comMITTed to Romney!

Per MSNBC, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer will resign the office of Governor of New York at 11:30PM EDT today. Just another in a long line of politicians.

For your enjoyment, you can watch the video of the name of the title in this post…

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For fellow conservatives considering Mitt for the first time, it’s important to understand Mitt’s staunch support of the pro-life platform.  The media has tried to downplay and negate Mitt’s position on this.  They’ve managed to stick a big old post-it note on Mitt’s forehead labelled “Flip Flopper” in permanent ink.  They’ve asserted that he lacks conviction.  They’re wrong.  As Governor, Mitt consistently stuck to conservative principles.  On abortion, marriage, health care, economy and other important issues, Mitt consistenly made conservative decisions.  For a great summary on Mitt’s real record, see Ann Marie’s post back in November 2007.

On Monday, the 35th anniversay of Roe v. Wade, Mitt once again committed to overturning this decision:

After 35 years of Roe v. Wade, we are again reminded why this decision should be overturned,” Romney said in a statement provided to LifeNews.com.

“We recognize the worth and dignity of every person, a fact that is ingrained in our hearts and etched in our national purpose,” Romney added. “Unelected judges should not be the final arbiters on these important decisions which define who we are as a people.”

Recently, Romney told Nevada voters that he wanted the high court to overturn the infamous decision allowing virtually unlimited abortions.

“I am pro-life, and I would welcome a time when the people of America concluded that abortion was wrong, but that’s not where America is, and that’s why I believe that the next right step for America is for the court to overturn Roe v. Wade,” he said then.

“That would return to the states and to the elected representatives of the people the ability to set their own laws related to abortion,” he said.

“Today, as Americans from across this country participate in the annual March for Life, my thoughts are with all those whose dedication and compassionate concern have done so much to educate and assist others in creating a genuine culture of life,” he said.

The last phrase is a very telling remark.  As he does with so many issues, Mitt is able to look at the broader implications and ramifications of following a certain path.  When he discusses his decision to become politically pro-life, Mitt often states that as Governor he realized that the effects of Roe v. Wade weren’t just limited to abortion.  They extended to issues like embryonic stem cell research and teenage pregnancy, and to the very basic fabric of our culture.  The question, “Are we a culture of life, or of death,” has strong ramifications for our children, their education, their government, their health, their society and their future.  Mitt understood (and has helped me understand) that the issue of abortion isn’t solely about choice or murder or rights - it’s about the kind of culture, society and country we are creating (or destroying) for the next generation.

If you are unsure about Mitt’s conviction on this or other social issues such as marriage, please DO NOT believe the picture the media has painted.  Please take a few minutes to visit Mitt’s site where he discusses his belief in “promoting a culture of life,” or visit the Encyclopedia Mittanica, where you can scroll down and find Mitt’s answers to just about any question, all neatly alphabetized according to issue. 

Warning:  if you take a few minutes to do this - to objectively look at Mitt’s platform and record, you WILL find he is a true Reagan conservative, and you WILL most likely want to join, sign up, contribute, campaign for, blog and in all other ways become a Mitt supporter!  Let us know when you do - we’d love to hear your story!

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Great article from Ronald Kessler over at Newsmax on why Mitt is the best candidate. The whole thing is worth a read.

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As we approach the primary voting season, there are more and more new folks finding their way to our humble blog. The information I found on this blog was extremely helpful to me as I assessed the various candidates in search of “the One.” As such, I thought it would be fitting for me to share why I am a staunch supporter of Governor Mitt Romney in his run for the White House.

In a nutshell, Mitt Romney is the only “full-spectrum” Conservative who can rally the support of all three wings of the Reagan coalition, namely, Social, Economic, and Foreign Policy Conservatives.

For a full treatment of Mitt Romney’s positions, I would refer you to his comprehensive policy book “Vision for a Strong America.” Let me summarize here, however, the highlights across the major issues:

• Foreign Policy
o War against Islamic Fascism: We are engaged in a multi-front war which will require using all of our military, economic, and diplomatic might to win; we must defeat the terrorists and those who aid and abet them as well as help the Muslim people enter the 21st century (click here and here)
o Iraq and Afghanistan: The surge is working and we must do what it takes to help Iraq and Afghanistan become stable democratic allies in the war on Islamic Fascism and support our troops (click here and here)
o Iran: Iran must not be allowed to become a nuclear state; diplomacy and economic sanctions are critical, but may not be enough; the military option must remain on the table (click here)
o Military: Need to increase defense spending to a minimum of 4% of GDP to make sure our armed forces have the equipment they need in the field and the support the need back home; the best ally of peace is a strong America (click here and here)

• Economic Policy
o Taxes: We need to keep the Bush tax cuts permanent, eliminate the Death Tax, and cut taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest to zero for the Middle Class (click here, and here)
o Spending: We need to restrain Federal spending and close the deficit; will veto any budget where non-defense discretionary spending growth exceeds inflation minus 1%; Need to give the President a line-item veto; Strong track record of financial management from Massachusetts where he closed a $3B deficit and turned it into a $1B surplus without raising taxes; carry out a comprehensive review of government spending to increase efficiency and effectiveness (click here and here)
o Entitlements reform: Maintain benefits for current Seniors, but institute fundamental reforms combining slowing the rate of increase for benefits based on income, extending the retirement age, individual retirement accounts, and no tax increases (click here)
o Healthcare: Mitt Romney is the only candidate on either side of the aisle who implemented a universal health care plan; He covered all of the citizens of Massachusetts using market-based insurance without raising taxes; Governor Romney advocates a Federalist state-by-state approach to make health insurance more affordable for everyone (click here)
o Globalization: Continue to trade around the world but make sure we negotiate level playing fields in foreign markets and upgrade American competitiveness through investments in education and innovation (click here and here)

• Culture and Values
o Illegal immigration: Control the border first and turn of the “magnets” that attract illegal immigrants by implementing an employment verification system, no special path for illegal immigrants to become citizens (i.e. no amnesty), no sanctuary cities, increased enforcement by local police agencies (click here, here, and here)
o Traditional marriage: In favor of amending the constitution to keep marriage defined as between a man and a woman; fought the Massachusetts Supreme Court to prevent the state from becoming a destination for same-sex couples looking for marriage licenses (click here and here and here)
o Life: Much has been made of Governor Romney’s switch from being Pro-Abortion to Pro-Life; This is a critical issue for me; I have heard many times why he made this change, and I believe him; I believe that Mitt Romney will fight for the rights of the unborn and be a great leader in supporting Life (click here, here, and here)

The choice of a nominee and President, however, is not strictly a “right-brained” decision based on policy statements and positions. There needs to be something inspirational about a candidate whether it’s the way that they speak to a crowd, interact one on one, or something about their personal story that sets them apart.

Experiencing Mitt through articles and videos really helped seal the deal for me. Below, I have listed some of what I would consider the best of the best articles and videos that helped me come to the decision to support Mitt actively. I’m sure I’m missing some great material, but there is a lot down below. I would encourage you to click through as much of this as you can, and if you have a favorite that wasn’t listed, please leave a link in the comments!

Key videos, speeches, appearances, and articles:
• Articles
o Romney to the Rescue (Newsmax) – Great overview of Mitt Romney
o National Review’s endorsement of Mitt Romney
o The House that Mitt Built (Private Equity International) – Behind the scenes view of how Mitt ran Bain Capital and his leadership style
o The Making of Mitt Romney (Boston Globe) – Reasonably balanced biography of each of the major phases of Mitt’s life starting from his youth through today
o Consultant in Chief (Wall Street Journal) – Interview of Mitt where he talks about how he would fix the Federal Government
o For Romney & Company, Campaign is all Business (NY Times) – How Mitt runs his campaign and what it would mean for his Presidency
o Evangelicals for Mitt statement of support
o Mark DeMoss on why Evangelicals should support Mitt
o Ann Romney Opens Up (People Magazine) – Great interview with Ann; she would be a fantastic First Lady!

• Speeches
o “Faith in America” – Seminal address on the role of religious faith and liberty in our nation
o Address to the Value Voters Summit – Seminal address on culture and value issues
o Iowa Straw Poll victory speech
o Highlights from the Republican debates (click 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
o Speech at CPAC 2007 – One of Mitt’s first major addresses to the leading grassroots gathering of Conservatives; one of his best speeches in my opinion
o Presidential Campaign Announcement – Mitt announcing that he’s running and why he’s running

• Campaign videos
o Biographical overview video of Mitt Romney (click part I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII)
o “Path to Victory” webcast – Mitt and Meg Whitman (CEO of eBay) discussing the 2007 campaign and discussing the plan for 2008
o Retrospective of Governor Romney’s campaign in 2007
o Online “Ask Mitt Anything” – For those of us who don’t live in an early primary state, Mitt held an online town hall meeting which provides a really good overview of his key positions
o Christmas 2006 – Behind the scenes look at the Romney family and how they made the decision together that Mitt should run for President; cynics have criticized this video as contrived, but I love the fact that he has held his family together while achieving such exceptional success; you can’t fake this stuff

• Media appearances
o Mitt on Jim Cramer of CNBC’s Mad Money – Great interview by Jim Cramer where he calls Mitt the “Best businessman in America”
o Mitt on ABC News talking about Ann – Great interview of Mitt where he discusses what he loves so much about Ann
o Mitt on Meet the Press – Tim Russert throws everything he’s got plus the kitchen sink at Mitt who proceeds to address each point in a clear, classy, and compelling way

• My favorite TV spots
o “Searched” – Compelling true story of how Mitt Romney shut down Bain Capital and moved all the employees to NYC to search for and find the daughter of one of his partners
o “Choice: Judgment” – Striking contrast ad highlighting Mike Huckabee’s 1,033 pardons and clemencies (more than 2x his three predecessors) vs. zero from Mitt Romney
o “Choice: The Record” – Ad contrasting Mitt’s record on illegal immigration vs. Mike Huckabee’s record of supporting tax payer funded scholarships and in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
o “Not Politically Correct” – Mitt’s record supporting life, English immersion education, and traditional marriage
o “Experience Matters” – Ad highlighting the lack of real world, executive experience on the part of Hillary Clinton (and equally applicable to the other Democrats)
o “Ready for Action” – Summary of Governor Romney’s stump speech in 60 seconds; user-generated ad based on a contest that was run back in September
o “Our Home” – Some precious footage of Mitt playing with his children and grandchildren; focuses on the importance of strengthening our families
o “Leadership” and “Energy” – I just love the images of Mitt jogging through the backwoods and the focus on his track record in business; I think he’s the only politician I’ve seen jogging where it looked like he was actually in shape…not just a photo op
o “Ocean” – Ad lamenting the degradation of our culture and Mitt’s thoughts on how he would like to address it; as a parent this one really resonated with me
o “Tested, Proven” – One of his early ads highlighting his track record in Massachusetts
o “I Like Vetoes” – Ad highlights his track record of vetoing excessive spending; no doubt in my mind that he’ll control spending after seeing this ad and other times when he has addressed this topic

Finally, it is one thing to support Mitt with your vote, but I’d like to ask you to consider supporting Mitt in a more active way. Like many of you, I had always followed politics, but never became active in politics (other than voting) until this year in support of Governor Romney.

This year is different. First, this is arguably the most consequential election in over twenty years. The challenges and issues that will be faced by our next President will have far reaching ramifications for our children and grandchildren.

Additionally, we face a set of candidates on the Republican side who represent vastly different positions and perspectives, some of whom threaten to tear asunder the Reagan coalition that has served us so well. Whether it is the socially liberal and sanctuary city defending Rudy Giuliani, the divisive, theocratic, soft on crime and illegal immigration, and fiscally populist Mike Huckabee, or the McCain Feingold, “Gang of 14”, and pro-Amnesty John McCain, there are clear differences in the way that each of these individuals would take the Republican Party.

If you’ve found this persuasive, please do whatever you can to support Mitt Romney’s candidacy. If you’re from Iowa, please caucus for Mitt (get more information here). Winning Iowa is job one between now and January 3.

If you are not from Iowa, please stay informed by checking in here at Elect Romney in 2008 every day. Make a donation to help Mitt win the media air war. Put on a bumper sticker or put up a yard sign (get them here). And most importantly, talk with your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about why you’re supporting Mitt Romney! Personal testimonials from trusted individuals are by far the most effective ways to gain more supporters for Mitt!

If you still have questions or remain unconvinced, leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer your question. Or better yet, if you are also a Mitt supporter, leave a comment telling us why! Thank you for reading!

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I was privileged and humbled to be in the Presidential Library’s assembly room with my good friend Vic. We were joined by Ann Marie and Rebecca who also writes on this blog. Like others we had anxiously awaited the coming of ‘the speech’.

The media were all in place and the audience was seated. Many in the room were discussing loudly amongst each other, others whispered excitedly. Some like me I imagine were even contemplating silently about what we were about to experience.

At 9:20 am a sudden unprompted hush came over the assembly and the room became silent. Secret service detail entered from the side door nearest the stage and took their positions. They stood straight -faced and erect… and they waited.

At 9:25am Mrs. Barbara Bush entered the room with the elegance and class that defines the image of a First Lady. In an instant, the silence was shattered as the crowd raised to their feet and gave her a thunderous applause of respect and admiration. She smiled to the group like only a grandmother could, and was seated.

At 9:30 am the door opened again. Emerging into the room with all the dignity and humility of his former office as the 41st President of the United States, President George Herbert Walker Bush was greeted to another eruption of applause from the audience as he escorted Governor Mitt Romney, his wife Ann, and his family into the room and up onto the stand.

The former President took to the podium and welcomed those in attendance and gave a warm and heartfelt introduction to Governor Mitt Romney. He related his friendship with the Romney family and his appreciation for others. But this was not to be his moment, so he turned the microphone over to the Governor.

By this writing most of you have probably heard the speech with its many commentaries and political dissections so I won’t go into that with this blog. But I want to share some personal observations, feelings and emotion unlike any that I have felt before.

This was more than an incredible speech. For me and so many others, it was a spiritual moment. If you had been in the room with us you would have felt an overwhelming spirit that encased and validated the very essence of Faith in America . It was bigger than Romney and bigger than any one or any combination of religions represented in that room. I sensed that I was witnessing divinely inspired history in the making that transcended any campaign or personal agenda. The spirit was overwhelming. Many commented on what they felt and the fact that we had all been touched by something greater than each of us.

As I bathed in this incredible feeling, my mind played images of other defining moments in our nation’s history including a time when the founding fathers met secretly to decide the fate and future our nation. I silently thought about other critical decision making moments in history that faced past great Presidents. It has been recorded by them that during those crucial times they felt they had been moved by something greater than them, something spiritual, helping to direct their cause. Not for them personally, but for the good of the nation and its people. As Romney gave his now historical speech, I think I felt that same feeling. Others did too.

This was one of those spiritual moments that was good for the nation.

I spoke with the Reverend Lou Sheldon afterwards in the lobby. Reverend Sheldon is head of the Traditional Values Coalition which claims to be the largest non-denominational grassroots church lobby in America. I asked him how he personally felt about the speech. He summed it up the way many felt. He told me “This is what we call in the Evangelical world ‘a God thing’. I felt it, I cried, Romney cried, who didn’t? It was a defining moment in American history. The content was so profound“.

Jewish leader and businessman, David Nierenberg who was dressed in his religious shawl and yarmulke to show respect and reverence for the occasion confessed to me that he too was touched and wept. He also told me, “It’s not how you worship or what you wear. I’ve come here dressed like this to signify that fact.”

Dr. Richard Land, head of the 20 million member Southern Baptist Convention said, “America needed this more than Romney did.” He continued, “This is a ringing reminder of what we really need to believe.”

During the speech was a man sitting in front of me who I watched with interest. His initial countenance seemed to reflect one of distrust. When the room erupted with applause during the first half of the speech, he remained motionless. His face showed some discomfort. During the last half of the speech he began to change little by little … giving a short applause with a half smile and sometimes an occasional nod of approval which he didn’t seem to want to display too openly. However, near the end he began to seem quite involved. He elbowed the woman next to him with a big grin and he applauded approvingly. His countenance had changed completely and he told the woman next to him, “now that was really good.” I don’t know anything about this man or the people sitting next to him. I don’t know if he came with an agenda, or was leery of the speech; he may have even been an ardent supporter of Romney who was just taking awhile to warm up. But nonetheless, I watched as his countenance changed and he was touched by the deeper message of the speech.

Just as Dr Richard Land implied by his comments, this speech was much bigger than Romney. It was bigger than any single religion or agenda in the room. All who listened seemed touched and inspired. I was. And I felt humbled and grateful to be there.

We all gathered into the lobby after the speech. Someone said it felt “electrified”. At the very least it was energized with activity and discussion about the speech. Beyond those that I mentioned above, here are a few other comments that I heard:

“It was very Presidential”, David Brody of CBN

“He has more than passed the test”, (overheard)

“He has hit this one out of the park” (overheard)

“Magnificent, it was a landmark speech”, Robert Millet

“He maximized it. It was an eloquent defense for a pluralistic religious society and was a wise thing for him (Romney) to do”… “He made some points”…. “This speech will give him (Romney) a 2nd or 3rd hearing by Evangelicals and social conservatives” … “Some things he said will be reassuring to Evangelicals.” Richard Land

“Just like Kennedy, he (Romney) did not use one sentence in defending Mormonism. You can open yourself up about your theological beliefs, but that belongs in the seminary, at church and the water cooler, but not in a Presidential debate” … “Judge me on how my faith impacts how I govern.” Richard Land

“I am not an endorser of candidates, never have, never will. But I am a supporter of religious freedom” … “It was an appropriate speech.” Richard Land

Vic Lundquist and I spoke with Glenn Beck who commented, “God is bigger than any one faith.”

All of these comments and many others that I heard that day harmonized with Governor Romney’s speech wherein he stated, “…we welcome a symphony of faiths.” Many were represented in that room.

I was not only inspired as I heard a Presidential quality speech that day, but humbled and moved to feel something greater than all of us who were there. For a moment we all seemed as one. I believe it was because of the unifying spirit of faith that prevailed. This is what America needs.

Thank you to all of those who allowed me the opportunity to witness this historical event. I only wish all of you who are reading this blog could have been in that room with the rest of us who were there. Whether Romney wins the nomination or not his inspired speech has left an indelible mark on my soul as one of life’s great spiritual experiences.

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KY Governor-Elect Steve Beshear

In my 33 yrs of life, I had never voted for a Democrat. That was until today, November 6, 2007.

My Governor, Ernie Fletcher here in Kentucky has been a do nothing Governor. As a matter of fact, I can’t think of one place where he’s made a difference in this state. He paid the price for that tonight 59%/41%.

Steve Beshear (our Governor-Elect, since he beat Fletcher) on the other hand just made me feel good about our state. When you live in a state like Kentucky, which is very poor (not to mention we don’t exactly get a ton of tax revenue…we don’t have any oceans, amusement parks (sans KY Kingdom in Louisville) or other things that other states can tax heavily to offset the costs of running of state government). Don’t get me wrong, I love living where I do. My kids have an awesome school, teachers that care a great deal for them, not to mention a great community to raise kids. I’m just saying that we have to make our own fun here (which isn’t too too hard given the lakes in this state). But, our state really has to cut costs more than say a state that has a lot of revenue.

Steve Beshear did a wonderful job at presenting himself as an honest man of integrity, plus he at least had a plan on how to help the health care crisis in the state (i.e. so many people are uninsured AS AM I). He also had plans for education as well. He laid it out well, and 59% of the voters agreed. So, we’re getting a change in this state. If Beshear doesn’t live up to his promises then I’ll vote him out just like Fletcher. But, Mr. Beshear gets a full vote of confidence when he assumes office early next year.

A side note also to add, something that probably sounds trivial, but means so much to me. I went to remind my Dad to vote this evening (I voted right before the polls closed)…he hasn’t been feeling very well at all lately (he’s 75, and definitely far from the Spring Chicken that he was when I was a kid) so he didn’t vote today. He just couldn’t get the energy to go out. But, he did tell me that had he had the chance, he would have voted for “my man” (meaning Beshear). He said I trust your opinion on this stuff so much Ann, that I felt compelled to give the guy a shot. I can’t tell you how great that made me feel. For the man that I’ve looked up to all of my life, to trust my opinion on something like this enough to have put his vote on it. Even as adults we seek the approval of our parents, and it just felt so good to feel that approval in this way.

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