Ed Morrissey Enthusiastically for Romney!

Leading up to Minnesota’s caucus on Feb. 5, Ed Morrissey today announced that he will “enthusiatically caucus” for Mitt Romney. I’m with Ed. Romney for President in 2008!

After closely observing the candidates over the past couple of months, there’s no longer a question in my mind that Romney, despite some faults, stands head and shoulders above the field. On the basis of intellect, leadership ability, understanding of economic nuts and bolts, executive presence, November electability, personal goodness and, yes, integrity — to which John McCain so movingly testified in 2002 — Romney is undeniably the best candidate for the job. As James Fallows put it, responding to Romney’s most recent debate performance, “Romney by a mile!”

Excerpts from Morrissey’s endorsement follow:

Over a year ago and many times since, I wrote that I could give no endorsement, because I had honestly not made up my mind about which candidate to support. I also told the CapQ community that if I did make a decision, I would announce it . . . The deadline for that decision rapidly approaches, since Minnesota caucuses on February 5th, and I have decided to caucus for Mitt Romney. . .

First [of the four candidates], I trust Romney and Giuliani most to continue supporting conservative principles in the face of opposition — and in fact I’d probably trust Giuliani a little more.

Second, and very importantly, the Republican should have demonstrated success in executive management in both private and public sectors . . . Both Rudy and Romney have led entire organizations in both the public and private sectors, with Romney getting the best in this area. . . .

Why is this important? The Democrats have no one who can match that experience. . .

Third, we face a tough election if the economy turns south, even mildly. We saw this in 1992 and lost when Bill Clinton successfully convinced people that he had the best ideas for a turnaround. We have one candidate who has undeniable success in the global markets, who understands them and the players that run them. Romney gives us an advantage as the nominee that none of the others can match in this regard.

Over the last two weeks, my focus has come down to Rudy and Romney. Both would make good Presidents. Mitt, however, has shown that he will fight in every state, while Rudy played a bit of rope-a-dope — and has apparently lost the gamble . . .
. . . We don’t have any perfect candidates. . . I think, though, that Romney has the most staying power, the better argument, and the best resume of the remaining Republican candidates. I will enthusiastically caucus for Mitt Romney on February 5th. . . .

Ed’s full text at CaptainsQuarters. Ed’s interview with Mitt Romney will be broadcast Monday afternoon at Heading Right Radio, 3 pm ET.