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.
Mitt Romney is a pro-abortion, pro-fetal stem cell RINO.
Who wrote this crap, Romney's campaign staff ? The guy is nothing another wimpy RINO with really good hair.
What record of accomplishment is he going to run on ? He is utterly incapable of enacting an agenda because a Republican Governor has no power in Massachusetts. His inability to repair the damage of his RINO predecessors to the state party is one reason he is not even bothering to run for a 2nd term and plans to return to Utah come next January.
Would you care to comment on any one of the stories you have posted - or on any topic whatsoever?
We all know how to read the news.... but do you have an opinion about it? Do share.
For better or worse, he also speaks fluent French (he's much more fluent than John Kerry).
I'm starting to warm to the idea of a Romney administration. He'd be a hard-nosed businessman likely to bring fiscal restraint to government spending. I need to know where he stands on illegal immigration, though.
It's just that today, tomorrow, and for over 40 years, he favors legal abortion and Roe vs Wade.
And gay rights.
And gun control.
He did not even have the stones to fire Fat Matt, had to ask for permission from the Supreme Judicial Court.
You have no idea what you are posting about.
Do some homework.
"likely to bring fiscal restraint to government spending" - Yeah because Republicans everywhere have shown all this fiscal restraint.
The a..hole is trying to talk out of both sides of his mouth. If he's against abortion, why promise NOT to change the law.
He was for abortion, before he was against it
Romney should run against Teddy again.
A few months ago, I might have agreed with you.
So far, a more competitive social and fiscal conservative has not appeared as a viable Republican candidate for president. The MSM keeps touting McCain and Giuliani, neither of which is acceptable to social conservatives.
As president Romney is likely to fill the next SCOTUS opening with someone like evangelical Christian Michael McConnell, setting the nation on a steadfast conservative course for 20-30 years.
Complaining about Romney's religion is pointless and irrelevant. His religion will manifest itself in traditional social and fiscal conservatism, nothing less and nothing more.
What's wrong with that?
as the 2006 presidential cycle shifts into full gear
Huh! Did I miss something? Maybe they're thinking about the need for a special election after the impeachment and removal.
I see they're touting another Northeast RINO. I believe some liberals think their only prospect for someone in the White House is getting a RINO in under cover of darkness (ie: MSM propaganda to sell him to the public)
Romney is for universal health care in Massachusetts, health care for all on the back of businesses and working people.
Romney would make a good President, even though Mormonism is as credible as 8 foot tall Quaker moon men. That is the problem, the National Democratic party and the media would have a hey day telling the world every fine detail of Mormon kookiness from Demon repellent underwear to baptisms of the dead. I certainly respect Mormon's for their steadfast family values but the media will rush to crucify Romney in such a way that would make Pontus Pilot proud.
Yep, good old fellow Mormon, Harry Reid is the embodiment of traditional social and fiscal conservatism.
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