This statement crossed the transom earlier today…

“As the GOP and the networks host debate No. 20-something this evening, they have once again turned their backs on the democratic process by choosing to exclude a former governor and congressman. I have decided to take my campaign directly to the American people by declaring my candidacy for Americans Elect. Also, after many discussions with the Reform Party, I am excited to announce my intentions of seeking their nomination.”

And just like that, Buddy Roemer is no longer in the Republican presidential field. As if he ever was.

After all, this is where Roemer’s campaign stands financially as of Jan. 31, courtesy of the Federal Elections Commission…

Seven thousand dollars in cash on hand after you’ve been running for president for almost a year is a good indication you’re not going to win. By comparison, here’s Mitt Romney’s filing…

Romney has refunded more than twice what Roemer has raised. That ought to tell you something.

Roemer attempting to horn in to the basically-defunct Reform Party while seeking advantage from Americans Elect – which is a creation of a few millionaires, and whose business model is completely alien to Roemer’s stated limit of $100 contributions from his donors – shows his awareness of the futility of his campaign.

Somehow, though, he persists.

If Buddy Roemer wants to continue running for president, more power to him. But he’s doing it wrong. He finally figured out he was wasting his time running as a Republican. What he should have done from the start was run as a Democrat.