Romney Campaigns in Midland, Calls for 'Strong America'

By: Bob Campbell

Midland Reporter-Telegram

Thursday, Sep 13, 2007

"Calling the 2008 presidential race 'an inflection point,' or key juncture, in history, Mitt Romney said the nation's citizenry is its true strength and outlined plans to enlarge the military, bolster marriage and legal immigration, build U.S.-Mexico border fences and let states provide universal health care through market-based private initiatives.

"With national media shooting photos and TV footage along the back wall of Midland Center, he told more than 700 people at a Midland County Republican Women's Club Wednesday luncheon his race for president is inspired by young people like Olympic gold medalist speedskater Derek Parra."

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"Perhaps initially skeptical of Romney for his northeastern background, the crowd appeared to warm and applauded when he called on schools to do a better job of teaching English.

"'To be successful in America, you've got to speak the language of America,' he said.

"Willard Milton 'Mitt' Romney said the military should be strengthened from 1.5 million to 2 million servicemen and women and single parents on welfare should not be penalized for getting married."

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"Romney is an articulate, persuasive top-tier candidate whose support will grow as he battles Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and others for the GOP nomination, said a spokesman for Congressman Mike Conaway, who has endorsed him."

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"Romney criticized Democrats Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards by saying none would take the necessary action to "win the war on terror" and protect the U.S. from radical Islamic terrorism.

"He drew another round of applause when he said, with first lady Laura Bush's mother, Jenna Welch, in the audience, 'President Bush has kept us safe for the last six years.'

"'Are we going to take the sharp left turn that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama would take on to become the Europe of the future or will we hold true to the values that made us such a powerful nation?' Romney asked.

"'We need somebody who can work to make America strong with a strong military, a strong economy and strong families. Thank goodness Barack Obama is not president because he would, either for political reasons or panic, have pulled our troops out of Iraq.

"'Al-Qaida would have a safe haven and make Afghanistan look like child's play. John Edwards says there is no war on terror, it's only a bumper sticker.'

"Romney said he also should appeal to West Texas conservatives because he 'fought for conservative values in the most liberal state in America and won time and again.

"'I held down taxes and spending and reduced the number of government employees,' he said. 'I insisted on English immersion for our kids and was able to get education in a posture where our schools are No. 1 in the country.'"

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"Conaway introduced Romney by saying he was convinced after meeting him in Austin last spring that 'this is the guy I want to help win Texas' 34 electoral votes.'"...

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Mitt's Wife Delights in Campaign

By: Lisa Riley Roche

Deseret Morning News

Thursday, Sep 13, 2007

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"Since April, she has maintained her own campaign schedule, pitching her husband's presidential bid to mostly Republican women's organizations throughout the South as well as in California and other states."

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"The Romneys, who fell in love in high school and have been married since 1969, have been described as too good to be true. The Boston press has even suggested over the years that they live in a sort of Twilight Zone because they don't drink, smoke or quarrel.

"Ann Romney said she's not bothered by comments about her marriage, any more than she is by the interest in the size of her family. The Romneys have five sons, all married and all active in the campaign, and 10 grandchildren.

"'Our marriage is solid and strong, and we're proud of that,' she said. 'There have been lots of jokes made about it, but we find it kind of funny, too.'"

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"As first lady, Ann Romney said she would continue working on behalf of at-risk youth as well as helping find a cure for multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed with the disease shortly before her husband took over the scandal-scarred Salt Lake Olympics in 1999.

"'I was really, really sick,' Ann Romney recalled of that time. 'I was regaining my health and my strength. That's what I did those three years I was here. ... It was enormously rewarding.'

"Today, she said, her health is good despite the rigors of a campaign that's included nearly 500 events since the start of the year. 'I have absolutely loved being on the campaign trial,' Ann Romney said. 'It's been the thrill of a lifetime.'

"She spent just over 24 hours in Utah, first visiting son Josh Romney and his family and then hosting a women's luncheon fund-raiser at the home of Rod Gunnell, co-founder of Health Benefits America, a benefits outsourcing company."

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