The Early Word: To the Airwaves Whatever their ideological differences, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul have a warm personal relationship, though it remains to be seen if this will help Mr. Romney's campaign. A House hearing on an Obama administration policy requiring insurers to pay for birth control for religious institutions" employees was a scene of politics and soul-searching. With a narrow lead in a new Michigan poll, Rick Santorum affirmed his anti-bailout stance and criticized Mitt Romney for supporting the bank rescue known as TARP. A March 1 debate in Atlanta was canceled after Mitt Romney's campaign said he would not participate and Rick Santorum and Ron Paul quickly did the same. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign said that Representative Michael G. Grimm of Staten Island, who is facing scrutiny over his business dealings and fund-raising, would no longer play a prominent role in the campaign. February 17 Congress proposes auctioning off airwaves to pay for benefits, New Jersey lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex marriage and a House hearing continues the debate on insurance coverage for contraceptives. Maine has decided to include in the vote total results from Washington County, which votes on Saturday. Joseph P. Kennedy III is seeking the seat now held by Representative Barney Frank, who is retiring. Members of a bipartisan panel that struck a deal on the payroll tax extension take pen in hand to sign their report as the cameras click. Michigan Governor Endorses Romney, Calling Him a "Native Son" Mitt Romney says he is delighted that the auto industry is powerful.