Governor Mitt Romney Enters 2008 Presidential Race
by Ernie Geigenmiller

DEARBORN, Mich.  – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney made it official today: he’s running for President of the United States.

With hundreds of enthusiast supporters, including his wife, Ann, five children and grandchildren, cheering him on inside the Henry Ford Museum, the former one-term Republican governor made his case for a competent federal government.

"I do not believe Washington can be transformed from within by lifetime politicians," Romney said. "There have been too many deals, too many favors, too many entanglements - and too little real world experience managing, guiding, leading.

"I do not believe Washington can be transformed by someone who has never tried doing such a thing before, in any setting, by someone who has never even managed a corner store, let alone the largest enterprise in the world.”

He touted his life experience in business – the successes, the failures – and said his life has been a pursuit of innovation and transformation.

He spoke of family, his wife, five sons and five daughters-in-law, and said at Christmas he asked them whether he should run for president. The support was unanimous.

"And so, with them behind us, with the fine people of Michigan before us, and with my sweetheart beside me, I declare my intention to run for President of the United States,” said Romney to a roaring applause.

"…I believe in God and I believe that every person in this great country, and every person on this grand planet, is a child of God. We are all sisters and brothers.

"I believe the family is the foundation of America – and that we must fight to protect and strengthen it …I believe in the sanctity of human life.”

He also said he believed that people and their elected representatives should make the nation’s laws, and eschewed activist judges.  He emphasized his belief that Americans are overtaxed and government is “overfed.” He said Washington is spending too much money.

"I believe the best days of this country are ahead of us, because ... "I believe in America! … At this critical time, we must 1) transform our role in the world, 2) strengthen our nation, and 3) build a brighter future for the American family.

"Today, as we stare at the face of radical violent Jihad and at the prospect of nuclear epidemic, our military might should not be subject to the whims of ever-changing political agendas. The best ally of peace is a strong America!”

He used the museum as the background for his announcement because “it’s about innovation.”

"… It's filled with cars and memories. Dad and I loved cars. Most kids read the sports box scores. Dad and I read Automotive News. We came here together, him teaching me about cars that were built before my time.

“This place is not just about automobiles; it is about innovation, innovation that transformed an industry, and in doing so, gave Americans a way of life our grandparents could never have imagined.”

Although early surveys show the former venture capitalist lagging behind rivals Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, he’s been a successful fundraiser and has campaign volunteers all over the country.

Romney hopes to use his success in business as a venture capitalist where he amassed a personal fortune, as well as his tenure in turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics and four years as governor to convince people he can lead and manage the enormous federal government.

The 59-year-old Romney is an astute businessmen with connections all over the country. As a founding member of Bain Capital, he orchestrated several investments that turned ailing companies into successful enterprises. One of those companies is the giant office-supply chain Staples.

His network even extends into Washington state with past business ties to Columbia Ultimate and local businessmen.

Romney ran an unsuccessful campaign in 1994 to unseat Senator Ted Kennedy. Political observers say it was Kennedy’s most challenging campaign.

Years later, Romney stepped in to lead the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Romney’s challenge was to overcome the scandal-plagued organization and turn it into a successful and profitable event. The 2002 Olympics has been touted as one of the most successful in history.

Not long after the Olympics ended, Romney successfully ran for Governor of Massachusetts. He served from January 2003 until January 2007. He was credited with closing a $3 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. He also helped overhaul the state’s health insurance system.

As a presidential candidate he faces questions about his conservative credentials. While few question his fiscal conservatism, there have been questions about his social conservatism – principally about abortion and gay rights.

Romney insists he’s “pro-life,” however, he ran as a pro-choice moderate in 2002. His record, however, as governor shows a pro-life pattern.

To learn more about this candidate, go to www.mittromney.com .

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