Democratic Insiders Are Afraid of Mitt Romney And See Him As The Biggest Threat in 2012

National Journal polled Democratic Insiders and found them to be increasingly afraid of Mitt Romney: 

Just two months ago, Democratic Insiders also saw Romney as the lead GOP challenger for Obama to overcome, but today, they sound like that hurdle is considerably higher. "He is the best counter to Obama," said one Democratic Insider of the former Massachusetts governor. "He is an executive while Obama was a legislator. Romney ran a company--Obama never made a payroll. Romney created jobs--unemployment is 9 percent-plus under Obama." Echoed another, "Strong business background in a bad economy is a plus for him, as is the Massachusetts health care plan in a general election." Added a third: "He forces Obama to defend the Democratic base states, and will be able to talk about the economy better than any other Republican."

Democrats also thought Romney had gained experience from his unsuccessful run for the 2008 GOP presidential nomination and that he could win over swing voters, unlike some of his Republican rivals. "Has run before, looks presidential and unlike others not a total turn off to Dems and independents," observed a Democratic Insider. "He's got economic credibility, he seems smart, he has a bit of polish and he doesn't seem like a complete loon," said another Democrat. "None of the others have that whole package."

The Democrats are completely justified in being afraid of Mitt Romney. He does have all the skills and qualifications that Obama clearly lacks. Moreover, as the economy continues to slump downwards, the need for a skillful, competent and qualified leader with plenty of experience in both the public and private sector will continue to skyrocket.

As a side note, its interesting that Democrats are afraid of another Mormon who is also running for President.:

While they doubt he can get nomination, Democratic Insiders think Jon Huntsman, the former two-term Utah governor, would be a formidable opponent for Obama. "Huntsman has no chance of winning the GOP primary, maybe one percent," said a Democratic Insider. "But if he did, he is the one Republican I would be scared of. He is moderate, reasonable, and a D.C. outsider. Right now, if you are Obama '12, you have to be thanking your lucky stars for the deeply flawed Republican candidates." Echoed another GOP Insider, "He doesn't seem to be well-positioned to actually get the nomination, mind you, but if he did, he has the tone and acceptability to provide disenchanted voters a palatable alternative."

Jon Hunstman has zero chances of being reelected. Not only that, but Mitt Romney is much better candidate that his LDS competitior. Moreover, he has stronger chance of defeating Obama than Huntsman does. 

While Democrats are scared of Huntsman, they're more afraid of Romney. And that's a good thing.