Posted on 12/08/2008 2:56:48 PM PST by yongin
Republican Mitt Romney is laying the groundwork for a possible White House campaign in 2012, hiring a team of staff members and consultants with money from a fund-raising committee he established with the ostensible purpose of supporting other GOP candidates.
The former Massachusetts governor has raised $2.1 million for his Free and Strong America political action committee. But only 12 percent of the money has been spent distributing checks to Romney's fellow Republicans around the country.
Instead, the largest chunk of the money has gone to support Romney's political ambitions, paying for salaries and consulting fees to over a half-dozen of Romney's longtime political aides, according to a Globe review of expenditures.
Romney founded the Free and Strong America Committee shortly after dropping out of the 2008 presidential primary. He filled its coffers by telling conservative contributors around the country that their money would be used to support Republican candidates and causes.
According to the Globe analysis, he spent $244,000 on contributions to congressional and other candidates between April and the November elections. He has spent more than twice as much on staff salaries and contracts to hire professional fund-raisers, who are compiling contributor lists that will serve Romney well in a future presidential campaign.
In essence, Romney is financing a political enterprise that he can use to remain a national GOP leader and use as a springboard should he decide to launch another presidential bid for 2012.
Romney aides insisted that the primary mission of the Free and Strong America Political Action Committee is to raise money for other Republicans around the country and to promote GOP policies. The committee says that booster work included flying Romney to various districts to help congressional candidates, many of whom happened to support his 2008 presidential primary candidacy.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
oh no..
I cant stand that east coast elitist token RINO.
If nothing is done to push a solid conservative through, he will buy his way in. Only thing worst than an outright Rhino like McCain is a shape shifter like Romney.
“It is more essential than ever that conservative candidates and organizations have the resources they need to get their message out to voters,” Romney said in the fund-raising appeal. “Because of your help, my political action committee . . . is supporting over 70 candidates this election cycle. Your continued support today will ensure that they have the assistance they need to win.”
Please, Please just go away!
I am not going to vote for him, EVER! He’s just a McCain Redeux.
Hey Willard, take your liberalism and go away.
FAR AWAY!
The Boston Globe dislikes Romney. That’s not news and it makes Romney more likable.
I don't listen to lies.
It's too bad the Evangelicals showed their true colors with all their hate hurled at him.
All those people contributing probably thought they were helping Conservatives, not Romney.
Geesh,Is GOP pushing this crap again?
No, I’m not gung-ho for Ro. No Ro, no way.
I don’t listen to lies either... which is why I could never support Romney.
I think he would win...
...Utah.
How about No I WONT.
Sarah in 2012 !
In hindsight, i wish Romney would have been the nominee over McCain. McCain was a buffoon on the economy.
Maybe conservatives need to get the message to Willard’s family that he is wasting his kids and grandkids future on an attempt to run again that is sure to fail.
Gag. NO MORE RINOS.
Never trust a man with a pompadour!
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