Nov 21, 2011

Top Romney Adviser Not One of 29% Who Approve of Bass

Congressman Charlie Bass (NH-02) is having a hard time convincing New Hampshire voters to like him.  In the most recent poll, Congressman Bass’ approval rating was at a dismal 29%.  Bass is so unpopular that even his endorsement of Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was met with a memo from Romney’s top New Hampshire adviser laying out how Bass isn’t even helpful with Republican voters anymore.

“Congressman Charlie Bass solidified his position as a leading contender for the title of least popular politician in New Hampshire when the Romney campaign felt the need to walk back Bass’ endorsement to avoid being tied too closely to him,” said Josh Schwerin, Northeast Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.  “You’d think Mitt Romney would appreciate the support of a fellow flip-flopper on issues like women’s health and the environment, but apparently Congressman Bass is too toxic to even help in a contentious Republican primary.”

Background

Poll: Only 29% Approve of Bass. According to an October 2011 UNH/WMUR poll, only 29 percent of Granite Staters view Bass favorably, while 36 percent disapprove.  [UNH Survey Center, 10/19/11]

Romney Memo: Bass Endorsement Problematic. In November 2011, a top Romney adviser penned an internal memo detailing his concerns about Bass’ endorsement of the candidate and the message it sent to voters. Jim Merrill, Romney’s top New Hampshire strategist, specifically mentioned Bass’ inconsistent positions on taxes, noting, “No way to avoid it -- it's part of the Charlie package. I'm sure it'll come up.”  [CBS News, 11/21/11]

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