The Note's Must-Reads for Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Note's Must-Reads are a round-up of today's political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at www.abcnews.com
Compiled by ABC News Jayce Henderson, Amanda VanAllen, Carrie Halperin, and Alicia Tejada
MITT ROMNEY ABC News' Jonathan Karl: " Veepstakes: Potential Romney Running Mates React" Reaction to our list of potential Romney running mates drew reaction today from CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia and from Oklahoma City. In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Mary Fallin was asked about being listed as a potential vice presidential candidate. LINK
The Wall Street Journal's Neil King Jr. and Janet Hook: " Romney Goes on the Attack in Swing States" A week after he effectively clinched the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney is turning to battleground states to pitch himself as the person to reinvigorate the U.S. economy while highlighting what he calls President Barack Obama's "record of failure." Stepping beyond states holding GOP primaries, Mr. Romney is spending the week in a march through states that will be crucial to his bid to beat Mr. Obama in the general election-North Carolina, Ohio and wrapping up in Arizona. LINK
The New York Times' Jeff Zeleny and Allison Kopicki: " In Wariness on Economy, Poll Finds Opening for Romney" A rising number of Americans see improvement in the economy, but a persistent wariness about their own financial circumstances is allowing Mitt Romney to persuade voters that he could improve their economic prospects more than President Obama, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. LINK
The Washington Post's Dan Balz: " Who is Mitt Romney and what does he believe?" Mitt Romney has turned his attention to November's presidential election, and the Republican establishment is beginning to fall in line behind him. Endorsements for him have grown from a stream to a flood this week, including from big names such as House Speaker John A. Boehner (Ohio), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. LINK
The Washington Times' Seth McLaughlin: " Romney in demand with GOP hopefuls on the stump" While some Democrats have made it clear that they would rather not be seen with President Obama on the campaign trail this fall, likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney doesn't appear to face the same problem. LINK
PRESIDENT OBAMA ABC News' Michael Falcone: " Mind The (Latino) Gap" The Obama campaign is launching an aggressive new push to court Latino voters today. The centerpiece: a flight of Spanish-language ads hitting the airwaves in key battleground states like Nevada, Colorado and Florida. Meanwhile, the Romney campaign is stepping up its effort to "bracket" President Obama with a visit to Charlotte, N.C., the site of this summer's Democratic National Convention, by Romney himself and a dramatic new video showcasing what the campaign says are the president's broken promises. LINK
Bloomberg's Jonathan D. Salant: "Obama Stands Aside as Election-Law Enforcement Weakened" Barack Obama pledged as a presidential candidate to strengthen the Federal Election Commission and nominate members "committed to enforcing our nation's election laws." Since taking office, he hasn't pushed for achievement of either goal. LINK
Politico's J. Lester Feder and Jason Millman: "Exchanges hit roadblocks in red states" The Cato Institute's Michael Cannon's been racking up frequent-flier miles. He's dropped in on more than a dozen states to make the case to lawmakers that they should not lift one legislative finger to implement President Barack Obama's health reform. LINK
RON PAUL USA Today's Catalina Camia: " Ron Paul to air TV ad in Rhode Island" Ron Paul will air a TV ad directed at Rhode Island voters starting tomorrow, ahead of the state's presidential primary Tuesday. The ad highlights the Texas congressman's plan to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget and eliminate five federal agencies. LINK
CAMPAIGNING The Los Angeles Times' Kathleen Hennessey and Maeve Reston: " Obama, Romney debate from states apart" President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney engaged in a long-distance debate over the key issue in the election - the economy and how to improve it - as both campaigned through key swing states more than six months ahead of November's election. LINK
ABC NEWS VIDEOS " Obama: 'I Wasn't Born With a Silver Spoon In My Mouth'" LINK
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