First Word: Running away from Romney

Prominent Republicans continued to distance themselves from Mitt Romney over the weekend. You know, the guy they supported two weeks ago? The National Republican Senatorial Committee picked tea party star/senator-elect  Ted Cruz to help make sure there are no more bat-crap crazy Todd Akins in races to come. Here’s a look at stories we’re following right now.

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• Sen. Rubio puzzled by Earth’s age: ‘I’m not a scientist, man’

• GOP plots to prevent more Todd Akins

• U.S. stocks surge on hope for a debt deal

• Graham to Romney: ‘When you’re in a hold, stop digging‘

• Back on Hill, Ryan remains a fiscal force

• GOP governors stonewall key Obamacare provision, inviting federal takeover

• Bill Kristol: Go ahead, raise taxes

• Raul Ruiz win tells story of Election 2012

• Ron Garber, former aide to Giffords, wins Gabby Giffords’ seat

• Chris Christie makes appearance on SNL