The former Massachusetts governor appeared calm and self-assured as he brushed off barbs from his seven rivals for the nomination and presented his credentials as a businessman with the executive experience to lead the economy out of difficulty.
Though he has yet to win many hearts among the grassroots supporters, he remains on top in the polls and the established apparatus of elected members, donors and commentators is beginning to coalesce around his campaign.
With less than three months before the first nominating contest in Iowa, his rivals are running out of time to dramatically alter the contest.
"He has the experience, organisation and money to compete beyond the early states where he is favoured," said Robert Bennett, a former Republican governor of Utah. "Big name endorsers and donors who have been waiting on the sidelines to see who will be the winner are now showing up in Romney's camp. The fact that the Obama campaign is bashing Romney at every opportunity shows that they also think he will be the nominee. Anything can still happen, but, at the moment, for Romney, the race is his to lose."
The Politico website declared: "Mitt Romney builds case for inevitability," while Jennifer Rubin in the Washington Post said: "Much can change between now and January, but unless other candidates change the dynamics of the race, Romney will slowly but surely move to lock up the nomination." » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Wednesday, October 12, 2011
