12 NOV 07 / "Romney Well-Positioned"

The United States became the greatest nation in the history of the world because its citizens embodied the ideals of freedom, independence, and self-reliance. Conservatives today seek to ensure Americans continue to espouse those values. Mitt Romney views conservatism as a philosophy of strength. And he has pledged to strengthen the foundation of America by providing for a strong military, a strong economy, and strong families. 

Our military is in dire need of an upgrade. Governor Romney has outlined a strategy to expand the military by at least 100,000, ensure our troops have the best equipment and technology, index the GI Bill to keep pace with rising educational costs, and provide additional benefits to veterans and their families. And while President Bush has kept Americans safe at home, I'm convinced that a serious terror threat remains; and it is critical that our next president be just as committed to keeping Americans safe. My 28 years of military experience afforded me ample opportunity to evaluate leadership qualities, and Mitt Romney is up to this task. 

Our economy is now enduring a combination of stressors: a falling housing market, a depreciating currency, record trade deficits, a national debt in excess of $9 trillion, and oil closing in on $100 per barrel. American consumers, who drive 70 percent of GDP, have been tremendously resilient; but they have little disposable income remaining. Governor Romney has demonstrated the ability to apply the lessons he learned in the private sector to help the United States compete in the global marketplace. He understands that government must foster innovation, not inhibit it with onerous taxation and regulation. 

Our families are threatened by a culture that is growing increasingly coarse and permissive. Our children are exposed to adult themes and language when they are not mature enough to make informed choices about their own behavior and lifestyle. The institution of marriage is under attack across the country. Governor Romney has been tenacious in his defense of marriage in Massachusetts and will be an articulate spokesman for the preservation of the American family at the national level. 

In Massachusetts, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 3 to 1, Mitt Romney was elected governor in 2002 and immediately met tough challenges in the toughest of political environments. The Commonwealth was in a fiscal crisis when Mitt Romney took office, yet he worked with the overwhelming Democratic majority in the legislature to eliminate wasteful spending, cut taxes, and balance the budget. Governor Romney delved into the details of the problems afflicting the state and, seizing upon the essential elements, charted a course that brought Massachusetts back from the brink of bankruptcy, culminating in a $2 billion surplus. 

In addition to his successful tenure in Massachusetts, Governor Romney called upon his management skill to save the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. He also turned around numerous businesses that were all dealing with seemingly intractable problems. His record of achievement in both the private and public sectors is exemplary. 

The only presidential candidate to sign the Americans for Tax Reform no tax pledge, Governor Romney also saved Massachusetts from a retroactive increase in the capital gains tax that would have crippled small businesses. The 110^th Congress set to consider a proposal by Charlie Rangel to impose a surcharge on our current tax structure, but the last thing the American taxpayer needs is a surcharge. Not only has Mitt Romney already promised not to sign such a bill, he is instead advocating for eliminating taxes on savings interest and capital gains on middle income earners, thereby rectifying double-taxation. Mitt Romney believes government must be accountable to taxpayers as businesses are to customers. 

Congress is currently demonstrating an inability to get things done on behalf of the American people, but because the president is the only elected official that represents all of the people he or she has the opportunity muster the will of the people to solve our most vexing societal problems by forcing Congress to act. Mitt Romney is someone who will take full advantage of the bully pulpit to harness the power of the people. 

Having garnered support from broad coalition of Republicans, Governor Romney is well-positioned to win the Republican nomination. Attending more events than any presidential candidate this year, he has campaigned diligently to make his case to the voters in the early primary and caucus states. His fundraising success is a testament to the support across the country. There are other worthy candidates in the Republican field, but none exemplifies the qualities of Mitt Romney. On the hustings, Romney displays a quick wit and a perceptive mind that will keep the Democrats on the defensive during the general election.  

Harry Truman defined a leader as a person that can get others to do what they don’t want to do and have them like it at the same time … That’s no easy task, but it’s one that Mitt Romney performs on a daily basis. Our nation needs an articulate advocate for conservative principles with the intelligence, energy, and optimism of Mitt Romney.