WASHINGTON - Republicans angling for President Barack Obama's job compared him to a one-term Democratic president and a Democratic vice president who fell short in his bid to win the presidency.

Appearing this week before conservatives who hold huge sway in the GOP presidential nomination fight, a stream of would-be and might-be GOP candidates called Obama weak and suggested they alone have what it takes to beat him and lead a country in crisis.

In unrelenting attacks, the lineup of potential contenders took on the president's economic team, his advisers and even the first lady's vegetable garden.

"Ladies and gentleman: Barack Obama is not behaving like Ronald Reagan. He's behaving like Jimmy Carter," former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said.

"President Obama has stood watch over the greatest job loss in modern American history. And that, my friends, is one inconvenient truth that will haunt this president throughout history," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said, linking Obama with the film that starred the Democrats' 2000 presidential hopeful, Vice President Al Gore.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota told the Conservative Political Action Conference concerns about a nuclear-armed Iran and Islamic extremists are overshadowed by worries about Obama's handling of those threats. "The only thing more alarming than these threats is the president's weak response," he said.

The annual gathering of more than 11,000 conservatives marked the unofficial start of the GOP presidential nomination fight. Not a single Republican has announced his or her candidacy and there is no clear front-runner among the potential candidates to take on the Democratic incumbent. But many of the speakers are all-but-declared contenders.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) won the annual straw poll at the conference Saturday, with 30 percent, while Romney was second with 23 percent. Others were grouped far behind.

Trooper suspended without pay ... Harborside residents call for state mediator ... What's your true color? Credit: Newsday

Election Day begins ... Trooper suspended without pay ... Harborside residents call for state mediator ... Target comes to Bridgehampton 

Trooper suspended without pay ... Harborside residents call for state mediator ... What's your true color? Credit: Newsday

Election Day begins ... Trooper suspended without pay ... Harborside residents call for state mediator ... Target comes to Bridgehampton 

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