This story comes from Massachusetts Governor’s Office Press Releases…

As a mother of special needs children, this really is of importance to me. With the reports of mercury possibly being the cause of neurological problems, I’m glad the Governor is taking steps to eradicate the substance from our environment.

In this article By Jennifer Heldt Powell of The Boston Herald, it discusses Governor Romney’s pledge to hire women in senior positions within his administration.

A couple quotes:

Gov. Mitt Romney, who took the group’s pledge, named three to top roles when he made his initial round of appointments. Others were named to senior level positions or moved to top jobs later.

Anne L. Collins, the registrar of the Department of Motor Vehicles, believes it works. She joined state government in 1989 but felt her career had stalled.

“I felt sure I would never get a higher position because I wasn’t political,” she said.

Her resume was among those given to Romney. He first appointed her to be director of professional licensure and later promoted her to her current job.

To me this shows that Governor Romney is mindful of women, and he takes their talents and contributions very seriously. An attitude that I’m sure he’ll take with him should he run for the Presidency of the United States.

This just goes to show just how biased the MSM is (mainly the LA Times in this instance). Everyone is afraid of Governor Romney it seems, but instead of actually debating the issues of the day they have to stoop to a level like this. Newsflash for everyone, Romney is a viable candidate and he’s smart, strong, and capable. So, if you really want to compete with him you better start with debating ideas instead of coming up with worthless polls with zero meaning. The people are not stupid, we can see right through it.

From Powerline.

On July 3, 2006, the Los Angeles Times ran a story called “A Mormon for President, Voters Balk.” The story was based on an LA Times/Bloomberg poll in which, according to the Times’ account, “thirty-seven percent of those questioned said they would not vote for a Mormon presidential candidate.” Naturally, the focus of the story was on the implications for Mitt Romney’s presidential candidacy. The Times suggested that the results meant trouble for Romney. Tom Bevan wrote about the poll here, and I linked to Tom’s piece here. Both of us agreed that, indeed, the results were bad news for Romney.

However, the Times’ story did not state the precise question that its poll posed. Nor is it clear that the Times had released its underlying report on the survey (which contained the actual question) as of the time it ran the story. Although the story says that results were released the same day (July 3), I’m told that the report wasn’t released until July 7. It is considered unprofessional to run a story about a poll without having released the underlying report on which the story is based.

In any case, the underlying report shows the Times’ July 3 story to be misleading, in my view. The question posed by the pollsters was, “Just thinking about a candidate’s religion, do you think you could vote for a Mormon [or Jewish, or Catholic, or Evangelical, or Muslim] candidate.” Thus, contrary to what the Times reported, the poll does not show that 37 percent of those questioned would not vote for a Mormon candidate; it shows that 37 percent of those questioned would not vote for a Mormon candidate if they thought only about that candidate’s religion. Indeed, the report (but not the story) acknowledges that “there is nothing to indicate that numbers such as these, while certainly indicative of a basic level of resistance, are a real barrier to legitimate candidacy.” In addition, the report (but not the story) states that there is no evidence “to infer that a candidate’s religion would trump other important voter criteria such as trust, charisma, shared values. . .or the candidate’s stand on [issues].”

The story also neglects to mention that, while half of the Democrats who expressed an opinion said they would not vote for a Mormon if all they thought about was religion, independents and Republicans showed less prejudice. About 60 percent of independents who expressed an opinion, and more than 70 percent of opining Republicans, were prepared to vote for a Mormon even if they thought only about his religion. Thus, Romney’s religion would appear to be less of an obstacle to his nomination than one might infer from the Times’ story, which quotes a political science professor who states that religious-based resistance to Romney “among Southern Baptists” could be a “huge problem.”

Romney may or may not have a “huge problem” due to his religion. In either case, The LA Times seems to have had a problem reporting on its own poll.

Posted by Paul at 09:08 PM

Governor Romney is definitely dedicated to women. First off, the most important woman in his life Ann Romney plays a big part in his life. In his book “Turnaround” it described that it was Ann that pursuaded him to accept the job as the Salt Lake Olympic Committee CEO. He isn’t an athletic individual, so it was something that he didn’t necessarily think that he was qualified for. But, after Ann’s prompting he took the job, and we all should be grateful he did. We all are better off having him take over that black eye for the nation.

According to Democracy in Action, three of the four top key people for Governor Romney are women. Those being Julie Teer, Jessica Peterson, and Sally Canfield.

From that source it lists the following information:

Political Director and Spokesperson Julie Teer
(March 2006) Teer served as Romney’s press secretary in the Governor’s office starting in April 2005. Executive director for Bush-Cheney ‘04 in New Hampshire. Communications director for the New Hampshire Republican State Committee starting in March 2003. Worked briefly for Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) in Washington, DC after serving as press secretary on Sununu’s campaign during fall 2002. Served as press secretary to Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-MI). Native of East Lansing.

Deputy Political Director Jessica Peterson

Policy Director Sally Canfield
(reported by AP on Feb. 23, 2006; starting March 2006) Policy adviser to House Speaker Dennis Hastert. Deputy chief of staff for policy at the Department of Homeland Security under Tom Ridge; started working on homeland security in Nov. 2001. Counselor to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. A domestic policy advisor on Bush’s 2000 campaign, primarily focused on health care. Worked for Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA) and earlier for Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX). Government Relations Representative for Caremark International in Chicago. Graduate of Northwestern University. Grew up in suburban Chicago.

Moreover Governor Romney has been dedicated to women Judiciary Nominees, note the following press release from April 26, 2006

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Department
State House Boston, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY
GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 26, 2006

CONTACT:
Eric Fehrnstrom
Corbie Kiernan
(617) 725-4025

ROMNEY NOMINATES FOUR WOMEN TO JUDICIARY

Governor Mitt Romney announced today that he has nominated four women to serve as judges in the Massachusetts trial court system, the largest number of female candidates ever brought forward at one time.

Romney has made the appointment of women to the state’s courts a priority, and recently asked his Judicial Nominating Council to bring forward the names of more female and minority applicants. If these four women are all confirmed by the Governor’s Council, women will represent 36% of the appointments made by Romney for judicial office, which includes judges and clerk magistrate positions.

“I am pleased with the outstanding qualifications of the individuals I have nominated to the bench,” Romney said. “They have the capability, the qualifications and the experience to be fair and balanced jurists.”

Nominated were:

* Kathe M. Tuttman of Andover, as Associate Justice of the Superior Court;
* Tracy L. Lyons of Marblehead, as Associate Justice of the Brighton division of the Boston Municipal Court;
* Therese M. Wright of West Barnstable, as Associate Justice of the Edgartown District Court; and,
* Merita A. Hopkins of Boston, as Associate Justice of the Superior Court.

Tuttman has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office since 1989. During that time, she has held various positions, including Director of the Family Crimes and Sexual Assault Unit, Superior Court Prosecutor and Lead Prosecutor for Lawrence District Court’s Domestic Violence Unit. She has also served on the Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Advisory Group for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Tuttman graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in 1974 and received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School, cum laude, in 1988.

Lyonshas been a sole practitioner in Boston since 2003, representing criminal and civil clients. She previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for 10 years. In this capacity, she was the Chief of the Sexual Assault Unit and a member of the Senior Trial Team Division, Major Felony Case Unit as well as the Child Abuse Unit. Prior to her years with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Lyons was an Assistant District Attorney in the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office for three years and a Victim Witness Advocate in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1987 to 1990 while attending law school.

Lyons received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1982 and her law degree from the New England School of Law in 1990.

Wright has served in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office for many years. From 1989 through 1994, she was a prosecutor in the District Court and Superior Court. After two years as a Partner with the law firm of Sable and Wright, she worked as an assistant regional counsel with the Department of Social Services before returning to the District Attorney’s office in 1998. She has served as Chief of the Family Protection Unit and most recently has worked in the Appellate Division. Wright has also taught courses related to criminal justice at Stonehill College and Quincy College.

Wright attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1985. She received her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 1988.

Hopkins is the Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Prior to her two years as Chief of Staff, Hopkins was Corporation Counsel for the City of Boston and responsible for the direction of the city’s Legal Department. Hopkins was also a sole practitioner for five years with a criminal defense and civil litigation practice, and prior to that, served as a prosecutor in State District and Superior Courts with the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. Her specialization was white-collar crime and drug prosecutions. Hopkins started her career as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) specializing in racketeering investigations and personal and property crimes.

Hopkins completed her bachelor’s degree at Boston College in 1976 and received her law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in 1979.

###

All in all, I believe that Governor Romney is extremely dedicated to women’s and family issues, and he’ll make a wonderful President.

Ann Marie

Here is an old Press Release detailing Governor Romney’s protection of sexual assault victims. This just shows to me just how much he cares about women. I especially liked this quote mentioned below, “Victims of rape or sexual assault have the right to know if their attacker is carrying HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease,” said Romney. “After such a devastating attack, they at least deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing whether or not they are at an increased health risk.” What an upstanding and caring man!

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Department
State House Boston, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY
GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 5, 2006

CONTACT:
Julie Teer
Corbie Kiernan
(617) 725-4025

ROMNEY FILES BILL TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS
Legislation would require HIV testing of rapists and sex offenders

Governor Mitt Romney today filed right-to-know legislation to provide crucial information and peace of mind to victims of sexual assault. Under the proposed law, every person indicted for or formally charged of rape or sexual assault would be tested for any sexually transmitted disease, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

“Victims of rape or sexual assault have the right to know if their attacker is carrying HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease,” said Romney. “After such a devastating attack, they at least deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing whether or not they are at an increased health risk.”

Upon the request of the prosecutor and the victim, the court would order that the sexual offender be tested for the presence of any sexually transmitted disease, including HIV. The test results would be reported to the court as soon as possible and then disclosed to the victim.

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, a criminologist who has conducted extensive research on sexual assault and domestic violence said, “For far too long, victims of sexual assault in Massachusetts have suffered not only with the trauma of the attack, but also the specter of HIV infection. Victims have a right to know critical information that allows them to make informed medical decisions about their bodies.”

The HIV testing requirement would cover a number of sex crimes in addition to rape and sexual assault, including indecent assault on a child under 14, indecent assault on a mentally retarded person and incestuous intercourse.

Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that does not require HIV testing for accused rapists. The recent alleged kidnapping and rape of a 25-year-old Framingham woman is a prime example of the need for such a law. The man accused of the assault has an admitted history of drug use, leading to fears that he is HIV-positive. Defense attorneys have been successful in barring testing that would allow the victim of the attack to know the HIV status of her alleged attacker.

“This bill will provide victims who choose to access it with important information that may assist them in making better informed medical decisions and could provide them with significant psychological relief and a clearer understanding of the totality of their circumstances,” said Nancy L. Scannell, Director of Government Affairs for Jane Doe Inc., Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.

“Because information is power, the most important aspect of this bill may well be its potential to provide victims with a tool to begin to reclaim the power to make decisions about their bodies that was taken from them when they were raped,” Scannell also noted.

###

Ann Marie

By Jennifer Barrett
Newsweek
Updated: 11:41 a.m. ET June 7, 2006

June 6, 2006 - Earlier this year, Massachusetts became the first state to pass legislation aimed at achieving near universal health-care coverage for its residents. The bill would help about 90 to 95 percent of the state’s estimated 500,000 uninsured residents gain coverage over the next three years by subsidizing the costs for low-income residents with state and federal funds. It’s a plan that has been held up as a nationwide model for health-care reform—and also a triumph for the state’s Republican governor, Mitt Romney.

Romney says that the plan can be achieved without imposing new taxes or borrowing money because financing would come largely from funds now being used for other health-care expenses, such as reimbursing hospitals for care they provide to uninsured residents. Its passage has also renewed speculation that Romney—who worked with the Democratic leadership of the Massachusetts legislature to create the bipartisan legislation—is setting the stage for a presidential run in 2008. The governor has been increasingly vocal on national issues, speaking out for widespread health-care reform and sending a letter to senators on June 2 in support of a gay-marriage ban, which will be considered this week. Romney supporters have already set up an “Americans for Mitt” Web site urging him to run. The governor has said that he won’t seek re-election this fall, but he has not announced yet whether he’ll seek the Republican nomination for president. NEWSWEEK’s Jennifer Barrett spoke with Romney about universal health-care coverage, gay marriage and whether he is planning to run for the nation’s highest office. Excerpts:…Read More

In this blog post from Elect Romney in 2008 from November of last year, it details Governor Romney’s committment to education.

A quote from the piece:

“We cannot continue to have an excellence gap with the rest of the world and intend to remain the economic superpower and military superpower of the planet. That’s just not going to happen,” Romney said. “We’re in a position where unless we take action, we’ll end up being the France of the 21st century: a lot of talk, but not a lot of strength behind it in terms of economic capability.”

It’s great to see Governor Romney so dedicated to the education of our children, because as the cliche says, “Our children are our future”, and if we’re not willing to invest in them, who’ll take care of us in the end?

Nathan Burd at American’s for Mitt posted this great article over at Red State. It describes Governor Romney’s position on abortion well. If you’d like to comment on the article here after you read it, I welcome the dialogue.

In this Boston Globe article it talks about just how much of an asset Ann Romney can and will be for a Romney candidacy. After reading Mr. Romney’s book TURNAROUND it was apparent just how much Mr. Romney relies on her.

There is too much good in the article to quote, just read it

Patricia Lasko

FEI competitor, sponsor and First Lady of Massachusetts, Ann
Romney, gives an insightful look at how her will to ride dressage
horses helped her cope with the debilitating disease Multiple
Sclerosis.

Editor’s Note: Writer Patricia Lasko won the Merial Human-Animal
Bond Award at the 2005 American Horse Publications Awards Banquet
for this article, originally titled “The Elixir of Pure Joy.” The
award is given annually to the writer of an article that best
reflects and promotes the strengthening of the relationship
between horses and people.

Ann Romney can be riding in a dressage lesson, doing nothing more
than circles, when suddenly some nuance becomes clearer and this
serious student of dressage exclaims, “Yahoo!” As she schools her
young horse, Superhit, or practices the art of collection on her
schoolmaster, Baron, you would never guess that on an October
morning in 1998 she woke up and was physically unable to get out
of bed. She soon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a
chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous
system in unpredictable ways…Read More