidates managed a straight face, but at first sight of her, dozens of journalists inside the debate press room at Mexico City's World Trade Center gasped and jeered.
And now the Federal Electoral Institute, which organises the debates, has issued a statement apologising to the citizens of Mexico and the candidates for the "production error associated with the dress of an assistant."And now the Federal Electoral Institute, which organises the debates, has issued a statement apologising to the citizens of Mexico and the candidates for the "production error associated with the dress of an assistant."
10.21am: The Guardian's Karen McVeigh is in North Carolina for today's vote on the constitutional amendment known as "Amendment 1," and explains:10.21am: The Guardian's Karen McVeigh is in North Carolina for today's vote on the constitutional amendment known as "Amendment 1," and explains:
If passed, Amendment 1 would alter the state constitution to declare "marriage between one man and one woman" as "the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized."If passed, Amendment 1 would alter the state constitution to declare "marriage between one man and one woman" as "the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized."
In other words, it would not only prevent same-sex marriage but ban any state recognition of civil unions and domestic partnerships.In other words, it would not only prevent same-sex marriage but ban any state recognition of civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Campaigners against Amendment 1 have concentrated their arguments on the wider implications of the law, and its effect on those for whom it was never intended to affect, like the children of those in domestic partnerships or to lessen the protection given to victims of domestic violence who are unmarried.Campaigners against Amendment 1 have concentrated their arguments on the wider implications of the law, and its effect on those for whom it was never intended to affect, like the children of those in domestic partnerships or to lessen the protection given to victims of domestic violence who are unmarried.
The debate in North Carolina isn't just theoretical: a number of counties and towns within the state already offer partnership benefits to both gay and straight couples. But those benefits would disappear if the bill passes.The debate in North Carolina isn't just theoretical: a number of counties and towns within the state already offer partnership benefits to both gay and straight couples. But those benefits would disappear if the bill passes.
10am: The focus of politics today will be on North Carolina's vote on an amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage, while conservatives and Tea Party supporters will be hoping for another scalp in Indiana, where veteran senator Richard Lugar is likely to be ousted in the GOP primary there.10am: The focus of politics today will be on North Carolina's vote on an amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage, while conservatives and Tea Party supporters will be hoping for another scalp in Indiana, where veteran senator Richard Lugar is likely to be ousted in the GOP primary there.
Here's a summary of developments from Ryan Devereaux.Here's a summary of developments from Ryan Devereaux.
• Voters in North Carolina are considering a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and civil unions. If passed, the measure would deal a blow to those advocating for nationwide expansion of gay marriage rights. Over the weekend, vice-president Joe Biden said he was "absolutely comfortable" with the idea of gay people being able to marry each other, drawing a public distinction between his views and those of Barack Obama, who claims his stance on gay marriage is "evolving". According to a Gallup poll, 50% of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages.• Voters in North Carolina are considering a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and civil unions. If passed, the measure would deal a blow to those advocating for nationwide expansion of gay marriage rights. Over the weekend, vice-president Joe Biden said he was "absolutely comfortable" with the idea of gay people being able to marry each other, drawing a public distinction between his views and those of Barack Obama, who claims his stance on gay marriage is "evolving". According to a Gallup poll, 50% of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages.
• One of the Republican party's longest-serving senators, Richard Lugar of Indiana, is facing defeat today in the face of a strong primary challenge from conservatives. The most recent poll in Indiana shows his opponent, Richard Mourdock, with a 10-point lead. Meanwhile, Democrats in Wisconsin are choosing a candidate to take on Governor Scott Walker in a recall election in July.• One of the Republican party's longest-serving senators, Richard Lugar of Indiana, is facing defeat today in the face of a strong primary challenge from conservatives. The most recent poll in Indiana shows his opponent, Richard Mourdock, with a 10-point lead. Meanwhile, Democrats in Wisconsin are choosing a candidate to take on Governor Scott Walker in a recall election in July.
• Former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum has endorsed Mitt Romney, a man he once described as "the worst Republican in the country". The former Pennsylvania senator made his endorsement in a late-night email sent Monday evening. In asking his supporters to back Romney, Santorum acknowledged divides between himself and Romney: "The primary campaign certainly made it clear that Governor Romney and I have some differences. But there are many significant areas in which we agree."• Former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum has endorsed Mitt Romney, a man he once described as "the worst Republican in the country". The former Pennsylvania senator made his endorsement in a late-night email sent Monday evening. In asking his supporters to back Romney, Santorum acknowledged divides between himself and Romney: "The primary campaign certainly made it clear that Governor Romney and I have some differences. But there are many significant areas in which we agree."
• George Soros, the billionaire financier, has pledged to donate $2m to political groups supporting progressive causes and Obama's re-election. The advocacy group America Votes will receive $1m, while the other $1m will be directed to American Bridge 21st Century, a pro-Obama Super Pac.• George Soros, the billionaire financier, has pledged to donate $2m to political groups supporting progressive causes and Obama's re-election. The advocacy group America Votes will receive $1m, while the other $1m will be directed to American Bridge 21st Century, a pro-Obama Super Pac.
• Mitt Romney believes he deserves "a lot of credit" for the success of the nation's auto industry. Speaking in Ohio on Monday, the former Massachusetts governor said the president followed his lead by pushing car makers through a managed bankruptcy not long after he took office. He did not mention that the auto industry was supported by a massive bailout that Romney opposed. Barack Obama on Tuesday will lay out an economic "to-do" list for congress in a stop at Albany, New York.• Mitt Romney believes he deserves "a lot of credit" for the success of the nation's auto industry. Speaking in Ohio on Monday, the former Massachusetts governor said the president followed his lead by pushing car makers through a managed bankruptcy not long after he took office. He did not mention that the auto industry was supported by a massive bailout that Romney opposed. Barack Obama on Tuesday will lay out an economic "to-do" list for congress in a stop at Albany, New York.