2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

The State Newspaper Endorses Mitt Romney for President

THE STATE: “ROMNEY HAS CAPACITY TO BUILD BRIDGES”
 
“Romney Has Capacity To Build Bridges”
The State
Editorial
January 19, 2012
http://www.thestate.com
 
Mitt Romney was not our first choice for the Republican nomination for president of the United States, but he was one of two candidates who stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field as sensible, experienced grownups with a history of making things work rather than pursuing ideological fetishes.
…
 
But we take comfort in the fact that Mr. Romney always has been less interested in philosophy than in problem-solving. As The Washington Post summarized the views of his friends: “obeisance to ideology would impose a rigidity that would inhibit Romney’s real talent, which is forging new ways to fix old problems.”
…
 
What we need now is for Mr. Romney to fulfill his potential, beginning with this evening’s debate. We are encouraged by his focus on America as the land of opportunity, but he needs to avoid using his newly inspiring rhetoric to dodge legitimate questions about his political and business history. He needs to demonstrate that he can maintain his composure in the face of what likely will be the harshest attacks yet.
 
Mr. Romney made clear during a discussion with our editorial board that our nation’s problems will not be solved without a president who is committed to working across the political aisle. He’s right about that, and we feel sure we’ll hear more of that in the general election.

The Post And Courier Endorse Mitt Romney for President

THE POST AND COURIER: “VOTE FOR ROMNEY ON SATURDAY”
 
“Vote For Romney On Saturday”
The Post And Courier
Editorial
Friday, January 20, 2012
http://www.postandcourier.com
 
Mitt Romney is the Republican with the best chance of winning the White House in November. But the best reason to vote for him in Saturday's South Carolina primary is this:
 
He's the best candidate for the job.
 
The former Massachusetts governor has an impressive record, in and out of public office. His extensive background, steady temperament and sense of purpose make him the right GOP choice for the crucial task of leading our nation out of tough times and virtual political gridlock.
 
At this point in Barack Obama's presidency, it is sadly clear that he has pushed our nation too far to the left -- and as a direct consequence, far too deeply into record debt. Mr. Romney is a proven fiscal conservative with the ability and resolve required to correct that wayward course. He also has ample experience in forging productive compromises across party lines.
 
Like presidential predecessor George W. Bush, Mr. Obama pledged to advance bipartisan solutions to the nation's problems. Unfortunately, neither man fared very well on that score.
 
Why would Mr. Romney do any better?
 
He has ample experience from 2003-2007 as the Republican governor of a state with a legislature overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats -- and very liberal ones at that, unlike the moderate Democrats with whom Mr. Bush often found common ground as governor of Texas.
 
"I could do nothing without a collaborative relationship with the leaders of the House and Senate," Mr. Romney said of his governorship in an interview this week at The Post and Courier.
 
Yet much good conservative work was done on his watch: restructuring and streamlining of state government, the elimination of a $3 billion deficit and the addition of $2 billion to a "rainy day" fund, and reducing red tape for small businesses -- all without raising taxes or adding to state debt.
 
That doesn't mean Gov. Romney was a pushover. He issued more than 800 vetoes.
…
 
As for countering the rising threat to the fiscal future of the U.S., which has for the first time lost its top credit rating from Standard and Poor's , Mr. Romney has valuable insights from his service not just as a state chief executive but as the founder and CEO of Bain Capital. The GOP rivals who criticize his accomplished leadership of that investment/management firm should know better. Mr. Romney's knowledge of how profits and jobs are created -- and lost -- would serve the nation's economy well in the White House.
…
 
Mitt Romney's combination of skills, experience and commitment make him the right man at the right time to be president.
 
And Saturday is the right time for South Carolina to boost him closer to that goal.

Mitt Romney Announces Support of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF VIRGINIA GOVERNOR BOB MCDONNELL
 
Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.
 
“Governor McDonnell’s leadership in Virginia is an example for the rest of the nation,” said Mitt Romney. “Governor McDonnell has used the conservative principles of keeping taxes and spending low and creating a fair regulatory climate to make Virginia a top destination for job creators. These same principles can be used in Washington to fix our economy and make government accountable to the taxpayers. I am proud to have his support and look forward to working with Governor McDonnell.”
 
“As I have said throughout this primary process, we need a governor to serve as our next president,” said Governor McDonnell. “America needs leadership and that's what governors do: they lead. Governors actually have to find solutions and bring all parties together in order to get results for their citizens – they can't just sit back and cast votes. Mitt Romney has been an effective leader his entire life, in business, the Olympics and as governor. President Obama’s lack of leadership experience is now clear – he has failed to turn around the economy and end the gridlock in Washington. Mitt Romney used his leadership ability in a politically difficult environment to balance the budget every year, cut spending and taxes, and create jobs. He is a results-oriented conservative. This is the type of record that conservatives like me are honored to support – we need a leader like Mitt Romney in the White House to enact effective change that will put our country back on the right path and Americans back to work.”
 
Background On Governor McDonnell:
 
Governor Bob McDonnell Was Elected In 2009. Prior to his election, McDonnell served as Virginia’s Attorney General and as a Delegate representing Virginia’s 84th District in Virginia Beach. Governor McDonnell is an Army Veteran who served his country for 21 years. Governor McDonnell is the current Chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon Statement Following Tonight’s CNN Debate In South Carolina

FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL CHARLIE CONDON: ROMNEY’S PRIVATE SECTOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED
 
Boston, MA – Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon made the following statement on tonight’s debate:
 
“Mitt Romney won tonight’s debate. Unlike our current president, Mitt Romney actually knows how the economy works, how jobs are created, and how businesses grow. With his economic know-how and solid economic plan, South Carolinians can be confident that our future will be bright with Mitt Romney in the White House.”

South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis Statement Following Tonight’s CNN Debate In South Carolina

CURTIS LOFTIS: WE NEED A LEADER, NOT ANOTHER CAREER POLITICIAN
 
Boston, MA – South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis made the following statement following tonight’s debate:
 
“What was clear tonight is that we need a reliable leader with a lifetime of leadership experience, not another president who spent his life in politics. Mitt Romney will lead our country down a different path than the continued failure pursued by our current administration. With unemployment near ten percent in South Carolina, our state cannot afford more big-spending, job-killing policies from this administration. Mitt Romney will cut spending, lessen the regulatory burden, and create an environment that will allow businesses to grow and hire. I urge South Carolinians to get to the polls on Saturday and vote for Mitt Romney – it will be a vote for change in Washington.”

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Former U.S. Ambassador And South Carolina Speaker Of The House David Wilkins

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR AND S.C. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE DAVID WILKINS

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of former United States Ambassador to Canada and South Carolina Speaker of the House David Wilkins. Ambassador Wilkins previously had supported Governor Rick Perry’s campaign.

“I’m honored to have earned the endorsement of Ambassador Wilkins,” said Mitt Romney. “This important show of support demonstrates that my message of a ‘Simpler, Smaller, and Smarter’ federal government is resonating with South Carolina leaders and voters.”

Announcing his support, Ambassador Wilkins said, "Americans want a candidate they can believe in; one who can defeat President Obama and get our country back to work.  Mitt Romney is that man.  Governor Romney would never turn his back on 20,000 new jobs and our energy security as the President has done with the Keystone XL pipeline project.  Mitt Romney has a real plan for restoring our economy and our place in the world as freedom's best friend and most steadfast defender."

Background Information On Ambassador David Wilkins:

Ambassador David H. Wilkins Was First Elected To The South Carolina House Of Representatives In 1980 And Served For 25 Years, 11 Of Those Years As Speaker Of The House.  He was the state chair of the Bush-Cheney '04 campaign.  In 2005, he resigned from the SC House to accept an appointment by President George W. Bush to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada.  Wilkins represented the U.S. in Canada until 2009.  He is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

Mitt Romney Announces Support Of Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF TENNESSEE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE BETH HARWELL

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Beth Harwell, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, along with an expanded group of Tennessee legislators working in support of his presidential campaign.

“I am honored to have earned the trust and support of such an outstanding conservative leader as Speaker Beth Harwell, and that of so many other Tennessee legislators who are working hard with her every day to support, and not hamper, the small businesses and entrepreneurs who are growing more jobs for Tennessee and our nation,” Governor Romney said.  “I look forward to working with Beth and her colleagues to get our national economy moving again to create even more opportunities for more Tennesseans.”

“As a former Governor and business leader, Mitt Romney is a chief executive who knows how to balance budgets and create more jobs,” Speaker Harwell said. “Just as importantly, Governor Romney knows and is strongly committed to the principle that the states should take the lead on a variety of domestic policy issues which will help us right-size the federal government and protect our Tenth Amendment rights.  I strongly support and endorse Mitt Romney for President, and I look forward to working with him to help get America back on the right track.”

Tennessee Elected Officials Joining Speaker Harwell In Endorsing Mitt Romney:

House Republican Caucus Chair Debra Young Maggart – Hendersonville 
Rep. Harry Brooks – Knoxville
Rep. Phillip Johnson – Pegram

Tennessee Elected Officials Already Endorsing Mitt Romney:

Governor Bill Haslam
Former Governor Winfield Dunn
Congressman Jimmy Duncan
Congresswoman Diane Black
Congressman Phil Roe
Rep. Curtis Halford – Dyer
Rep. Mike Harrison – Rogersville
Rep. Ryan Haynes – Knoxville
Rep. Julia Hurley – Lenoir City
Rep. Curtis Johnson – Clarksville
Rep. Pat Marsh – Shelbyville
House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick – Chattanooga
Deputy Speaker Steve McDaniel – Parkers Crossroads
Rep. Steve McManus – Cordova
Rep. Richard Montgomery – Sevierville
House Majority Whip Barrett Rich – Somerville
Rep. Charles Sargent – Franklin
Rep. Mark White – Memphis

Mitt Romney Campaigns Across South Carolina Ahead of Primary on January 20-21, 2012

Mitt Romney Campaigns Across South Carolina Ahead of Primary 

Boston, MA – On Friday, Mitt Romney will hold grassroots rallies and discuss jobs and the economy with supporters in Gilbert and North Charleston and will hold a get out the vote event in Greenville. On Saturday, Mitt Romney will visit the Romney for President Headquarters in Greenville. The campaign will spend primary night in Columbia, South Carolina.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Grassroots Rally and Discusses Jobs and the Economy with Supporters

When: 11:00 AM EST

Location:                 

Harmon Tree Farm
Barn
3152 Augusta Highway
Gilbert, South Carolina

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Grassroots Rally and Discusses Jobs and the Economy with Supporters

When: 3:45 PM EST

Location:                

Charleston Area Convention Center
Exhibit Hall C
5001 Coliseum Drive
North Charleston, South Carolina

Event: Mitt Romney Holds a Get Out The Vote Event

When: 8:30 PM EST

Location:                 

Saw Mill at Larkin's
22 Graves Drive
Greenville, SC

Saturday, January 21, 2012
 
Event:  Mitt Romney Visits Romney for President Greenville Headquarters
 
When:  8:45 AM EST
 
Location:                

17 College Street
Greenville, South Carolina
 
Event:  Mitt Romney Meets with Voters
 
When:  10:45 AM EST
 
Location:     

Tommy’s Country Ham House
214 Rutherford Street
Greenville, South Carolina
 
 
Event:  Mitt Romney Attends Romney for President Primary Night Event
 
When:  7:45 PM EST
 
Location:                

South Carolina State Fairgrounds
Moore Building
1200 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, South Carolina    

Mitt Romney Announces Support of North Carolina Elected Officials and Leaders

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF NORTH CAROLINA ELECTED OFFICIALS AND LEADERS

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of North Carolina elected officials and leaders.

“It’s wonderful to have the support of so many North Carolina conservatives,” said Mitt Romney. “Since I started my campaign, I’ve looked to share my vision of how to create jobs and once again restore fiscal sanity in Washington. This show of support from leaders in the Tarheel State proves that my message is resonating.”

Announcing his support, State Senator Tommy Tucker said, “North Carolinians are sick and tired of Washington’s reckless spending. Mitt Romney spent his life as a conservative businessman. He knows that, in the real economy, you simply cannot keep spending more than you take in. As president, he will cut federal spending and push for a balanced budget amendment. We cannot risk another four years of Barack Obama’s failed policies. I call on all conservatives that want a simpler, smaller, and smarter federal government to join me in supporting Mitt Romney.”

North Carolina Elected Officials and Leaders Endorsing Mitt Romney:

State Senator Tommy Tucker
Former Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Robert Orr
Representative Bill Current
Representative Tim Moore
Representative Danny McComas
Representative Jimmy Dixon
Representative Pat McElraft
Former Mayor of Charlotte and Gubernatorial Candidate Richard Vinroot
Former Charlotte Mayoral Candidate Scott Stone 
Former Wake County Commissioner Kenn Garnder

North Carolina Elected Officials Already Endorsing Mitt Romney:

US Senator Richard Burr
Former US Senator Elizabeth Dole
Congressman Howard Coble
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
Congressman Patrick McHenry

Mitt Romney Announces Support of Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack

MITT ROMNEY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF ARKANSAS CONGRESSMAN STEVE WOMACK

Boston, MA – Mitt Romney today announced the support of Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack. 

“I am honored to have Congressman Womack’s endorsement,” said Mitt Romney. “His distinguished background as a military officer, small businessman, and mayor is unique among members of Congress and precisely the kind of leadership America needs. I look forward to working with Congressman Womack to ensure this will be an American century.”

“I am supporting Governor Romney because I believe he has the background and experience critical to the future of our nation,” said Congressman Womack. “Mitt Romney’s fiscal record as Governor and private sector experience is exactly what we need in the White House. He knows how to create jobs, balance the budget, and above all, lead!”

Background On Congressman Womack:

Congressman Steve Womack Was Elected To Serve Arkansas’ 3rd District In 2010. Congressman Womack serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Financial Services, Transportation/HUD, and Energy and Water subcommittees. Prior to his election, Womack served as Mayor of Rogers, Arkansas. Congressman Womack served in the Arkansas National Guard.