The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder reports that Mitt has one fast press office. 

The Weekly Standard’s Dean Barnett (having unassimilated himself from the Blogfather’s Borg Cube) uses his very first column to continue his effort to have Mitt adopt him.  Congrats on the Standard gig, Dean. 

Florida Congressman Connie Mack has endorsed Mitt’s run for the Oval. 

The Greenville News’ Ron Barnett reports on another big endorsement for Mitt – Bob Jones III, Chancellor of Bob Jones University has thrown his support behind Mitt’s candidacy.  Here’s the gist of Dr. Jones’ statement: 

As a Christian I am completely opposed to the doctrines of Mormonism.  But I’m not voting for a preacher. I’m voting for a president. It boils down to who can best represent conservative American beliefs, not religious beliefs. 

Well, Dr. Jones, as a Mormon, and a Christian, I thank you for seeing past your religion in order to do what’s best for this country.  Bill Keller must be spitting nails. 

Townhall’s Matt Lewis has more background chatter about Mitt’s possible “Mormon” speech.  I agree with Article VI’s John – somebody at Camp Mitt keeps floating this balloon hoping to influence Mitt to give the speech.  Somebody needs to woodshed this staffer – soon. 

The Boston Globe’s Scot Lehigh chronicles McCain’s lame attempt to t-bone Mitt’s candidacy.  Memo to Scot:  McCain shredded any claim he had to the “Republican” wing of the party with the Gang of 14.  His campaign is dead on its feet and quite literally bankrupt.  The only way he can get his name in the papers is to take shots at someone with an actual chance of winning the nomination.  McCain likes to hear his own voice and see his name in lights – it really is that simple.  End Memo. 

The AP’s Liz Sidoti reports on an RNC event which Mitt had the stage to himself. 

The JTA has Mitt’s thoughts on the upcoming US sponsored Israel-Palestinian peace conference.  Says Mitt: 

How could you possibly have a peace conference at this stage?”  Who would you talk to? 

Interesting point.  How do you negotiate peace with people who strap C-4 to their children and send them off to murder you? 

Human Events’ Robert Spencer gives kudos to Mitt for daring to utter the word “Jihadism”.