Romney Casts Wide Net for Presidential Bid

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is crisscrossing the country as he establishes his almost-certain presidential candidacy for 2012. He will have visited 30 states by midterm Election Day, Politico reports.

His strategy contrasts with that of other 2012 contenders, resembling Richard Nixon’s successful tactics in 1966.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has chosen to attend a few major events, such as rallies for Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee also have winnowed their appearances carefully.

But Romney has spread his visits — and cash donations — much wider. In just the past several weeks, he’s stumped for candidates in Georgia, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Florida.

And there’s a method to Romney’s madness. He’s making sure voters know him in early-primary states Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. He’s also establishing himself as a party leader.