SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 7:57 A.M. ET:

CASH FOR ROMNEY – Republican sources say that Romney's fundraising has picked up dramatically, as those donors who did not wish to participate in the primaries are now coming off the bench for the general election.  Also, the Romney fundraising operation and the Republican National Committee's fundraising operation have been combined, bringing in many traditional check writers.

NEW NAME FOR V.P. LIST – Congressional supporters are boosting the name of Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, a woman, for the vice-presidential slot on Romney's ticket.  Ayotte, a firm conservative and a tea-party favorite, was attorney-general of New Hampshire before being elected to the Senate in 2012.  She is personable and sharp, and actually has more experience than did Barack Obama when he was elected president.  We have no indication of Romney's feelings toward her.

WORKING STIFFS DOWN ON OBAMA LIFESTYLE – Republican pollsters who recently conducted focus group sessions in a number of swing states say that blue-collar workers are becoming resentful of the Obama family's lavish vacations, taken using government funds.  They also are in despair economically.  We may have forming a new generation of what we called "Reagan Democrats" in 1980.  In this connection, though, it's important for Romney to shake the rich-guy image that the Dems will attempt to plaster him with every day.

AMERICANS DOWN ON GOVERNMENT – A new poll shows that only a third of Americans are satisfied with the federal government, the lowest level of support in 15 years.  In 2002, during the early Bush 43 years, 64% of Americans viewed the federal government favorably.  Local and state governments do better, with current standings at 61 and 52% respectively.

April 26, 2012