2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Now Is The Time"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "NOW IS THE TIME"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Now Is The Time."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for strengthening our armed forces to meet a new generation of global challenges.  Governor Romney has proposed expanding our armed forces by 100,000 soldiers and committing at least four percent of the gross domestic product to military spending. 

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa, New Hampshire and on national cable networks.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Now Is The Time" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles. 

"It's a time for us to stand in strength.

"America must remain the world's military superpower.

"If we lock our arms together, we can forge the political will to rebuild our military might.

"Now is the time for us to lead a great coalition of strength.

"For our families, for our future, for America.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

To view "Now Is The Time", please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=51917

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The First GOP Debate Volume 2

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE FIRST GOP DEBATE – VOLUME 2

The Politico Editor-In-Chief John Harris: CNN'S JOHN ROBERTS: "Hey, who do you think did the best job of selling themselves last night?" JOHN HARRIS, EDITOR IN CHIEF, POLITICO.COM: "Well, I thought Mitt Romney, who's introducing himself to most Americans who are not familiar with him. … I thought he gave a very polished, forceful performance that clearly is going to attract a lot of second notices." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/4/07)

National Review's T.J. Walker: "Mitt Romney won Thursday night's debate by every objective standard of style and substance." (T.J. Walker, "Who Won The First Presidential Debate?" National Review, 5/4/07)

Walker: "Whether it was Romney's genial laugh, his upbeat persona, his non-arrogant confidence, or his complete mastery of head, body, and hand motion, he couldn't have been more at ease if he were attending a backyard family barbecue. Regarding substance, Romney appeared to be the smartest kid in the class without sounding cocky." (T.J. Walker, "Who Won The First Presidential Debate?" National Review, 5/4/07)

Time Magazine's Mark Halperin: "Mitt Romney, Grade: A-, Passed his first high-profile test with aplomb. Showed the sunny-side-up optimism, smoothly relaxed demeanor and mechanically thorough preparation that have won over donors and talk show hosts alike. Never rushed his answers or got flustered. Deftly told a Ted Kennedy joke and closed with a stone cold hit on Hillary Clinton/Harry Reid/Nancy Pelosi. Voters getting their first real look at Romney probably liked what they saw." (Time Magazine Website, www.time.com/time/specials/2007/republican_debate/, Accessed 5/4/07)

The Wall Street Journal's John Fund: "How did the candidates fare? Mitt Romney made a positive impression on many viewers." (John Fund, Opinion Journal's Political Diary, 5/4/07)

Fund: "But I'd have to say it was Mitt Romney who came out with the most momentum from the debate. He certainly looked and sounded presidential." (John Fund, Opinion Journal's Political Diary, 5/4/07)

U.S. News & World Report's Michael Barone: "I think that the candidate who probably advanced his cause most was probably Mitt Romney. He came into the debate not nearly as well known… He managed to show a sense of command and got into some specifics on major issues like health care." (Fox News' " Fox News Live," 5/4/07)

NBC's Meredith Vieira: "A lot of people felt last night he looked and sounded the most presidential of the group." (NBC's "Today Show," 5/4/07)

CNN's Jackie Schechner: "A Good portion of conservatives online felt that Romney had an excellent night. They said he was relaxed, he showed warmth he answered the questions well." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/4/07)

The Politico's Mike Allen: "From the Spin Room to the Carl's Jr. near the headquarters hotel, The Politico's informal read of the consensus order of finish for last night's GOP Presidential Candidates Debate in the Air Force One Pavilion of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: 1) Mitt Romney." (Mike Allen, "Politico Playbook: Mitt's Moment," The Politico, 5/4/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "He won new fans with his performance tonight." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate: Post-Spin Analysis," National Journal's On Call, 5/4/07)

Fox News's Gretchen Carlson: "A lot of the bloggers this morning saying that they thought Mitt Romney won this debate." (Fox News's "Fox & Friends," 5/4/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: "For a candidate that is still introducing himself to voters, Romney hit that mark as well as a candidate can." (John Dickerson, "The Gipper Debate," Slate, 5/4/07)

MSNBC's Dan Gilgoff: "I think to the extent that there was a winner in last night's debate, it actually might have been Governor Romney." (MSNBC's "Live," 5/4/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "WINNERS: Mitt Romney: Many viewers were likely getting their first look at the former Massachusetts Governor and he clearly looked up to the job. Romney was engaging, optimistic and telegenic. He generally gave answers that reflected a familiarity with the big issues and used humor effectively…" (Chris Cillizza, " GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 5/4/07)

Nashua Telegraph Columnist Jennifer Horn: "Without doubt former MA Gov Mitt Romney was the winner by every scale.  He was the most presidential of all, and not just in the way he combed his hair.  He was clear, decisive, firm and unwavering.  He was strong on defense, abortion, immigration, healthcare and the economy.  He was likeable, respectful of the other candidates and set the tone for the entire debate." (Jennifer Horn, "First GOP Debate," Jennifer Horn Online, 5/4/07)

Horn: "He was, in fact, one of only two or three on the stage who left you with the impression that he could actually be president of the most powerful nation on earth.  There is no question that Gov. Romney has risen to the top of the pack after last night's debate." (Jennifer Horn, "First GOP Debate," Jennifer Horn Online, 5/4/07)

CNN's Candy Crowley: "Mitt Romney, who has been trying to get his name out there, certainly showed he could go toe to toe with some of the better-known names, so he may have done himself some good there in his continuing effort to get his name out there…" (CNN's "Live," 5/4/07)

National Review's Mark Levin: "Mitt Romney looked the most presidential. He seemed very comfortable responding to questions, including the nutty ones, and came across as a principled conservative." (Mark Levin, "Last Night's Republican Debate," And Another Thing… Blog, http://levin.nationalreview.com/, Posted 5/4/07)

Annenberg School Director Of Debate Gordon Stables: "Governor Romney had the best night in terms of introducing himself to a national audience and doing so in a way that was personable but still confident on the issues." (MSNBC's "Live," 5/4/07)

The Boston Globe's Scott Helman: "…Mitt Romney, in his national coming-out party of sorts, delivered a largely comfortable, confident performance that left his advisers beaming." (Scott Helman, "Republican Candidates Show Their Differences," The Boston Globe, 5/4/07)

What They're Saying: About Governor Mitt Romney At The First GOP Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE FIRST GOP DEBATE

The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan: "If we view the proceedings in vulgar and reductive Who Won, Who Lost terms, and let's, Mitt Romney won…" (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

Noonan: "The statuesque Mr. Romney had a certain good-natured command, a presidential voice, and a surprising wiliness. He seemed happy to be there, and in the mysterious way that some people seem to dominate, he dominated." (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

Noonan: "He did some light-handed and audience-pleasing Clinton bashing, and was confident on stem-cell research."  (Peggy Noonan, "An Incomplete Field," The Wall Street Journal," 5/4/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.) stood out with clear and crisp answers – showing flashes of humor and an ease with the important issues. He sounded authoritative when he talked about Iraq (not an easy task for a one-term governor of Massachusetts) and effectively cast himself – a Mormon – as part of the broad faith community in America." (Chris Cillizza, "Debate Wrap Up," The Washington Post's The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/, Posted 5/3/07)

Newsweek's Howard Fineman: "I think Mitt Romney came off looking presidential…" (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Romney showed himself to be a smart, articulate, optimistic, serious leader. If it was a first impression for anyone watching, as I imagine it might have been for anyone flipping away from The Office for a few minutes, it was a good start." (National Review Website, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 5/4/07)

Mullings' Rich Galen: "Overall I thought Romney did the best. He had command of his positions and articulated them well." (Mullings Website, www.mullings.com/, Accessed 5/4/07)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: "Governor Romney was very good in talking about health care, where he knows a great deal." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 5/3/07)

New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "Romney was very good at turning every answer into a statement of lofty, conservative principle. He spoke of family and marriage and faith and turned a question about 'what don't you like about America?' into a poetic ode to our nation. He came across as sharp and jaunty." (Michael Goodwin, "Giuliani Is Not-So-Artful Dodger," New York Daily News, 5/4/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "It would be terribly irresponsible to pick a winner of Thursday night's Republican debate. So I will. I think Mitt Romney won." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Simon: "…Mitt Romney achieved almost everything he wanted to achieve. He looked and sounded presidential. He hit his talking points. And voters who knew nothing about him before the debate except that he was a Mormon, came away knowing a lot more." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Simon: "Romney was a man with a plan. He knew what points he wanted to make and he made them." (Roger Simon, "Call Me Irresponsible: I Say Romney Won," The Politico, 5/3/07)

MSNBC's Contessa Brewer: "I thought Mitt Romney came off as looking very presidential." (MSNBC's "Tucker Carlson Live," 5/4/07)

The Politico's Michael Cornfield And Alan Kelly: "Best playmaker: Mitt Romney. A fluid pace in a frenetic setting. Executive-in-charge. Avoided 'his' religion but talked about faith." (Michael Cornfield and Alan Kelly, "GOP Playmaker's Wrap-up – Our Best And Worst Awards," The Politico, 5/3/07)

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: "I'll tell you what, it looked like Mitt Romney really had a strong introduction to the Republican Party tonight." (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07) 

Scarborough: "I'll tell you what, I got a lot of e-mails throughout this debate from Republicans, conservative Republicans across the country, they were telling me they thought Mitt Romney was the clear winner and I got to tell you Keith, that's the view from a lot of people inside of here right now."  (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

Scarborough: "And this really looked like his format. … Some people like Ronald Reagan pop at these type of debate settings. It looked like Mitt Romney pops in these type of settings." (MSNBC's "Post-Debate Analysis," 5/3/07)

Scarborough: "You're going to find out over the next couple of days that Mitt Romney is the guy that exceeded expectations, and John McCain was a guy that didn't quite meet expectations. A lot of the Republican base may start moving to Mitt Romney. Rudy Giuliani just was a little more flat that people expected, didn't show the type of leadership that people expected him tonight. Of course this is just a debate but certain people pop in the debate, certain people don't. Tonight it was Mitt Romney who seemed to break out of the pack." (MSNBC's "Post-Debate Analysis," 3/3/07)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "Romney had some strong answers, good humor. I'd be surprised if he didn't help himself tonight. Maybe the audience will see what attracted his fans. Clearly, this was a format he seemed at home in." (Jim Geraghty, "Jim's Summary and Wrap-Up," The Hillary Spot On National Review Online, www.nationalreview.com, Posted 5/3/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "Mitt Romney is great with first impressions… He certainly seemed presidential. He flubbed no question. His knowledge was evident." (Marc Ambinder, "The Debate: Post-Spin Analysis," National Journal's On Call, http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/05/the_debate_post.html, Posted 5/4/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "Mitt Romney's aides and advisers were buoyant after the forum. And for some good reason. The former Massachusetts governor, ever handsome and articulate, was poised and smooth for most of the evening. For the thousands (millions?) watching at home who were getting their first taste of Mitt, they had to come away impressed." (Jonathan Martin, "My Take," The Politico, 5/3/07)

Martin: "When even his opponents acknowledge that he performed well, you know Romney had a pretty good night." (Jonathan Martin, "My Take," The Politico, 5/3/07)

New York Sun's Ryan Sager: "If anyone stood out from the other candidates, in terms of looking polished and poised, it was clearly Mr. Romney. He got off some of the best lines of the night… But any casual observer of the debate (were there any non-junkies watching?) would probably have to view him as head-and-shoulders above the others." (Ryan Sager, "Who Won? Who Lost?" New York Sun Politics Blog, www.nysunpolitics.com/blog/2007/05/who-won-who-lost.html, 5/3/07)

Dan Riehl: "Romney may be the guy who pulled it out tonight." (Dan Riehl, "McCain Can't Catch A Break," Riehl World View, www.riehlworldview.com/, Posted 5/3/07)

John Hinderaker: "If you didn't already know how good Romney is, you would be really impressed by his performance tonight." (John Hinderaker, "Liveblogging The GOP Debate," Power Line Forum, www.plnewsforum.com, Posted 5/3/07)

Columnist Kathleen Parker: "And the winner is: Mitt the Good, the Perfect, the Gosh-Darned Smartest of Them All. He was substantive, concise, and humorous, if somewhat over-educated for those who haven't yet read the Cliff Notes on altered nuclear stem cells. His answer on stem-cell research showed that he has delved deeply into the issue…" (National Review Website, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 5/4/07)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Who won? – Mitt Romney won this debate. He looked relaxed, answered clearly, showed real warmth and a sense of humor, and actually answered the questions asked of him – even the stupid ones, to which I'll return shortly." (Ed Morrissey, "Debate Analysis: Romney Wins," Captain's Quarters Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/009874.php, Posted 5/3/07)

Townhall's Dean Barnett: "Mitt Romney – Romney was clearly the class of the field. I know, I'm biased, blah, blah, blah. But if you saw the debate, believe your own eyes. Romney has a command of the facts and an effective delivery that must be the envy of the field. As America gets to know him in forums like this (not that I'm hoping there will be other forums precisely like this hideous one – perish that thought), the country will come to understand why Romney has generated such excitement among insiders and people who know him." (Dean Barnett, "A Quickie Debate Recap," Hugh Hewitt, hughhewitt.townhall.com , Posted 5/3/07)

CBN's David Brody: "The debate is over and I thought Mitt Romney really came across well. He was comfortable, funny and somewhat free wheeling." (CBN Website, www.cbn.com/CBNnews/151174.aspx, Accessed 5/4/07)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "It's obvious now that in the first major Republican presidential debate Mitt Romney put in a very strong performance." (Mark Hemingway, "Mitt Romney Can Do Whatever The Heck He Wants," National Review, 5/4/07)

Romney For President Statement On The First Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY WINS FIRST DEBATE WITH MESSAGE OF CONSERVATIVE CHANGE IN WASHINGTON

Simi Valley, CA – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the first Republican presidential debate:

"Tonight at the Reagan Library, Governor Romney stood out as the best candidate as a result of his outlining a vision for the policies needed to bring conservative change to Washington.  On every question posed and on every issue debated, Governor Romney clearly demonstrated he has both the proven record and the leadership capabilities required to win the Republican Party's nomination and lead America toward a brighter future.

"Voters learned tonight that with Governor Romney's strong leadership, there is no problem America cannot solve." 

Romney For President Announces Young Professionals For Mitt

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FOR MITT

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced the D.C. Chapter of Young Professionals for Mitt – the first chapter of Governor Romney's efforts to involve young professionals in his 2008 presidential campaign.   Serving as Co-Chairs of the D.C. Chapter will be Alex Annett of Patton Boggs and Drew Maloney of Ogilvy Government Relations.

"Young Professionals for Mitt will be our flagship organization for reaching out to voters who are just beginning their careers.  In each of their professions, they are driving forces for new and innovative ideas.  With their help, they will be a driving force behind our campaign as we continue building support across the nation," said Governor Romney.

With today's announcement, Alex Annett said, "As young professionals, we are impressed with Governor Romney's pro-growth record and agenda.  He has balanced budgets, promoted entrepreneurship and transformed institutions.  He creates change and change is what Washington needs."

Joining his fellow Co-Chair, Drew Maloney said, "We are looking forward to helping Governor Romney raise the resources he needs to continue building his strong national organization." 

Over the coming weeks, Romney for President will announce several new Young Professionals for Mitt chapters across the country.

Romney For President Announces "Iowa Students For Romney" Campus

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES "IOWA STUDENTS FOR ROMNEY" CAMPUS CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced the additional Campus Chairs of "Iowa Students for Romney," a grassroots group that will inform their on-campus communities around the state about Governor Romney's plan to bring real change to Washington. 

Together, these sixteen young leaders will serve as Students for Romney Campus Chairs at their respective colleges and universities around the state. Romney for President announced the formation of the first chapter at the University of Northern Iowa in March.  Since that time, the organization has grown statewide.

"The hard work of these college and university students will play a pivotal role in the success of our grassroots organization," said Gentry Collins, Iowa Romney for President Campaign Manager.  "They understand that Governor Romney is the only candidate putting forward specific proposals and ideas to keep the opportunity for prosperity alive for future generations.  Each campus chair will organize fellow students and make sure their campus communities know that Governor Romney will successfully lead our nation to answers for the new generation of challenges we're facing."

Iowa Students For Romney Campus Chairs:

Donald Bladt (Cornell College, Chair)

Tristan Cook (Cornell College, Co-Chair)

Phil Jeneary (Central College):

Ashton Schmidt (Drake University)

Luke Martz (Iowa State University)

Geoff Gustitus (Loras College)

Colton Long (Luther College)

Casandra Young (Morningside College, Chair)

Kathryn Kotlik (Morningside College, Co-Chair)

Amanda Allen (Northwestern College)

Matt O'Brien (University of Dubuque)

Ben Johnson (University of Iowa)

Carrie Janura (University of Iowa)

Melissa Mozingo (University of Northern Iowa)

Janna Carson (William Penn University)

Michael Bahr (Ellsworth Community College)

Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels Exceed 1.5 Million Viewings

Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels Exceed 1.5 Million Viewings

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that his innovative Internet video channels have topped 1.5 million total viewings after just 15 weeks in operation and continue to break new ground by dynamically streaming his message of change in Washington to Americans across the country.

Mitt TV now offers more than 100 different video clips in eight channels, including a documentary about Governor Romney's accomplishments, remarks on major issues, news and interview clips, full-length speeches, Congressional endorsements, and questions and answers from his "Ask Mitt Anything" events.

"A major part of our effort is to make sure we're getting our message to people who get their information in new and up-to-date ways," said Kevin Madden, Romney campaign press secretary.  "Internet video is certainly a very powerful and interactive new medium."

Mitt TV, the innovative Internet TV channel which is incorporated into the www.MittRomney.com web site, has accounted for a majority of the totals views with over 801,000 videos watched.  Governor Romney's YouTube channel, available at www.youtube.com/mittromney, has garnered over 705,000 video views – including the Governor's YouChoose Spotlight video, which is the most popular video produced by any 2008 presidential campaign to date.

"We program Mitt TV much like the campaign's own television network," observed Madden.  "Most of Mitt TV's content is original, and cannot be viewed anywhere else.  Mitt TV offers voters a unique opportunity to spend as much time as they want with Governor Romney, hearing his views direct and unfiltered."

MittRomney.com On Debate Night:

For the first Republican presidential primary debate on May 3rd in California, MittRomney.com will feature a section exclusively for updates from Simi Valley.  Make sure to check out this section of the web site on May 3rd for press releases, photos and video clips.

Fast Facts About Governor Mitt Romney's Video Channels:

• Of the 106 Mitt TV videos, the first chapter of the "Mitt Romney Story" documentary has the most views with 128,790.
• Of the 92 videos on Governor Romney's YouTube channel, "What Do You Believe is America's Single Greatest Challenge?" has the most viewed with 433,132.
• With 1,740 subscribers to his YouTube channel, Governor Romney has substantially more subscribers than any other 2008 Republican candidate.
• Governor Romney's YouTube channel has 60 videos with over 1,000 views apiece, more than triple that of the nearest 2008 Republican candidate.  Ninety-six videos on Mitt TV have over 1,000 views apiece

Mitt Romney Announces New Arizona County And City Chairs

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES NEW ARIZONA COUNTY AND CITY CHAIRS

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced six new City and County Chairs for his Arizona campaign.  Gilbert Chair Don Skousen, Chandler Chairs Leo and Karen Mahoney, Apache County Chairs Myrna and Dick Udall and Pima County Chair Ed Parker will help build on Governor Romney's growing grassroots support throughout the state.

Governor Romney said, "We are building an exceptional team in Arizona.  These men and women will provide critical support for us in the Grand Canyon State."

The endorsements follow others in the past month including State Senator Chuck Gray and State Representative Mark Anderson, who are Co-Chairs of Governor Romney's campaign statewide.  Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is serving as Governor Romney's Honorary State Chairman.

Marvin Pomerantz To Co-Chair Mitt Romney's Iowa Campaign

MARVIN POMERANTZ TO CO-CHAIR GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY'S IOWA PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney announced today that Des Moines businessman Marvin Pomerantz will serve as Co-Chair of his Iowa presidential campaign.

"Marvin is the epitome of the American dream, and his support is going to be enormously helpful to my campaign," said Governor Romney.  "He shares my vision of a strong and vibrant economy, one that is able to successfully compete with extraordinary economic challenges from abroad.  To do so, Marvin and I share the same belief that we must have a rigorous educational system preparing our children for the future."

Pomerantz said that upon reviewing all the candidates, Governor Romney is the clear choice.

"Governor Romney has a proven record of accomplishment, and has the leadership needed to meet a new generation of challenges," said Pomerantz.  "He has shown a positive vision of the future, and that sets him apart from the other candidates."

Matt Blunt And Rod Jetton Endorse Mitt Romney

MISSOURI GOVERNOR MATT BLUNT AND HOUSE SPEAKER ROD JETTON ENDORSE GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and House Speaker Rod Jetton have endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States.  Governor Blunt and Speaker Jetton have been strong advocates for Missourians on fiscal issues, traditional values and economic growth.

"Governor Blunt and Speaker Jetton have been a powerful voice on the issues that matter most to the people of Missouri, and I am honored to have them as part of my team," said Governor Romney.  "Like Matt and Rod, I believe we must reduce the burdensome taxes and regulations holding our businesses back, demand greater accountability and efficiency from government and rise to meet the new generation of challenges facing our nation in the 21st century."   

Endorsing Governor Romney, Governor Blunt said, "Mitt Romney's strong conservative principles are right for America.  He is a strong leader and a proven problem solver – in private business, the Olympics, and as Governor.  Governor Romney lives the American values that we cherish.  I believe he has a great vision for the future of the United States."

Joining Governor Blunt, Speaker Jetton said, "Governor Romney is a strong conservative leader who will restore fiscal discipline in our nation's capital.  As Governor, he fought for traditional marriage and against tax increases that would have made it harder for businesses to grow.  He has the values and the vision that are needed to keep America strong."