Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney laughs with his wife Ann on a jet in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero) Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All right reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Pride of America

Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Pride of America." 

 

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkJ7LnyID7k

 

The ad features Governor Romney discussing the need to change Washington so we can invest in unleashing the power of Michigan.  Governor Romney grew up in Michigan and knows Michigan's potential.  For him, Michigan is personal, and he will work to end the state's one-state recession.  Governor Romney is asking the people of Michigan to vote for building a better future for their state and our nation.

 

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation tomorrow in Michigan.  Script and ad facts follow.

 

Script For "Pride Of America" (TV:30):

 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I grew up in Michigan when Michigan was the pride of America.

 

"It breaks my heart to see us in a one-state recession.

 

"We can change that.

 

"We need new leaders with the experience and energy to turn us around.

 

"Let's invest in the future with new technology and innovation and unleash the power of Michigan.

 

"I'll work everyday to change Washington and bring us back, because Michigan is personal to me.

 

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message and ask for your vote."

 

AD FACTS: Script For "Pride Of America" (TV:30):

 

Grand Rapids Press:  "We Stand At A Critical Moment, Bearing On Our Backs A Worst-In-The-Nation Unemployment Rate, Staring At An Uncertain Future."  "Many issues will confront the nation in the next four years, from the ongoing threat of terrorism to the need to find a sensible immigration policy. For Michigan, however, one challenge dominates: the economy. We stand at a critical moment, bearing on our backs a worst-in-the-nation unemployment rate, staring at an uncertain future."  (Editorial, "Press Editorial Board Endorses Romney," Grand Rapids Press, 1/11/08)

 

Oakland Press:  "'Favorite Son' Romney Is Best GOP Choice In Primary."  "We urge Republican Party faithfuls to stand up and vote for Mitt Romney. … Equally critical, Romney knows how to get a state out of debt and, being from Michigan, he certainly has an empathy for the state that the other candidates, both GOP and Democratic, don't have. With Michigan's horrible economy and other problems, we need as much clout in Washington as possible and Romney promises to give us that."  (Editorial, "'Favorite Son' Romney Is Best GOP Choice In Primary," Oakland Press, 1/11/08)

 

Grand Rapids Press:  "…Mitt Romney Has Our Vote In The Republican Presidential Primary."  "Among Republicans on the ballot in Tuesday's presidential primary, two candidates would offer solid leadership, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. However, when it comes to Michigan's challenges and needs, the passion and knowledge of Mr. Romney tip the scales in his favor. During a visit with Press editors this week, Mr. Romney vowed, 'I will not sleep until Michigan is strong and active and vibrant again.' Because of that focus, MITT ROMNEY has our vote in the Republican presidential primary." (Editorial, "Press Editorial Board Endorses Romney," Grand Rapids Press, 1/11/08)

From Miguel

I believe that John McCain is not being confronted enough on these debates with his immigration record.  What is not getting enough coverage is that when asked about his immigration bill, he never apoligizes for it.  He says we need to restore trust in goverment first by securing the borders.  Translation: you guys are very mad at me, once you come down a little bit, you are getting amnesty for ilegals.  This needs to be brought up in one of these debates, someone needs to get the senator to answer whether he still supports alowing illegals to stay here or not.
And Gov Romney shouldnt let him keep reminding us about his stand in Iraq.  Next time he brings it up he should ask him if we are supposed to forget about amnesty for illegals because of his support of the surge.  Or are we supposed to forget about Campaign finance reform, or forget about describing the Bush Tax cuts using the democrats talking points that they were tax cuts for the rich?
Romney should remind people that if it wasn't for the senators support of the war in Iraq and support of prolife issues, he has far more in common with liberal democrats than he does with Reagan conservatives.
That would be straight talk.

From My Man Mitt

John Nevin penned an op/ed for the Detroit Free Press yesterday. In that op/ed he argued that Mitt Romney is the best candidate for the Michigan and the Great Lakes:
 
Mitt Romney grew up in that tradition and has a firsthand appreciation of how important the Great Lakes are to Michigan's high quality of life. Romney knows that Michigan's ecology and economy depend on healthy Great Lakes and clean water that is safe for drinking, beaches that are safe for swimming, and fish that are safe for eating.

We go ahold of Mr. Nevin and asked him a few follow-up questions.

MMM: What part of Michigan are you from?

JN: I am from Holt, a suburb of Lansing, right near Michigan State University.

MMM: What is your occupation?

JN: I am a policy adviser to a binational group that provides advice to governments regarding water quality and water quantity issues. Previously, I wrote speeches and provided communications advice to Governor John Engler for 12 years.

MMM: How would you describe your political leanings?

JN: My political leanings are definitely conservative but with a pragmatic, common sense approach that emphasizes results more than ideology. I am strongly pro-life and wouldn't support a candidate who wasn't.

MMM: Why endorse Mitt Romney?

JN: I've endorsed Mitt Romney for many reasons. He's an experienced executive with a track record of success who understands how to manage change and to transform complex organizations. Second, just looking at his family, you know right away that he is an incredibly strong and compassionate leader. He doesn't need the presidency. The presidency needs him.

MMM: You say in your Op/Ed that Mitt Romney will be best for Michigan and the Great Lakes. Why?

JN: Mitt would be best for the Great Lakes because I know he wouldn't tolerate the lack of responsibility and accountability for current programs. He's the only candidate who would have the ability to slash the bureaucracy, reorganize and focus on the key threats to the lakes. The bottom line is that Mitt is all about results and that's the kind of leadership we need. And of course, it helps that he is from Michigan and has a true understanding and appreciation for how important the lakes are to our state, our economy and our culture.