MassGOP Primary a Hurdle for Romney?

When I tell people I'm from Massachusetts and Republican, their first reaction is usually one of shock. After a little while the look at me like I'm some sort of ice man that was just found in Switzerland and give me the old 'I didn't know those existed'.

Lately, the statement that follows that is "SO, whatcha think of this Mitt Romney guy eh? You supporting him?"

When I say I haven't decided yet, they're quite puzzled. But I don't seem to be the only guy not completely buying into the Mitt Romney candidacy. According to an article that ran in the Boston Globe today, I'm not the only one.

Of course, the Globe wouldn't ever pass up an opportunity to hammer Romney and certainly didn't here. I would get worked up if it weren't true.

Instead, Zykofsky, of Lynn, backs Rudolph W. Giuliani, believing that of the major candidates, the former New York mayor is the one "most capable of handling the job of president at such a difficult time."

Zykofsky is one of a number of active Republicans in the region who either are supporting others or keeping their options open. Other Giuliani backers include state Senate minority leader Richard R. Tisei of Wakefield, state Senator Bruce E. Tarr of Gloucester, and former Massachusetts Republican Party chairman Brian Cresta of Middleton.

Key local Republicans supporting Romney's run include House minority leader Bradley Jones of North Reading, state Representative Brad Hill of Ipswich, and former lieutenant governor Kerry Healey of Beverly.

Among former Republican governors in the state, Jane Swift supports Arizona Senator John McCain, Paul Cellucci has endorsed Giuliani, and William F. Weld is backing Romney.

Massachusetts is going to be a tough hurdle for Mitt Romney to overcome both in the primary and in the general election.

Not winning your home state can be seen as quite an embarrassment. Just ask former Vice President Al Gore, who lost his home state of Tennessee in 2000-- a state that could have put him in the White House if his friends and neighbors had actually voted for their hometown boy. Romney certainly wants to avoid that kind of blemish in any way possible.