Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and 2008 presidential candidate isn’t attending the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, which kicks off tonight in New Orleans.
But that isn’t stopping his backers from pushing for a win in the SRLC Straw Poll.
All you have to do is open the 80 page color glossy program, right there on page 2 is a full page ad taken out by the 537 group Evangelicals for Mitt.
It reads in part:
“In 2012, we don’t have to choose between moral values and economic expertise.
Mitt Romney has it all.
So vote for Mitt and use the SRLC straw poll to let him know.
even though he’s a yankee, Southerners love him.
Evangelicals should unite — early — behind the right candidate.
He’s pro-life, pro traditional marriage, and the guy knows how to balance a checkbook.
Join us.”
No other candidates have an ad advocating for them in the program.
Most of the rest of the ads in the program are of the inside political baseball variety, such as for services to help with get out the vote efforts, fundraising and email marketing.
Romney is not the only candidate who has groups shilling for straw poll votes however.
The Campaign for Liberty, a group that backs Ron Paul bought 800 tickets to the SRLC.
There is also sign urging people to vote for Sarah Palin in the hallway outside the ballroom.