comMITTed to Romney!

Following is a note I received from a friend of Governor and Ann Romney today. I ask that you read it carefully and consider his request:

As you know, I have sent out many appeals for financial support for Mitt’s Presidential Campaign, and many have been kind and gracious in their support — Thank you. We are at a very critical juncture in the campaign, having made great strides. You can go to Political Scene 2008 which offers further insight to the Republican Race.

Most recently, Lauren and I were in New Hampshire and Boston with the Campaign. We were talking with Mitt and Ann and sharing some of our feelings about this effort. Ann mentioned how she and Mitt are committing all that they have to this effort, be it financial resource and/or personal sacrifice. From our personal perspective, the sacrifice the Romney’s are making in this pursuit is beyond measure. They have given up all privacy and luxury for the sake of serving our nation. Both Mitt and Ann are engaged in this effort, surely not for personal self interest, but out of a sincere sense of duty and service. It is their commitment to duty and service that has driven Lauren and me in our support. We know Mitt and Ann, their heartfelt sense of duty and service, as well as Mitt’s depth of experience and competency that can make a significant difference in all of our futures. I have often said that this will be an economic election, and given the flatness of the world, we need someone of Mitt’s capacity to lead our nation.

While holding our granddaughter the other night, it became poignantly clear, that the times that we face in our country are critical. I thought to myself, what kind of world will our grandkids grow up in under the leadership of those running for office. I am more committed know that ever to Mitt’s effort.

Hopefully, you will join with us again, or for the first time if you haven’t made a contribution to this cause. Although we would ask for whatever you are able to give toward this effort, recognizing for many it is a sacrifice, we ask knowing of the sacrifice of Mitt and Ann, and Lauren and me. It is times such as this that sacrifices become necessary. Please consider the seriousness of this request, and the benefits that will be ours in this nation under Mitt’s leadership. If each who receives this email were to contribute $100, we would raise $30,000 for the campaign. Enough money to purchase significant media spots in key primary markets. If some were able to give more, even to the maximum of $2,300, the impact would be even greater.

Click here to make a contribution to Governor Romney —–> OFFICIAL CONTRIBUTION FORM (no contribution is too small — please contribute what you can)

Thank you for your kind consideration and support, and your willingness to listen and give again or for the first time.

Thank you so much,

David L. Parker, Co-Chairman — National Finance Committee │Romney For President

In the note I received from David, he attached a form for those who live in California who would like to attend a luncheon with Governor Romney on January 31st (Thursday) in Orange County. The luncheon is a campaign fundraiser at $1,000 per person and for those who wish to contribute the maximum of $2,300 will have a photograph taken by the campaign with Governor Romney. If you are interested in attending the luncheon with Governor Romney, please send me an email at vic.lundquist@gmail.com and place “LUNCHEON” in the subject line.

NOTE: If you have already maxed out at $2,300 in the primary season, you can now contribute the maximum for the general election. If for any reason Governor Romney does not win the nomination, you will receive any general election contributions back.

~ Vic

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Governor Romney needs your help now more than ever (see link below). Many of you have maxed out in your contributions to Governor Romney’s campaign:

THANK YOU!

Did you know that if you maxed out in your contributions last year, that was only for the primary season? Starting now, the Mitt Romney for President, Inc. campaign is accepting contributions to the general election and they are really needed now. Please help again if you can.

Photograph taken at Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, January 3, 2008

If you have the resources to max out your contribution again as an individual ($2,300) or as a couple ($4,600), please do so so here and now. The campaign is going to have to shift into high gear this week to take on a strong, national campaign.

Please click this official campaign form to make your campaign contribution:

OFFICIAL MITT ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT CONTRIBUTION FORM

Any contribution of any amount is needed! There is no contribution that is too small. Please know that any money you contribute is spent very wisely. Did you know that most of Governor Romney’s air travel is paid by the media? Did you know that Governor Romney tries to stay in relatively inexpensive hotels like the Hampton Inn? Read this post and linked article ——–> Air Travel

My point? Governor Romney is very frugal and does everything in his power to maximize all campaign funds so you can know that any contribution you make will be used most wisely.

Again, THANK YOU so much for your past contributions in support of Governor Romney’s presidential bid.

If you make a contribution, please leave a comment at this blog (if you wish) to inspire other readers to contribute.

~ Vic

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Kathleen Parker wrote CHRISTIANS FOR SELF-DEFEAT for Townhall.com. Here are excerpts from the article:

Evangelical Christians never had it so good, but they seem not to know it. Instead of supporting the candidate who most shares their values — Mitt Romney — they seem hell-bent for the proverbial cliff.

Perfection is a tough standard and hardly anyone is just right. John McCain has a perfect pro-life record, but he supports federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. He also doesn’t support the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA), which conservatives believe is necessary to protect marriage as between a man and a woman.

Under the radar, some conservative leaders say that McCain has contempt for pro-lifers, which perhaps explains his inability to successfully woo social conservatives.

Fred Thompson, upon whom many had pinned their hopes, has turned out to be a disappointment, not to mention a cure for insomnia. In Iowa recently, Thompson had to prompt his audience — their faces masks of ennui — to applaud. Freight trains have sparked more animation.

Thompson also doesn’t support the FMA, which this week prompted one of his key campaign consultants, Bill Wichterman, to walk out. Wichterman, who previously served as conservative outreach director for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., had been considered an important “get” for Thompson.

And then there’s Mike Huckabee. If Dobson really meant what he said in his op-ed — that winnability shouldn’t be the deciding factor in supporting a candidate — then Huckabee should be receiving bouquets of Ben Franklins with his morning beignets. A southern Baptist preacher, the former Arkansas governor is a human checklist of conservative values, as well as being personable, likable and funny.

What Huckabee doesn’t have is the golden coffer, which means that electability is, in fact, a Christian concern.

That leaves just one person — Romney — as the obvious pick for the values party. If anything, the golly-gee guy is too perfect. Nary a follicle out of place, he’s never enjoyed a caffeine buzz nor awakened to the rare tortures of having been overserved.

His resume otherwise has perfect creases. As governor of Massachusetts, he fought same-sex unions and embryonic cloning. He’s pro-life, even if he was previously pro-choice. As a businessman, he made a personal fortune and bailed out the Olympics. He’s even got a beautiful, first-ladylike wife, who thus far has not demanded cell-phone reassurances of unfaltering love during her husband’s stump speeches.

Ultimately, Christian leaders (some of whom make off-the-record, supportive calls to Romney, I’m told) most likely will back the Mormon. But their actions meantime have hurt Romney as he tries to close the deal nationally.

If they were smarter, they’d embrace Romney as the one who can beat Hillary because he, more than anyone else, unites all wings of the party — economic, security and social.

If.

~ Vic

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The “America’s Calling” event this week was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and a privilege to attend. It is likely that Governor Romney will have similar fund raisers in the future. If so and if you are able to break away and attend one, you should. The energy in the air and the constant smiles were contagious. Without exception, everybody there was working very hard. Many people I had seen in the press and knew to be “VIPs” in Camp Romney were working very hard, including Mitt’s senior team leads, his sons and daughters-in-law, Senator Bennett, Meg Whitman, and other dignitaries. I have been to dozens of major events that have been well planned and organized, but I have to say that this one stands out as one of the most impressive I have ever experienced. Every detail seemed to be planned well ahead of time and everything worked flawlessly. It all appeared to be a glimpse of greater things to come.

This was only the second event I have attended at which Mitt and Ann Romney were present. In the five times I have heard them speak publicly, the one thing that always stands out above all (to me) is their sincere gratitude for those who are making sacrifices financially and with their time. Often Mitt and Ann will spend most of their time expressing gratitude with an understanding of how hard it can be at times. They definitely do not take for granted the many hundreds, if not thousands of people who are working so hard to get the right person in the office of President. After Mitt spoke briefly at Fenway Park, my son Mitchell mentioned how impressed he was with his overall humble nature.

Though there was not much time available to shoot, I did take some time at the beginning to capture some moments. Here are four images from this historic event:

Fenway Park - Scored

Our Hosts

Expressing Gratitude

Introductions

~ Vic

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First off I’d like to apologize for not being able to do live blogging from the fundraiser. I mentioned in my previous post that I might do so and provide updates on the total amount raised. There were exactly three reasons why I could not do that: The wireless connection was extremely slow (if it was working at all), there was not a running total because donations were hand written and not immediately entered into computers, and lastly I was very busy trying to make calls all day.

What a great event to be a part of!! I had made last minute plans to attend and loved every minute of it. To start the day off we took shuttle buses to the Boston Garden. On the floor there were many tables set-up and ready to go. Each table had balloons on it that signified a region of the country and we sat in sections based on where we were from. I’m from Utah and we sat in the green balloons section. There were more yellow balloons than any. That group was from California.

I sat at a table with the same guys that kindly let me share a room with them the night before to save on cost. They also gave me ride home to Orem when we got off the flight. They were a good bunch of college students that helped make my trip very enjoyable. You can see them in some of the pictures below.

After everyone was seated and ready to go we first heard from Meg Whitman, CEO of Ebay (I didn’t get a good picture of her). Then they dimmed the lights a little and we watched a short video that was much like a campaign advertisement, and then someone announced Governor Romney and his wife over the loudspeaker. They played loudly over the speakers part of the intro to The Who’s Baba O’Riley. I’m a big Who fan so that got me even more stoked than I already was.

After Mitt and Ann spoke we hit the phones. Senator Bob Bennett was in attendance and spoke to us a little around mid-day. There were many helpful staffers who carried away our filled contribution forms and occasionally brought us drinks and cookies.

Governor Romney was all about the place and usually always talking on one phone or another. I was talking to a nice lady named Debbie in Cedar Hills when I got distracted because I could hear Romney’s voice behind me. He was talking to a few fellows about 10 feet behind me. I told Debbie this and she seemed excited because she could hear him talking too. I took a picture with my left hand while I was talking to her and promised to e-mail it to her. A few minutes later (while I was talking with my sister on the phone,) I took the opportunity to shake his hand as he was walking by our table. Unfortunately did not ask for a picture as he looked extremely busy. Which he must have been because went to a nearby table and ate his food very rapidly.

Finally I could take the poll that I had written the day before. Through all of this I didn’t get to see Vic and Ann Marie much as they were at different tables, but we did stopped get a few pictures before Vic had to leave with the California group.

All in all, it was one of the most memorable occasions of my life, and I’m so glad that I was able to go.

Alden and Nick. They must have stole my camera while I was away because I didn’t take that

The floor of the Boston Garden

Me and Ann Marie.

Me, Ann Marie and Vic

Me making calls. Can you see how messy our table was?

Me on the phone with Nick making faces behind me

This is the man behind the camera on all the Romney videos you see

This is the picture I took while taking a contribution from Debbie on the phone

The folks at my table (from left): Dave, unknown, unknown, Alden and Nick

I grabbed a picture with Justin Hart of MyManMitt because I failed to do so the night before. I couldn’t find Jason Bonham to get a picture with him.

Me with Spencer Zwick, who is the National Finance Director for the campaign. He’s a brilliant guy, and only 26!

Another shot of our set-up

And lastly, Vic Lundquist on the phone and raising big bucks

I’d like to thank my siblings who helped me immensely in getting ready for the fundraiser (donating too) and for loaning me the cell phone, camcorder and laptop that I brought with me. Also thanks to the readers of this blog who e-mailed so I could call them for contributions, and several others who gave me lists of contacts. I think we will find out tomorrow, or possibly the next, that this event was a great success.

~Nate Gunderson

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America’s Calling…Day One:

The trip started with me staying the night in Nashville the night before my early morning flight. I got into the hotel late, and finally got to bed around 12AM (give or take a few minutes). I had my wake up call for 3:30, and I got up got ready and got my stuff together. Things were going awesome, and I was so excited to get going. So, I get to the airport on my shuttle and realize that my phone is missing. Just poof not there, but I was so pressed for time I couldn’t go back and get it. So, I figured I’d just pick up a GoPhone once I got to Boston. One little inconvienance not a big deal. So, I get my one bag checked and head to security. Upon going through security they discover I have some liquid larger than 3oz that I just didn’t want to part with, so I took it back to the ticket counter and got it checked. I then had to go through security a second time. I get to the gate and get on my flight. I landed in DC, and that was awesome. It’s amazing just how close all the monuments are to the airport. I was really getting excited. I called my husband from a pay phone, while looking right at the capitol building. That was pretty dang sweet. Soon it was time to leave and head to Boston. I landed in Boston about an hour later, and went to get my bags. Bags that never arrived. I sat there with a Rep from the Romney campaign for 3 or 4 hours just hoping that the luggage would come on a later flight coming in from DC. Things were getting close to the event at Fenway though, so I ended up just leaving. At this point I had no phone and no luggage. What could be worse, right? Well, things were about to get worse. (Laughs…it’s good I can laugh about it now!) I got on the shuttle bus, and in the process met two people, one of which has a sister who lives in the same town as I do (small world) I’ll publish her name when I look at her business card later (I’m too lazy and tired to go get it right now lol). The same person and I made a business connection. So that worked out well. Anyway, moving on. After they were dropped off at their hotel, I was dropped off on Newbury Street (big shopping place in Boston). I figured I’d find one outfit for the night and be a little more whole again. Well, I was finding t-shirts for like $400. That was way too rich for my blood. So, I didn’t get any clothes. I had asked the shuttle driver to take my laptop to the hotel I was staying in and with a momentary lapse in memory I sent it to the wrong hotel. I went over to that hotel and found out that I didn’t have a reservation there, and that they had given the laptop back to the shuttle driver. So, I walked over to the original hotel where the original people were dropped off trying to get information (since I had no ability to check my email from my laptop that was now missing). Luckily they were kind, caring, and went above and beyond to help me. I can not tell you how appreciative I was to their staff. So, at this point I had to improvise I went into their gift shop and got two new Boston T-shirts and a woman’s travel pack. I then went into the bathroom and freshened up. I then got on the shuttle bus to Fenway from there. While on that bus I got to talk to Bob Beauprez who unsuccessfully ran for Governor from Colorado last November. We had a nice chat, and I found out his son lives in Nashville not too far from me. He gave me his card, and we made our way to Fenway.

We got to Fenway park and I got my name tag, and started mingling. I eventually caught up with Justin Hart (whom I’m so glad that I met in person). I can not tell you how instant the connection was. We hugged, and had a nice moment. Then I saw Jason Bonham and Nate Gunderson. As Nate said we ate with Tagg Romney and his kids. I got to talk to Ally Romney about her blog on the 5 Brothers Blog. His kids are just adorable and so sweet. As Nate said (and published) I got my picture taken with Josh Romney (definitely NOT my best picture ever that’s for sure…but considering the day I’d had I at least got a picture taken with him). I didn’t even attempt any other pictures, although I’m sure I could have gotten them had I asked for them. I was just so self conscience of how I looked that I wasn’t really big on pictures like that at that point.

We then went into the stadium for all of us to get a campaign photo, as Nate said the Romney’s shared different stories with us while we awaited the California delegations arrival. Then we all had a major group shot (it was amazing how many people were in those stands). After that we met up with Vic Lundquist’s family, once again an instant connection. Eventually Vic, Mitch (his son), Ryan (his daughter-in-law’s brother), and myself got shots inside Fenway. We got pictures taken in front of the “Green Monster”, more in the dugout, and further pictures in front of the Championship trophy (Vic will post these later). Vic and I are big baseball fans, so it was a really special experience to be able to do all of this.

We then headed to the shuttle busses and headed to the hotel. I will have to make a side note here and say that I also met Autumn McCalpin from Women for Romney with Vic’s entourage (how’s that sound Vic?), and she’ll have some really great stuff about the trips to and from Boston for later consumption.

We got back to the hotel, and all of us were just so bushed that we pretty much headed to our rooms. After being bummed out, I decided to go down to the lobby and found Nate typing up his blog and getting some pictures together. We had a nice visit, and I’m so glad that I got a little more time with him. He’s such a nice guy. He let me help record a lot of the events in the stadium at Fenway. He also let me take pictures at will with his camera since I didn’t have mine.

At the end of the day June 24th, I had lost my phone, luggage (and all my clothes), and my laptop…But, I’d gained far more. I met a former candidate for Governor, a potential business connection, and five bloggers that were stand up people. I ate dinner with Tagg Romney and his family, I was able to touch the Green Monster at Fenway Park and get my picture taken with the Championship Trophy. I was down, but far from out.

When I have time later I’ll write up Day 2!

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I admit I was very nervous this morning getting on the plane to head to Boston. There were many more people than I expected and they all seemed to know each other and happily chatted away - and I was flying solo. I did meet up with a high school acquaintance, Jeff Moss, and it was good to catch up with him. I found out half-way through the flight that the man sitting behind me was Ann Romney’s brother, Rod Davies.

When we arrived at Fenway Park I began to feel a little more comfortable seeing familiar faces, though they were people I’d never met in real life. I immediately ran into Jason Bonham and Justin Hart, the infamous duo of MyManMitt.com and race42008.com, and ate dinner with them. They soon spotted out Ann Marie Curling who joined us. The next moment Tagg Romney came by with his four kids and sat them across the table from us. His poor little son was upset because he had dropped his plate of food.

I eventually met all of the Romney’s, except Ben and Papa Romney, though I did see them on several occasions. I got pictures with most that are shown below. It didn’t occur to me how tall most of them are. As you can see in the pictures they sky-tower over me and I’m 5′10″. I was especially surprised at how tall Governor Romney is, and he was looking quite tan.

Poor Ann Marie Curling was having a tough day as her luggage was lost on her flight. I’m sure she’ll tell you more about that. I only got one picture of her (with Josh Romney) and she was half closing her eyes. We’ll be able to get some more tomorrow. UPDATE: Ann is here with me now and she won’t be updating as the bus also lost her laptop!! Rotten luck.

After most of the people had eaten we went out to the bleachers for a group photo. They announced that there were somewhere around 950 people there!!…and more still showing up. To put that in perspective, at the major call-a-thon back on January 8th, where they raised $7 million, there were 400 in attendance.

Mitt Romney spoke to us, relating several humorous stories about the campaign, as did each of his sons. The funniest one was Matt Romney ribbing his dad,

..I also got to travel with him to Phoenix and Seattle this week. I got to hang out with him a little bit at the hotel. I went into the room and I ordered room service, and he was getting worried, you know ‘what are you ordering?’ I ordered a nice chocolate shake and I could just see it in his eyes that he wanted some. So I gave him some. And out of generosity he decided to share his drink with me. He was having..sorry, what was it? strawberry Metamucil, or orange?

The reason that each of the sons (Ann also) was called on to say something was because we were still waiting for a group from California to arrive so we could take the picture. I was quite impressed with how in an instant each of them had something thoughtful to say, and each were very well-spoken. They are a very bright family.

After the speaking Ann Marie and I finally met up with Vic Lundquist and his family (they were on the late arrival from California.) It’s great to meet these two in person whom I have talked with on the phone, in e-mail, and via instant messaging so much.

The whole experience has made me very excited to get on the phone tomorrow, and proud to be doing a (very small) part in this campaign. I’ve never participated in any campaign before, but Mitt Romney is the first candidate I feel I can put all my effort behind, 100%.

In a last effort to help make this event a success I’m asking that you show your support by e-mailing Vic, Ann Marie or myself (Nate), so we can call you tomorrow to make a contribution.

I had to downsize the images below, and edit out the shaving nicks on my neck, and POOF! …they are ready for publishing to the web:

Me, Ann Marie, and Vic with our red Mitts

Me with Ann Romney

Me and Craig Romney

People filing in at the entrance to Fenway Park

Me with Josh Romney

Ann Marie with Josh Romney

The jumbotron

Mitt and Ann speaking

Me, Ann Marie Curling, and Vic Lundquist

The Fenway Park Stands

Me and Tagg Romney

Red Sox

I know, I know. If you see any more pictures of me you’re going to puke. I’ll keep it to a minimum in the future.

I’ll most likely be live blogging tomorrow with updates and pictures of how the event is going, so check back with us.

-Nate Gunderson

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Victor, Nate, and myself are going to Boston to help Governor Romney’s 2nd Quarter push for Fundraising…

I will put Nate’s info up here when I get it, but here are Vic and I’s. Please email us at Ann Marie, Victor, or Nate with a phone number where you can be reached on Monday, June 25th (TOMORROW). If you’d like to help us out online, go to Contribution Form, and use the following fundraiser names, and ID’s.

Fundraiser First & Last Name: Ann Marie Curling
Fundraiser ID: 250001

Fundraiser First & Last Name: Victor Lundquist
Fundraiser ID: 129029

Fundraiser First and Last Name: Nathan Gunderson
Fundraiser ID: 696000

Thank You SO Much, and we’ll see you in Boston!

Addendum by Nate: If contributors want their donations to count toward the Calling America! event total they should e-mail us at the links above so we can call them.

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