Jan

2012

2:09pm, EST

Romney 'optimistic' about SC victory, where race is tight

Mitt Romney remained optimistic while Newt Gingrich capitalized on his fiery performance in Thursday's debate. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.

By NBC's Garrett Haake

Follow @GarrettNBCNews

GILBERT, SC -- Mitt Romney said Friday he was "cautiously optimistic" he could still pull out a win in South Carolina's primary, where he's working to withstand a last minute surge by Newt Gingrich.

Romney, who finished fourth in the 2008 primary, has watched Gingrich chip away at his lead in polls here over the course of the week. Voters head to the polls tomorrow to cast their ballots in the first-in-the-south primary.

"I sure would like to win South Carolina, but I know that if those polls were right, regardless of who gets the final number, we’re both going to get a lot of delegates. I want as many delegates as I can get -- I want the most delegates coming out of South Carolina," Romney told reporters gathered for a press conference. "But I don’t know what the numbers will be. I’m pretty confident, cautiously optimistic."

The former Massachusetts governor also acknowledged the tightening of the race, which has twisted and turned dramatically in the last 24 hours.

"I think I said from the very beginning South Carolina is an uphill battle for a guy from Massachusetts. I knew that. We're battling hard. The fact is right now it looks like its neck and neck that's a good spot to be in. I'm pretty pleased and pretty proud about the success of our effort," Romney said.

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Romney campaign staffers and surrogates began dialing back expectations of a win in South Carolina in the spin room following last night's debate, with several members of the Romney camp reminding reporters of Romney's distant fourth place finish here in 2008. Romney himself seemed to be trying to lower expectations at times during today's press conference.

"Well just last time around I came in number four. And, and so this time I realized that I had a lot of ground to make up. And speaker Gingrich is from a neighboring state, well-known, popular in the state," Romney said. "I knew that we’d have a long, long road ahead of us. And frankly to be in a neck and neck race at this last moment is, is kind of exciting.

Romney, who just days ago looked likely to clinch a third straight primary win here has seen his Iowa victory morphed into a loss to Santorum after the release of certified results in that contest, and his South Carolina lead greatly strained by Gingrich's latest surge. Both of those developments could extend a GOP primary in which states are awarding delegates proportionally for the first time, a fact Romney lamented this afternoon.

"You know, I wish it were a winner-take-all state. I wish we had all winner take all states, but we don’t. And so it’s going to be a longer process than, perhaps, than that would’ve suggested. But you know, it looks like we’re going to get real support into South Carolina and then we go into Florida.," Romney said. "You know, I’m still hoping and planning to win here. And I’m sure the Speaker feels the same way I do. But we’re going to go on for a long race and I think I’ve got the staying power and a, and a message that I believe connects with people."

After facing another series of questions about his tax returns last night, Romney said again today he would release those documents in April -- and defended his handling of the issue by saying he had not anticipated the level of interest in his returns, which he said provided less information than financial disclosure forms he had already filed.

"I know you guys do and the Democrats would like to and my opponents would like to, but in order for me to defeat President Obama I have to do what I think is the absolute right way to run a campaign and provide information, consistent with the public interest. And I know there is interest and so I have indicated that I will release my tax returns," Romney said. "I'll do so when they are prepared. Which would be April, first middle part of April, and then they’ll all come out at one time. It'll be more than one year, I don’t know the exact number, but people can take a look at it."

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who appeared with Romney at his rainy outdoor rally and flanked him at the press conference, also defended Romney's handling of the tax returns, saying they were effectively a non-issue.

"The people of South Carolina are not talking about tax returns. They're not. They're talking about jobs, spending, and the economy," Haley said. "They want to know how you're gonna bring jobs. So, that's me talking as the governor of South Carolina, talking to my people -- everybody knows someone without a job. Everybody is touched by somebody that doesn't have a job. That's what they care about. They don't care about tax returns."

Explore related topics: decision-2012, mitt-romney, sc, romney-embed

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Den1953

The conservatives are the best they rail about Romney's and President Obama's health care law, while all along the biggest GOP think tank endorses the required individual mandate, even Newt Gingrich and the Heritage Foundation thinks the individual mandate in the health care law should be enforced!

1 vote

#28 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:11 PM EST

calmconservative

That's a flat out lie. It's obvious you've learned the art of parroting what you hear whether it's true or not.

The Heritage foundation determined that the only way to make Universal Healthcare work was to require a mandate.

This does not mean they supported it or believed it was necessary.

Get your lies straight before you tell them.

1 vote

#28.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:27 PM EST

Detroit-Storm

But what about Romneycare?

#28.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:30 PM EST

Bart B

It's like Ron Paul said last night........and he's the only really truthful guy out there........Obama care will probabal not be repealed. Let's get over it. Romney is tied to it. Obama is tied to it. It becomes a wash.....no issue in the election.

#28.3 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:37 PM EST

Bart B

Romney is the only hope the GOP has. Newt was the sole reason for Bill Clinton's HUGE win for a second term. He polarizes people. They might take to what he says but THEY DON'T LIKE HIM. He's an adulterer, he's old and he's fat. He marches around like one of those penguins at the SP which, I would like to apologize to all penguins.

He's just playing with thie campaign thing like a dog with a toy. He knows it won't work out and in the meantime, he will waste the time of voters and money of contributors while he plays. He looks at campaigns like women........he'll attach to one but would love to be with another.

He's not going anywhere. Let's all realize that. Romney is the only chance to de-thrown Obama. I'm sure there are lots of Dems out there hoping on hope for a Newt as candidate. Obama will have a walkin for 4 more years. Arrogance doesn't play to the American people. Say good bye newt.

#29 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:35 PM EST

bittertruth

I'm an Obama fan and have to face that he could lose. I think with Newt, Obama would win. With Romney Obama could lose. So I want Newt in there. But Newt scares me so much, I think I'd like to see Romney in there. I could live with Romney as Pres., I'd be embarressed to be called an American if Newt ever became president.

So go Newt, I guess. No, Go Romney. Oh Crap.

#30 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:39 PM EST

Pat-2643768-2643768

But Newt could win and that's really really scary. Remember when Regan ran, the DNC laughed then cried. And then when Clinton ran, the GOP laughed and then cried. Don't fear. I am an Obama supporter and I think the people have seen through their "just say no" Tea Party blather. If Newt or Romney win, the DNC will take the House back and remain in the senate and it will be the DNC THAT JUST SAY'S NO. And we the people will be the losers.

#30.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:44 PM EST

WhereHasAmericaGone

Better start facing the fact that he will lose...

#30.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:46 PM EST

WhereHasAmericaGone

How insane is it for liberals to continue trying to persuade and convince everyone else not liberal that Obama is a good president and has done a good job...When facts inconveniently say otherwise.

Obama's decision to kill more jobs (again) with the Keystone Pipeline may be the worse decision by a US president in history for a hungry out of work nation in a bad economy. And it probably nailed the final coffin in his political career...I sure hope it did.

Just like the liberal bias media who were exposed very well last night for all to see and open the eyes to all, we will not allow the liberal minions to distract us from the real issues...

Obama's a colossal failure and we are not about to give him 4 more years of his Saul Alinsky Marxist desires for this country...

Obama is toast in 2012...

1 vote

#31 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:44 PM EST

Pat-2643768-2643768

The Keystone pipeline is a disaster waiting to happen. Don't you listen to the news? There is a pipeline break in Montana right now. The environmental impact is huge. Remmeber the Gulf and BP?

2 votes

#31.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:47 PM EST

Zman-1070873

The Dems are basically the have-nots. Anyone that will give them entitlement is who they follow. Obama is like the shepherd leading them to the slaughter house!! They "gots" nothing and four more years of Barry and they will have evn less. No worries .... none of Obama's "peeps" getting any of my money!

1 vote

#31.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:51 PM EST

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Thermen Merman

I don't understand how someone like Willard Romney who made such a big fortune in America would hate this country so much as he does.

1 vote

#32 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:45 PM EST

Bill Byrne-4693071

At the end of last nights debate the candidates were asked why should anyone for them. Romney and Paul didnt even ask for votes. Gingrich and Santorum at least asked South Carolina to vote for them. I think Santorum helped himself the most,when he said he did his taxes,sent the check painfully.

1 vote

#33 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:46 PM EST

Pat-2643768-2643768

To: Where has AmericanGone:

The Keystone pipeline is a disaster waiting to happen. Don't you listen to the news? There is a pipeline break in Montana right now. The environmental impact is huge. Remmeber the Gulf and BP?

#34 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:48 PM EST

Zman-1070873

I hope you are comfortable paying $5.00 per gallon!! Don't bitch at the oil companies when you can't even drive around the block ... blame the idiot in the Whitehouse.

1 vote

#34.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:53 PM EST

Pat-2643768-2643768

I guess you don't listen to the news either.

#34.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:55 PM EST

Domingo de la Torre

'The Elites benefitting from the Status Quo depends on the active participation and complicity of millions of Citizens'

Bush added strife and destitution to millions of Americans, Obama added to that grief many more millions of Americans, the rest of the 99% of Americans the prior two overlooked will be forcefully added to the list by Romney. That's assuming another rigged election.

#35 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:56 PM EST

hazen44

So, Willard Mitt is cautiously optimistic. About his chances? Willard, with an attitude similar to yours, you will need more than optimism to win the nomination. I listened to your recent rant if not a put down while addressing a question from a purported OWS 99er and you went off on that person as though you were Almighty God. You ended the discussion with an abrupt, 'America is right and you are wrong'. One could easily see the veins in your neck expanding as well as your red face exuding anger. Why? You contend you are campaigning for the republican nomination hoping to be elected as the next President. Judging from your dispicable display apropos to a question from a citizen of the USA, what ever possessed you to even think you could become a President? It appears as though that proverbial 3:00 AM White House telephone call would present a real crisis for you to respond to if you go into orbit while campaigning for the job. Get a grip Willard, you are by no means Presidential material. Don't go away mad, just go back to your day job, whatever that is/was.

1 vote

#36 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:00 PM EST

dbwolfe1

if you're a millionaire you should vote for romney. if not, you're voting against your oown best interests.

1 vote

#37 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:04 PM EST

limbaughger

then who do you suggest, who will get people jobs? why arent they talkin more on how they will get jobs, its like they care more about cuttin the defeceit and abortion and marital affairs and defense and hammerin obama then they do about jobs or americans in general-sure we care abut the defeceit but like haley said its jobs-maybe he should be running he gets it!!

#37.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:11 PM EST

limbaughger

I would be confident too if Newt is my top opponnet, should tell you all when you go vote tommorow because obama would equally be confident, the guy is smart and talks some good stuff but then he flys off and comes out with some stupid crazy lib ideas like rejectin the ryan plan and defending medicare then the next day havin to fix the crazy things he said, plus face it hes too hard on people, i dont like the ows crowd but tellin them to get a job in take a bath?? does that sound like someone tryin to unite america? the food stamp thing-whAT WILL HE DO-ELIMINATE THEM? get people jobs so they dont need them and if so how?? tellin young peoplle to get janitorial jobs, cripe public schools were cuttin janitor jobs and hirin private services when I was a kid and i'm 52 years old, most companies have their employees do it after work and pay them some extra on the side-its like they own their own business-are their janitorial jobs anymore?? he seems out of touch with today-romney not so much so and i truly believe if romney wasnt a mormon this would be over all ready. the poor gop has a tough decision ahead and most likely whoever they choose will be president, a good thing, but if they get some nut in there, and sorry to say I think theres that possibility and they amke things way worst then even obama did with no safety net as they will eliminate it, we could be as bad off as hoover was with the great depression and it could be another 40 years before we run congress again-so choose wisely sc america depends on you!!

#38 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:06 PM EST

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Bill Byrne-4693071

Romneys enormous wealth and failure to present his tax returns is a tough issue for him to defend. Gingrich made his available and Santorum did his own taxes, while Ron Paul is coyly embarassed to talk about his finances.

1 vote

#39 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:07 PM EST

limbaughger

I dont really care what they made, more power to them if they did make it big-but while they made it big id they give to charity, did they help haity etc with romney were really curious maybe he gave none to charity or maybe we find out hes a huge contributor to the mormon church with many of them bein bad guys like that guy they locked up in texas-things we need to know before hes our canidate

#39.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:17 PM EST

LEONA-2986819

Romney's tax return will be presented in April or before, like he said.

Hey, at least Romney appears to be Presidential. By that I mean, he seems to be a very hard working man.

Meanwhile, compare that to Obama.....Obama's hanging out with Mickey Mouse at Disney and singing Al Green songs at fundraisers. ....and didn't he just get back from Hawaii?????????

I don't know about you, I'm looking forward to having a WORKING President for a change.

Go MItt 2012 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#39.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:20 PM EST

Lin1945

We have the candidates running who are willing to serve. Most better candidates are too smart to run for president. That is sad for the U.S. I think you must consider the way a candidate lives his/her life and that is part of the consideration as to whether a candidate is good for us. Newt is not morally strong and I cannot see Callista Gingrich as our first lady. There would be so little respect for the little blonde homewrecker -mistress with the aging Barbie appearance and sprayed to death hair. The first lady matters just as the first guy mattered if Bachman has secured the nomination. I want someone without such negative baggage that just takes away from what is important. I doubt the only two mistresses Newt had were Marianne, who became wife #2, and Callista, who became wife #3. I also dislike that Newt divorced women dealing with serious medical issues like cancer with wife #1 and MS with wife #2. Just saying . . .

#40 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:22 PM EST

bart-2866376

after last night this country is screwed know matter who you vote for!!!!!

#41 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:28 PM EST

HUMP-4288650

One rich Mormon and two Morons. I pick Newt.

#42 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:29 PM EST

whymewhyus

obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obam aobama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama obama

yes we can yes we can yes we can yes we can yes we can yes we can yew we can yes we can yes we can

1 vote

#43 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:30 PM EST

exotix

LOL

#43.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:31 PM EST

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RyanNYC

So let me get this straight.....

January 2009: US auto industry is near collapse.

January 2012: GM is #1 in auto sales.

Dec 2008: 524,000 jobs lost.

December 2011: 212,000 jobs gained

22 straight months of job growth.

Stock market as of January 20th 2009: 7,949.09

Stock Market as of January 20th 2012: 12,623.98

October 2011 turned out to be the best month the market had in 37 years.

Combat troops in Iraq as of January 20th, 2009: 144,000

Combat troops in Iraq as of January 20th, 2012: 0

September 2007: "All US combat forces will be out of Iraq by December 31st, 2011."-President George W. Bush..."Great leadership, good plan for an orderly withdrawal, exactly how it should be done."

October 2011: "All US combat forces will be out of Iraq by December 31st, 2011."-President Barack Obama..."Terrible leadership, he ignores the Generals, campaign stunt."

2001-2009 "We will hunt the terrorists down wherever they may be and bring them to justice."-President George W. Bush..."Strong leader, making us all safer, strong willed."

2009-Present Actually hunting the terrorists down wherever they may be and bringing them to justice.-President Barack Obama..."Complete lack of leadership, alienating our "allies", disrespecting the sovereignty of other nations."

"He can't handle the pressure that comes with being Commander In Chief." Except for that time when he was in a tux and tails on stage getting roasted by Seth Myers, and doing a 20 minute standup set himself (by the way, he OWNED Trump that night), the same night he gave the go order on what was probably the best Special Forces operation we've ever had. If it had gone wrong he would been finished.

Most wanted terrorists as of January 20th, 2009: Osama bin Laden, Anwar al-Awlaki, Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, Abu Ayyub al Masri, Sayeed al-Masri, Fazul Abdullah Muhammed, Umar Patek, Younis al-Mauretani, Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Most wanted terrorists as of January 20th, 2012: Osama bin Laden (DEAD), Anwar al-Awlaki (DEAD), Atiyah Abd al-Rahman (DEAD), Abu Ayyub al Masri (DEAD), Sayeed al-Masri (DEAD), Fazul Abdullah Muhammed (DEAD), Umar Patek (CAPTURED), Younis al-Mauretani (CAPTURED), Abdul Ghani Baradar (CAPTURED).

Before Libya: "Why isn't he doing anything? He has no clue how to handle this. He can't lead."

During Libya: "Why the hell is he involving us in another Middle Eastern war that we can't afford? He has no clue how to handle this. Oh my God, did he really just hand off the lead to NATO and the French? He's weak and a terrible leader."

After Libya: Moammar Gadhafi dead. Oppressive regime gone. Minimal cost. Number of US troops KIA or MIA, 0, number of US military assets damaged or destroyed, 0. "Terrible job! He couldn't have possibly handled it any worse. This just shows what a terrible leader he is".

"He always acts like he is smarter than everyone else around him." It's not like he holds degrees from not one, but two Ivy League schools or anything.

All done with the "help" of a Congress that collectively (and I mean all 535 of them. Democrat, Republican and Independent) have proven to be about as useful as tits on a bull.

Yeah, this President has been an unmitigated disaster. Complete. Failure.

In 2008 a guy from a very liberal state, with an unusual name, a father that was born in another country, that holds a degree from Harvard Law school, has religious ties that make a large segment of the country uncomfortable, is the author of a controversial healthcare reform plan, and wasn't the "guy" within his own party ran for President. Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh and Coulters heads almost exploded.

In 2012 a guy from a very liberal state, with an unusual name, a father that was born in another country, that holds a degree from Harvard Law school, has religious ties that make a large segment of the country uncomfortable, is the author of a controversial healthcare reform plan, and wasn't the "guy" within his own party ran for President. Why haven't Hannity, Beck, Limbaugh and Coulters heads exploded?

If you made it this far...wow....I didn't intend for this to be a novel.

2 votes

#44 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:39 PM EST

exotix

None of the right-wing insanity has worked ... enot ven their mass-hysteria fables ... with the exception of 2010 where the GOP / Tea Bag House majority came in on the election campaign slogan of Jobs, Jobs, Jobs ...

... as we saw ... they held America hostage until the U.S. credit rating was downgraded, passed 9 anti-abortion bills some 3 & 4 times and shut-down planned parenthood, reafirmed *In God We Trust* as the national motto and host of other filibusters & obstructions critical to recovery and have maintained and escalated high-treason activities since Bush ...

Where's the Jobs Bohner you distraught & emotional nutcase ...

http://whenarethejobs.com/

1 vote

#44.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:50 PM EST

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Sara M

Only one choice in South Carolina: HERMAN CAIN / STEPHEN COLBERT!!!!

SOUTH CAROLINIANS, go vote for "None of the above" by voting for Herman!

Stephen is a genius.

#45 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:39 PM EST

ZonieMom

I really don't get this. Newt Gingrich is NOT going to beat Obama. If the folks in the south and east want four more years of Obama they are on the right track. NO dems are going to cross the line and vote for Newt! I was raised in a strict democrat home (I am an independent). My parents both voted for Obama. My mother has informed me if Mitt gets the nomination she will vote for him, but she wouldn't cross for any of the other GOP candidates. We NEED someone in the middle. I believe most Americans are middle of the road people. We need a President who will work for America, not a party. I believe that person is Mitt Romney. A right winger will hand this election to the Dems on a platter!

#46 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:46 PM EST

Thermen Merman

Have you ever noticed that Willard Romney is very uncomfortable around average American's? He is very creepy.

2 votes

#47 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:46 PM EST

ZonieMom

BTW! Why are GOPers readily willing to forgive Newt Gingrich of the same level of indiscretions that they ran Cain out of town for? Some would argue what a person does in their private life doesn't affect what kind of leader he would be. But it is a DOUBLE STANDARD to hold one accountable but not the other! And Newt has way more baggage than Cain did!

#48 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:51 PM EST

Bush from Texass

One and done in yo mama wolfpack

#49 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:51 PM EST

Tom Wilcox

I can feel the Romney machine teetering up on two wheels as they come around the "being too rich and paying too little in taxes" curve. Well, poor guys cant get to the stratosphere where Mitt and Newt and their ilk like to play, so its no wonder he's a rich guy that is good at lowering his tax rate. Im sure Id do the same if I had that kind of money. But I dont, so I squint my eyes when I look at him, suspiciously, cause he wants to sell me something, and it probably involves him getting wealthier at my expense.

#50 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:57 PM EST

john-4287463

Is Gov Rick Perry now out of the big race, going to refund his pay check for the last six or seven months of not working for the state of Texas. Is big Media behind the Race.

#51 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 5:59 PM EST

exotix

Regarding Tax disclousres ... I know you guys do and the Democrats would like to and my opponents would like to, but in order for me to defeat President Obama I have to do what I think is the absolute right way to run a campaign and provide information, consistent with the public interest.

~ Romney

Yes, how can we not like the *trajectory* of this 2012 GOP / Tea Bag Prez hopefuls race so far and to date (only the third state of caucuses and debates with many many many more states to go) ...

Hate, death, lies, distortions, slander & defamation, doom & gloom and depraved adultry ... and notice that Bush and the neocons are never-ever mentioned because they never existed (except when Wolfowitz & Addington showed-up for a debate to remind the candidates how much fun they had during Bush) ... because it's all Obamas' fault .... on and on and on ... by con-man millionaires professing *Family-Values Right-Wing Christian Conservatism* as the second-coming-of-Reagan ...

I tell ya ... I ...

LOL.

#52 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 6:01 PM EST

Adams101

Romney won't release his taxes Obama won't release his academic records. Don't vote for either of these lobby owned stooges. Full disclosure or get out of the way.... both of these opportunists.

2 votes

#52.1 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:54 PM EST

Mr. Anon

And Obama's academic records are relevant why?

#52.2 - Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:04 PM EST

Adams101

First of all a Presidential candidate hiding ANYTHING is a problem. If you hide one thing you will hide whatever else is convenient. Lying and withholding information is a huge problem in Washington right now. Just like Obama refuses to even discuss the $16 trillion dollars the Federal Reserve printed and gave out with 0% interest and zero collateral in 2009 & 2010. That is $700,000 per American family.

Once again "selective" information to benefit Obama lobbies. Do you have a problem with this one or is it just another of your "not relevant" things? Obviously if we let YOU dictate what is "relevant" the rest of us are in deep trouble. The pattern of "selective" information giving has to completely stop. This is not a game. FULL DISCLOSURE has to be the rule or the US citizens cannot make well informed and educated decisions on this election or when to pressure or remove a politician.

Obama fought the Ron Paul sponsored bill to audit the FED and bring this $16 trillion to light. Obama, once again, swore there was nothing to find and would bring nothing of concern to deal with. Well he was dead wrong so Obama has to STOP withholding information "he" thinks is not relevant.

Let the people decide what is relevant or move aside for someone without skeletons in their closet. Stop the filtered information.

#52.3 - Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:57 AM EST

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