in federal stimulus money before it went bankrupt last year. It has since become a mantle of Romney's argument that Obama doesn't know how to run the economy. Beginning in March 2011 , ABC News, in partnership with iWatch News-The Center for Public Integrity, was first to report on simmering questions about the role political influence might have played in Solyndra's selection as the Obama administration's first loan-guarantee recipient. Federal auditors had flagged the loan, saying some applicants had benefited from special treatment. Politico referred to Romney's visit (and Axelrod's foray into Massachusetts) as "the nastiest 24 hours of the campaign so far." This is nonsense. Romney's record as Bay State governor can't be highlighted? A failed crony capitalism energy boondoggle is off limits? The only thing nasty is Politico's sense of fair play, as John Nolte points out. This is politics, not twiddly-winks. These two men are battling for the highest office in the land and Romney's use of imagery in going to the gates of shuttered Solyndra and railing against the president's unethical behavior and stupid policies is perfectly legitimate. Let's hope that the Romney campaign can come up with similar coups in the coming months. Thomas Lifson adds: One of the most telling compliments Mitt's campaign is receiving is that his campaign is "not like McCain." Many conservatives are still nursing a grudge over the perceived pulling of punches in 2008. Mitt is allaying conservative fears of another campaign designed to lose. John Hinderaker of Powerline :