Sen. Jim DeMint at CPAC, originally uploaded by Rob Bluey.

Sen. Jim DeMint, Republican of South Carolina, paid a visit to Bloggers’ Row this morning before his keynote address. He spoke to a group of us, including Erick Erickson of RedState, James Joyner of Outside the Beltway, Ed Morrissey of Captain’s Quarters, C. Jane Stewart of SeeJaneMom and Nate from Save The GOP. (Photos on Flickr.)

I was most curious to hear DeMint’s explanation of why he’s thrown his support to Mitt Romney in 2008. He told me Romney has “demonstrated he can get things done” and “taken bold moves in Massachusetts,” specifically citing his work on health care.

“We need a president who is willing to do some bold things,” DeMint said. He cited the fact that about 20 states are considering health care plans similar to Massachusetts’ and President Bush is moving in that direction as well.

“The federal government is so incompetent, we need a CEO who can kick some butt and turn things around,” DeMint said.

On other topics, DeMint said he was encouraged by movement on tax reform, including ideas such as the flat tax and Fair Tax. On immigration, he said he didn’t think an amnesty program such as the soon-to-be-introduced McCain-Kennedy plan will win passage. Instead, he cited Sen. Johnny Isakson’s proposal to focus first on border security before instituting a guest-worker program.