The moment was reminiscent of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s teary-eyed response to a question just before the 2008 Democratic primary in New Hampshire. That rare, emotional response by Clinton was credited with humanizing her in the eyes of voters. She went on to win.
Afterward Gingrich said he does “policy much easier than he does personal.’’
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Christie has N.J. warning for Iowa caucus voters
WEST DES MOINES - Chris Christie, who has acknowledged he could be open to being Mitt Romney’s running mate, had the clearest audition yet for that role.
As Romney left yesterday for a 24-hour trip to New Hampshire, he handed the keys to his campaign over to the New Jersey governor. He left him with his Iowa entourage, his giant bus, and his wife, Ann.
“I’m feeling happy and upbeat, I love being with Mitt and Ann,’’ Christie told a crowd of several hundred outside a supermarket. “But let me tell you: If you people disappoint me on Tuesday . . . I will be back. Jersey style, people, I will be back.’’
MATT VISER
In N.H., Romney ignores question on tax returns
MERRIMACK, N.H. - More than 200 people crammed inside the Merrimack VFW Post 8641 and another 150 waited outside last night to catch a glimpse and listen to the Republican front-runner, former governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.
Romney was introduced by Senator Kelly Ayotte. “He has, understands, he appreciates the American dream,’’ she told the roaring crowd.
In a wide-ranging 30-minute speech Romney stressed smaller government and less regulation. During the question-and-answer period, he said he would not rule out a military option against Iran, which is believed to be building a nuclear weapon.
Following his speech, Romney did not answer when asked if he planned to release his tax returns.
Earlier, Matthew Romney suggested to a New Hampshire audience that the presidential candidate might release his tax returns if President Obama released his academic grades and birth certificate.
Obama released his short-form birth certificate in 2008, and his long-form birth certificate in 2011. Matthew Romney later tweeted that he was joking.
STEVEN A. ROSENBERG
Huntsman backers ready attack ads on Romney
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman urged New Hampshire voters to reject Mitt Romney yesterday, while a group of his supporters prepared a television ad calling Romney a chameleon willing to do anything to get elected.
The $300,000 ad campaign is expected to begin running across New Hampshire this weekend, according to an adviser for the organization known as Our Destiny PAC.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
