NH Republican voters choosing between capabilities, credit

MASON, THE UNITED STATES, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) - Around 6:30 a.m. local time, Mitt Romney did not finish the last bite on his muffin as a staffer urged him to rush out. Ten minutes later, two vans carrying the campaign team was on their way to a rally.

No more than 24 hours before the New Hampshire primary, the first of its kind in the country, the former Massachusetts governor is seizing seconds to grab one more vote.

His strategy to preempt the elections by winning the first two bouts was foiled in Iowa after he ended at the second place in the Republican caucuses, 6 percentage points less than former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

Another loss, even remaining No. 2, would probably derail his campaign off the path to the party's nomination convention.

From Iowa to New Hampshire, Romney turned into a self-claimed Republican "agent of change" who can fix the "broken" Washington.

"When I go to Washington, if you allow, I would do it (change)," he told the Rotary International, an organization of businessmen and women, in a Nashua country club.

Setting up a board with all of his policy points listed, Romney draw a blueprint of changes he could bring in security, tax cut, government spending reduction and independence on oil supply.

Citing Democratic hopeful Barack Obama for beating three senior senators in Iowa caucuses, Romney noted the need to select a Washington "outsider" not insider" to bring changes to the nation. "I can give you it too," he added.

However, David Pastor, among the audience, credited Romney for his success in business and administrative experience in Massachusetts, where his mandatory health insurance program prevailed, but doubted on his changeable position, including on abortion.

"People will worry if we vote for you to be president, and then you change what you have said," he said.

About two hours ago, in a snow-surrounded cottage cafe in Mason, voters were also struggling to make a choice between capability and credit when Huckabee, accompanied by his wife and celebrity supporters, wooed voters with his staunch tax-cut stance, commendable budget control record as the Arkansas governor, and breakfast of pancakes and sausages.

"I need you tomorrow. Just go to the poll and vote for me ... and those who are not going to vote for me, you can just stay at home no matter what happens, to shovel snow on your driveway," he said in his trademark humor.

According to a CNN poll released on Sunday, Arizona Senator John McCain took a slight lead over Romney by 6 percentage points, and Huckabee was left far behind at 14 percent.

Although it is unlikely for the Baptist minister to regain his lead in New Hampshire, a more secular state, from the third place in the latest local poll, he would be happy to hear what Dale Brewer, a Canadian immigrant here, has said of him.

"He was pro-life, and he was for tax-cut. He still talk about it all the time because that is what he really believe, " he told Xinhua, "so I think he is more trustable."

As Brewer has yet not made up his mind, his 11-year-old grandson has already picked up his favorite candidate.

"(I support) Huckabee. Because he is pro-life and supports tax cut," said the boy, echoing his grandfather.

For potential Republican voters like Beverly Geisinger and Marry Ann, a tipping point is still necessary. Standing in a line to enter the cottage, they said of a dilemma that they were struck between Huckabee and Romney, both of whom as they said are very conservative and stand by Republican principles.

When asked whether they prefer a Christian rather than a Morman, Ann said she and most other New Hampshire people do not judge a candidate based on his religion belief but his capabilities.

"Romney did a great job in Massachusetts and he is a successful businessman," Geisinger, a Christian also nodded and said. "I will count on his economic policies."

Huckabee's popularity in New Hampshire is not resulted from his religion but his salable points, she added.

The last factor left in their mind to decide on their votes is a candidate's credit. "They both talk about good staff, but we are wondering are they real?" Ann said.