The Des Moines Register tonight endorsed Mitt Romney as the most qualified Republican competing in the Iowa caucuses. Romney did not receive the endorsement four years ago from the Register, but he picked up a nice boost for his campaign tonight.

Sobriety, wisdom and judgment.

Those are qualities Mitt Romney said he looks for in a leader. Those are qualities Romney himself has demonstrated in his career in business, public service and government. Those qualities help the former Massachusetts governor stand out as the most qualified Republican candidate competing in the Iowa caucuses.

While the polls in Iowa have been a bit inconsistent it appears to be safe to say that a once good lead by Gingrich has evaporated under the twin attack guns of Romney and Ron Paul. And as Gingrich comes back down to earth Romney actually stands a good chance to win in Iowa. But even if he does not win a Ron Paul victory would not be a bad outcome for Romney either. Romney, for all the criticism heaped upon him, is like the freight train chugging down the track. He just keeps coming, remains disciplined and on message, and continues to provide the Republicans with a safe nominee, as opposed to everyone else in the field. After the snub by the Manchester Union Leader this is a good get for Mitt.