Rat Overboard on Good Ship Romney

Tim Pawlenty is the biggest rodent to jump overboard so far, but expect more in coming days. The people on Romney's team are stressed out, and are going to start looking out for number one in 3-2-1 . . . Resumes are probably flying out in all directions.

Via The Hill Blog

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will take over one of K Street’s most prestigious jobs as CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable.

The group announced Thursday morning that the former GOP candidate for president would replace longtime CEO Steve Bartlett. Pawlenty has stepped down as co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign to take the position.

. . . Pawlenty said his acceptance of the Roundtable job meant he had agreed not to consider any positions in a potential Romney administration.

Romney in a statement said he was sad to see Pawlenty leave his campaign.

"He’s brought energy, intelligence and tireless dedication to every enterprise in which he’s ever been engaged, and that certainly includes my presidential campaign," he said. "While I regret he cannot continue as co-chair of my campaign, his new position advancing the integrity of our financial system is vital to the future of our country."

And the folks on Capital Hill are running from the press, according to Harry Reid:

Huffington Post Story

"Everybody is running away from Romney,” Reid said. “That's why Republicans all over the country are running away from Romney as fast as they can."

He made that point to reporters earlier Wednesday.

"We have a long line of people who are running from Romney as if the Olympics are still on," Reid told reporters. He ticked off the names of GOP politicians -- Sen. Scott Brown (Mass.), New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and Connecticut Senate nominee Linda McMahon -- who have publicly distanced themselves from Romney over the matter.

Martinez is "running really fast," Reid said, and Brown is "sprinting out there."

LOL :)

Also this:

At least two senators in tight races were far more adamant in slamming Romney. Nevada Sen. Dean Heller and Brown both stood by statements distancing themselves from the party standard-bearer.

"It's not how I think. I think that people who are in those situations are not there by choice," Brown said. "I'm going after every person's vote, regardless of their economic station in life, regardless of their political party."

"I have a very different view of the world. I believe that the federal government has certain responsibilities," Heller said. "I also believe in a safety net for individuals that need the help. So that's why I would respectfully disagree with the comments that he made."