For anyone following events in Puerto Rico, this was the year, of course, that Puerto Rico formally voted to reject its status quo identity as a commonwealth of the US while simultaneously voting in as governor a leader of the PPD, the party most closely identified with defending the status quo.

FORBES: 'The Fifth Floor' (El Quinto Piso): Who Will Rebuild the House of Puerto Rico?

"Of course they add up, " Mr. Romney replied, adding that his credentials in making the numbers work included his work balancing budgets as a governor and leader of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

WSJ: Obama, Romney Campaigns Square Off in Debate Rematch

The BBC's Paul Reynolds in Washington says the Texas governor will need all the skills he claims to have as a bipartisan leader to forge a consensus.

BBC: White House welcome for Bush

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told CNN that Rubio helped himself as a Republican leader, while Jennifer Granholm, the former Democratic governor of Michigan, said the Florida senator missed an opportunity to appeal to the political center because he overstated GOP talking points.

CNN: State of the Union brings out more of the 'same old, same old'

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told CNN that Rubio helped himself as a Republican leader, while Jennifer Granholm, the former Democratic governor of Michigan, accused the Florida senator of missing an opportunity to appeal to the political center because he overstated GOP talking points.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

He is always managed to govern affairs from State Senate to deputy minority leader to minority leader, lieutenant governor, and he's always been seen as competent and have the ability to work with people and get the job done.

NPR: Spitzer's Fall Helps Write New Chapter in History