Mitt gets cocky

Well, at least the title of this post might get me filtered for adult content ... but I think it's just a little premature for Mitt Romney (okay, his campaign staff) to be claiming that his GOP rivals are scared of him. Remember, this is the same Mitt whose campaign already has made mistakes big enough to drive Donna Brazile through.

The Florida GOP has cancelled plans for a straw ballot in October at the state convention, opting instead for a debate (sponsored, without a hint of irony, by our fair and balanced friends at Faux News!).

Many GOP leaders at the county level were looking forward to their fourth presidential straw ballot and the attention that comes with it from the candidates and the national press.

But [state GOP chairman Jim] Greer said Monday, "I believe a presidential debate is much more beneficial to Republicans and citizens not only in Florida but throughout the nation. It adds more credibility. I think we all know a straw poll is who comes, who buys the most tickets and so on. A presidential debate will spotlight our outstanding governor and will spotlight our great state, and we'll lead the nation in helping to choose the next president of the United States."

[...]

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said the other candidates feared losing the straw ballot.

"Given the strength of our grass-roots organization in Florida and our proven ability to generate excitement among voters across the spectrum of the Republican Party in Florida, it's not a surprise that other candidates' camps are very relieved they don't have to face Governor Romney and his organization in a Florida straw poll," Madden said.

I think it's so much fun to watch the Repukes eat their own, just for the privilege of being at the wrong end of a landslide Democratic victory in 2008. The GOP name is poison now, and not even Mitt's (yeah, his staff's) false bravado will overcome that. Meanwhile, just like love, Florida is a battlefield. (Cue Pat Benatar ...)