Kelly Molique and Corrine Lovas

Susan Gilbert and volunteers, Keri Couvillion, Heather Hedelius, and Rebecca Hecksel

Littlest Woman for Romney: Camille Case and seven week old, Allison Case

Stefany Clark and Mitt Romney

Governor Romney campaign appearance in Paradise Valley, Arizona October 11th, 2007

The paint and final touches had all been completed for the newly built home of Paul and Susan Gilbert in Paradise Valley, Arizona. It was a beautiful setting and georgeous weather to welcome Governor Romney for a speech and fundraiser. Hostess, Susan Gilbert remarked on how complimentary and thoughtful Mitt was about opening their home for the well attended event.

After photos with the Governor, he addressed the general reception in the courtyard. He began by thanking Arizona State Senator Chuck Gray, Sherrif Joe Arpaio, and their spouses for their support. “Throughout the campaign,” Romney said, “the friends Ann and I have made are extraordinary treasures.” His speech was brief, but touched on core values and strengthening home, economy, and military.

He recalled a conversation with Neil Maxwell, a noted Utah educator, who has since passed away. They discussed inflection points in America’s history. Inflection points are significant moments of change for our nation when nearly everything is effected. Governor Romney feels that since 2002 and over the next few years, we are at such a crucial time. How will we respond to Jihadists? Will we take a sharp left turn and become a second tier nation, as many of the European nations have done in the past?

Instead, Governor Romney’s course would be to strengthen our families, economy, and military because a strong America is the world’s best ally of peace. He then fielded questions about immigration, the influence of his parents, how to further his campaign, and strenthen the military.

On immigration, he said, “This is not difficult to handle.” You just stop the magnets, like sanctuary cities. You stop the flow by implementation of an employment verification card, and tell illegals to get in line for citizenship like everyone else.

To strengthen our military, instituting a draft would not be necessary. Improved benefits and four-year welcome home packages, including free tuition at state sponsored universities have proven effective in increased recruitment.

Near the end of the reception, Paul Gilbert announced that the latest Arizona polls are showing Governor Romney within 8 percentage points of the Republican lead. This surge in the polls seems to show that wherever Governor Mitt Romney goes he connects with the people, as he did tonight in Paradise Valley.