THE ROMNEY FACTOR – AT 8:32 A.M. ET:  Despite all the standard denials from the Romney camp, stories persist that he is actually serious about running again in 2016.  He is getting encouragement from Republican voters.  From Fox: 

Iowa Republicans are hoping Mitt Romney will change his mind about running for president in 2016.

Despite the 2012 Republican nominee’s continued assertions that he will not run for president again, Romney is still the top pick for likely Iowa Republican 2016 caucusgoers, according to a Bloomberg Politics/Des Moines Register Iowa poll released Tuesday.

Romney was the top vote-getter in the poll with 17 percent and Dr. Ben Carson, a conservative neurosurgeon who has never held public office, came in second with 11 percent.

Carson told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Monday night that the chances of him running are “50/50.”

Iowa Republicans were less enthusiastic about other potential candidates, most of whom currently hold public office and are better nationally recognized.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul came in third in the poll with 10 percent, but New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush failed to make waves with 6 percent and 4 percent each.

COMMENT:  A poll like that is hardly definitive, and Romney, at 17 percent, isn't exactly running away with it.  But he commands increasing respect within the party as a man who's been proved right on many statements he made during the 2012 campaign, and who has presidential stature. 

I can understand any reservations Romney and his family might have, however.  Running for president is grueling, the hardest task in politics.  To run again and lose again must be on the Romneys' minds as they contemplate the future.  The second disappointment could be devastating. 

October 15,  2014