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SALT LAKE CITY -- Mitt Romney is off to a strong start in his 2012 presidential campaign.
Reviews are very positive for him and Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann following Monday night's first GOP debate in New Hampshire. CNN analysts list them among the winners. The Associated Press said Romney left the GOP debate unscathed. And the New York Daily News reports Romney and Bachmann were "impressive."
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Bachmann: Time was ripe to jump into 2012 race
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann says she decided to jump into the 2012 Republican presidential sweepstakes at this time because she believed it was "the right thing to do."The debate focused mostly on criticism of President Obama, though the seven participants were remarkably civil toward one another.
Romney said, "He (Obama) didn't create the recession but he made it worse and longer."
Tim Pawlenty said, "Using the term ‘Obamnycare' was a reflection of the president's comments that he designed Obama care on the Massachusetts health care plan."
Bachmann announced on stage her intent to formally announce her candidacy and defended the tea party.
"They're people who want to simply just take the country back," she said. "They want the country to work again."
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APNewsBreak: Huntsman getting into GOP race
Officials say that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is running for president. They say he will officially join the GOP presidential field June 21 at a site near the Statue of Liberty.The goal of the seven was to come across as attractive alternatives to President Obama. Experts expect more verbal attacks as the GOP field narrows.
Monday's debate did not include former Utah governor Jon Huntsman Jr., who has not formally announced his intentions to run. But his is one of three names on the wall of President Obama's new campaign headquarters.
The other two names are Romney and Pawlenty, indicating those are the three the president sees as the biggest threats. In the spirit of "It's the economy, stupid," it's a handwritten sign on the wall.
Reporter Sam Youngman writes in The Hill that the shortlist includes their schedules as well as those of the president, vice president, first lady, and chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.
An aide said the campaign is keeping tabs on more candidates, but that's not as evident at headquarters.
Written with contributions from Andrew Adams and Becky Bruce .
(AP Photo/Jim Cole)
