Posted on 01/14/2006 8:31:58 PM PST by Connie Servative
Mitt Romney: The November Surprise by Carol Turoff January 14. 2006
An unlikely package of contrasts emerges from Leftachusetts.
In a state that has kept dependable liberals Ted Kennedy (first elected in 1962) and John Kerry (1984) in the senate and Barney Frank (serving since 1980) among its congressional representatives, an atypical political figure has emerged on the Massachusetts horizon.
Never previously having held elective office, Gov. Mitt Romney was elected in 2002 with a decisive margin. The son of George Romney, a former Cabinet member who served three terms as governor of Michigan, Mitt presents an intriguing Republican persona as the 2006 presidential cycle shifts into full gear. Recently named Chairman of the Republican Governors’ Association, he has exhibited an impressive mix of business acumen and political savvy notably lacking in many of the names currently receiving attention. Since announcing he would not seek a second term leading Massachusetts, he has visited the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, which are key in garnering national prominence.
The curiosity of a social and fiscal conservative at the helm of the state of Massachusetts stirs initial interest. A closer look does nothing to dispel the notion that Romney has what it takes to keep Republican occupants in residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Successfully leading the management consulting firm of Bain and Company, the cum laude Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School honors graduate then distinguished himself directing its highly profitable venture capitol spin-off, Bain Capitol.
Called upon to oversee the 2002 Winter Olympics which had been mired in scandal, financial and organizational controversy, Romney became president and CEO of the organizing committee, in what became one of the nation’s most successful Olympic endeavors. Turning a $100 million profit from the debt-ridden organization by scaling back opening and closing ceremonies and holding a tight rein on the purse strings of the committee, required diligence. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks the preceding year, security concerns presented unique and costly challenges.
Touting his spirited call for volunteerism while in Utah, Romney assembled thousands of eager participants. Deeply involved in his church and long active in numerous civic and charitable organizations, Mitt Romney provided a guiding example for others to follow.
Blessed with movie star good looks, Mitt and Ann Romney have been married thirty-seven years. Surrounded by their five married sons and their families, they resemble the photographs of models manufacturers insert into newly purchased frames. Although Ann was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, she remains committed to her community service projects, notably those helping at-risk girls make positive life choices.
In 2004, Gov. Romney, a steadfast advocate of traditional marriage, filed emergency legislation requesting the state’s highest court stay its order legalizing same-sex “marriage” until Massachusetts residents could vote on the issue. State legislators passed a compromise amendment banning such nuptials while legalizing civil unions. His reaction was swift. “The people of Massachusetts should not be excluded from a decision as fundamental to our society as the definition of marriage,” said Gov. Romney. “This issue is too important to leave to a one-vote majority of the Supreme Judicial Court.”
He takes a jab on his strong, squared chin, from social conservatives who oppose what they see as his squishy positioning on the issue of abortion, however. “While I’ve said time and again that I oppose abortion, I’ve also indicated that I would not change in any way the abortion laws in Massachusetts. And I’ve honored that promise. I take my promises very seriously,” he stated.
Reminiscent of the contemptuous anti-Kennedy crowd in the early 1960’s, wary of electing the first Roman Catholic to the presidency, there are those who balk at pulling the lever for a Mormon. The fact that there are governors, cabinet members and currently five US Senators and thirteen members of the US House of Representatives of both parties who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should serve to quell such unreasonable concerns. Sen. Harry Reid aside, most faithful LDS adherents tend to hold traditional values.
Meanwhile, throwing judgment to the winds, likely Democrat contender, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) appeared with leftist activist Harry Belafonte at The Children’s Defense Fund’s 2006 Winter Benefit where Clinton confidant and political advisor, Susan Thomases was the honoree.
“Banana Boat” singer, Harry Belafonte, recently traveled to Venezuela to denounce President George W. Bush, calling him “the greatest terrorist in the world.” Embracing the socialist dictator Hugo Chavez, Belafonte enthused, “We respect you, we admire you.”
Then, Hillary’s chum, Harry, warmly declared, “¡Viva la revolución!”
Mitt Romney is looking better and better.
Carol Turoff is a former two-term member of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. During her eight years on the commission, she participated in the selection of four of the five current Arizona Supreme Court Justices as well as 17 judges on both Division I and II of the Arizona Court of Appeals. Appointed by two governors, Turoff served with three chairing Supreme Court Justices.
GunsFor "Assault Weapons" Ban
"Mitt Romney supports the strict enforcement of gun laws. He is a supporter of the federal assault weapons ban. Mitt also believes in the rights of those who hunt to responsibly own and use firearms."
—Romney campaign statement.
Desert News, Sept. 1, 2002
ta-ta "Mitt"
Don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.
Well, he has presided over the destruction of the second amendment, the advancement of the gay agenda, the utter corruption of his judiciary, the loss of jobs and population from his state.
Maybe he can do that for the nation, too.
If all you've got to hang your hat on is the abortion issue, it's a very weak foundation. Mitt's views on abortion is actually more conservative than about 80% of the rest of the country and more conservative than the current occupant of the White House to boot. It's simply not going to be a factor in this next election cycle.
Personally, I think at this point in time, Mitt Romney give the GOP the best chance to hold the White House in 2008. Somebody better might come along but they better come along pretty quick because time is running out.
You forget. A conservative is a conservative is a conservative. Let McCain or Romney become the nominee for President and the dogs of hell would be loosed on him from the "mainstream media". They are foremost liberals and as long as a liberal is running that is where their loyalties will lie.
Abortion, second amendment, gay agenda, loss of business and population.
Much more than one.
Stranger things have happened...John Kerry getting the dem nomination last time, for instance. But we'll have to see how things shake out. I'd take Romney over say, McCain, but there are better candidates...George Allen of VA., to name one.
Ah yes, 40 years of steadfast support for legal abortion and Roe v Wade. No big deal.
And of course you completely ignore Mitt's other campaign planks:
Liberal gay activists as judges!
Assault weapons ban!
Gay rights!
Force all hospitals to dispense abortion drugs!
Embryonic stem cell research!
I get very suspicious of politicians who's "culture of life" positions (abortion, civil unions, gay marriage, other gay issues) "evolve" depending on the audience as Romney's do.
I also beg to differ with you that my complaint is one issue (abortion). I can add his immoral support of embryonic stem cell research, forcing Catholic hospitals to violate beliefs by forcing them to provide "reproductive health" services including contraception, his support to the gay agenda (and I don't mean just civil unions). Romney has compiled a mostly pro-gay record as governor. "Romney has appointed several openly gay people to key positions, endorsed openly gay legislative candidates, and declined to gut the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth" to quote the American Family Association
To me he seems like Bill Clinton in the sense that he talks out of both sides of his mouth to deceive and gain votes. He lacks core convictions.
I put him in the McCain/Guiliani category. Certainly better than anyone the Demoncrats will put up, but nowhere near a candidate I would be enthusiastic about.
I wonder where he was on 3-1968?.
I won't elect a cult member to the WH, that is for sure.
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