Ground Game

That wraps things up for today's Des Moines Register Republican debate. The Democrats' debate is tomorrow.

But first, a few more nuggets...

Paul, on how he would “adjust his plan in light of political reality in Washington,”: “In a way, it is revolutionary to go back to the Constitution.”

McCain, asked to give an example of a time he wished he would have compromised rather than sticking to a “maverick” position: “I cannot think of a time and I hope I never think of a time.” Also said he will “reach across the aisle” to Democrats if elected.

The final question asked candidates to suggest a New Years resolution for another candidate. Most dodged the question, or gave their own, personal resolutions. But a few actually answered the question:

McCain: “Let’s not accuse each other of a lack of patriotism.”

Huckabee: “I’m going to be a lot more careful about anything I say.” When it was pointed out that he was answering about himself, “Well, I’m going to make it about them too.”

Romney: “That we’ll fight to make sure one of those people on this stage is the next president.”

Paul: “My advice would be to re-read the Bill of Rights and to take it seriously.”

Hunter: ‘One thing we could do just a couple weeks before Christmas is to buy American goods.”

Giuliani: “All of us should take a better look at America and realize how lucky we are.”

Quick analysis: Romney takes another veiled shot at Huckabee by stating that Republicans can only win in 2008 if they nominate a candidate who will hold the base together on not just social, but fiscal issues as well. Huckabee didn't do anything to damage his lead, but did appear a little more scripted than before his jump to front-runner status. And finally, how obvious was it that Carolyn Washburn is regretting her paper's decision to include Keyes in the debate?