Long before the news broke, and by shear accident, I stumbled upon a tip by Byron York over at The Corner. He was reporting from CPAC this morning that rumor had it Mitt Romney was suspending his campaign for President. I reread the post three times, and with hands shaking, immediately shared the news via email with another ardent supporter of Mitts, Vic Lundquist, over at ElectRomney2008. Thankfully, Vic must have been in his office to receive my email and sent a quick response back stating that he hoped it wasn’t true, and thanked me. I’m sure I rocked his world, but Vic’s a pretty level headed guy, and I’m sure he’s heard rumors before. This rumor, however, by Byron York, had an air of credibility to it for some reason. Perhaps because the reason given for Mitt’s resignation was one of selflessness, and that rung true of the man I have come to know, admire and support …. He was doing it for the good of the country, the party, and the war.
I quickly settled down to watch the coverage of CPAC where they cut in late on Laura Ingrahams introduction of Mitt. She looked pale. She appeared shaken, but like the strong lady that she is, she got on with it. As always, Laura spoke with conviction laced with humor, got some great jabs in at McCain by way of her “just calm down” references, and proudly introduced Mitt Romney as the “Conservatives Conservative.”
One wouldn’t have guessed that Mitt had made a life changing decision by his approach to the podium, or the greeting he gave to his faithful supporters. As always, he was cheerful, strong in voice, and warm in facial expression. And then, once again, Mitt Romney delivered a speech that was clear and concise of message, optimistic and visionary in presentation, factual and moving in understanding the challenges of our time. By itself, it was a fantastic speech. The crowd was applauding enthusiastically. I kept waiting for the lead in, where one sentence would lead into the beginning of the announcement of his decision to end his bid for the White House…..and then, like a freight train in the dead of a cold winter’s night, I could hear it coming. If my ears hadn’t been waiting for it, I wouldn’t have recognized it for what it was. But it was there. He was transitioning from what he envisioned, to what was reality, and in an instant he spoke the words I was dreading.
Mitt Romney, Governor, businessman, father, husband, son, leader, man of extraordinary faith & a hero to me, resigned today from his long, hard fought battle for the Presidency of the United States. I’ve been following and working at the grass roots level since Mitt’s announcement to run, and so of course, I cried. My hope & dreams that he was the one man that could bring this country back from the brink…. culturally, economically, and militarily, would be no more. My heart broke for Ann; they gave so very much of themselves to this campaign. As a resident of Iowa, I personally witnessed the amount of time, work, energy and dedication that this family gave to get his campaign off the ground. He came so close, and to my great bewilderment and frustration, the country seemed to be realizing, too little too late, that Mitt Romney would have brought us one step closer to greatness, if only he had been given the chance, been viewed with a more open mind, listened to with less bias, and embraced with a purer heart. And now, it’s too late.
I’m sure I will cry again between now and the election; in frustration, aggravation, and definite sadness for what might have been if we had been smart enough as a nation to not let slip through our fingers the opportunity to have given this wonderful man, Mitt Romney, the chance to lead the greatest nation on earth. In the meantime, like many of the Romney faithful, I will have to ask myself again and again…..”Who am I, if I am not the girl touting Mitt Romney for President?” His reasoning for suspending his campaign gives me pause to realize I will need to reassess my commitment to the party, and more importantly, our conservative cause, and that while it may not be with Mitt as President, the stakes are just too high to sit this one out (as I had recently vowed if Mitt Romney was not elected as the GOP nominee.)
And so it is, that in one final ironic twist of fate, and overpowering the shadow of cynicism and criticalness that was raised about Governor Romney’s service to this country, Mitt Romney DID indeed ultimately make a truly unselfish sacrifice on behalf of this country, the war, and the military for whom he holds in such high regard. It was just his destiny to do it in a different sort of way. Watch his wonderful speech in it’s entirety, and you will begin to understand this too.
Like so many other Romney supporters, it has taken me all day to process the events of Governor Romney’s announcement. I would be remiss to not make a final post, and although it’s somewhat windy, like everything that I have ever done on Governor Romney’s behalf, it is done so with a heartfelt passion that few have ever inspired in me………..for that reason, among many, I will miss his presence and his candidacy. He will, however, forever be an inspiration and driving force in me to speak up, say and do what I believe and know is right.
Contrast McCain’s open borders backers and staffers with Gov. Mitt Romney’s new immigration enforcement adviser–one of the brightest minds and experienced architects of homeland security:
Boston, MA – Today, Kris Kobach, noted immigration policy expert and head of the Kansas Republican Party, announced his endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney. Kobach will serve as an adviser to Governor Romney on border security and immigration reform issues.
“For years, Kris Kobach has distinguished himself in his work to ensure that our immigration system respects the rule of law and ends illegal immigration while protecting the legal immigration that has made our country great. He knows firsthand how important it is that we protect our country by securing our borders and rejecting amnesty proposals. I look forward to working with Kris as we tackle this critical challenge,” said Governor Romney.
Joining Romney for President, Kobach said, “Of all the Republican presidential candidates, Governor Romney has outlined the clearest vision for how we are going to end illegal immigration in this country. More importantly, he has the record to back up his words. When he was Governor, he vetoed a bill that would have rewarded illegal aliens with in-state tuition rates, and he also increased cooperation between state and federal law enforcement. In one of our country’s most liberal states, he stood up for the enforcement of immigration laws. He will do the same as President.”
Background On Kris Kobach:
Kris Kobach Is A Noted Immigration Expert, Professor Of Law And Head Of The Kansas Republican Party. In 1996, Professor Kobach joined the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law (UMKC) faculty. In 2001, he was awarded a White House Fellowship serving in the office of U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. There he would serve as the Attorney General’s chief adviser on immigration law and border security. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Kobach was charged with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts to tighten border security and implement the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System. Before leaving DOJ in 2003, he led the reform of the immigration court system. Professor Kobach has litigated a number of high-profile immigration lawsuits including representing the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He is a Senior Counsel at the Immigration Reform Law Institute. At the Law School, he teaches Constitutional law and immigration law.
Another stellar legal mind and counterterrorism expert who successfully prosecuted the 1993 WTC jihadists, Andrew McCarthy, signs on to the Romney campaign.
Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that Andrew C. McCarthy will be joining his Advisory Committee on the Constitution and the Courts, which is co-chaired by Professor Douglas W. Kmiec, former constitutional legal counsel to President Ronald Reagan, and former Congressman David McIntosh who co-founded the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies.
Making today’s announcement, Governor Romney said, “Throughout his distinguished legal career, including his 18 years of service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, during which he led the fight against radical jihadists, Andrew McCarthy has been a champion for protecting the American people. With his experience, Andy’s counsel on national security and related legal matters will be invaluable in my campaign for our nation’s highest office. I am greatly honored to have his wise counsel and deep experience in my campaign.”
With today’s announcement, McCarthy said, “Governor Mitt Romney embodies the American ideal: success through talent, hard work and faith. He’s a committed conservative. As president, I believe he’ll bring out the best of America, which means Americans, not government. He’ll unite us, not divide us with class-warfare rhetoric that scorns the American dream of self-reliance and value creation – as if it were somehow different from patriotism rather than the engine of patriotism. Mitt understands how the economy works because he’s worked in it, not just regulated it from Washington down to the last light-bulb. He understands we’re in a global war that demands not just a strategy for Iraq but a strategy for repelling jihadism. He’ll push to give our agents the tools they need to gather the intelligence vital to protecting American lives. And he can be trusted to appoint solid judges who will interpret the law – not re-invent it in a way that narrows fundamental rights like political speech while expanding the lawfare rights of terrorists.
“I supported, Rudy Giuliani, who hired me as a young prosecutor, because of his intelligence, executive competence, and commitment to our national security. I see in Governor Romney those same qualities. They are the qualities we need to face our nation’s challenges, and they are why I am so proud to support him.”
Background On Andrew C. McCarthy:
Andrew C. McCarthy Directs The Center For Law & Counterterrorism At The Foundation For Defense Of Democracies. He is also a contributing editor at National Review Online and a member of the Committee on the Present Danger. His book, Willful Blindness: A Memoir of the Jihad, will be released on March 10 by Encounter Books.
For 18 years, Mr. McCarthy was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. From 1993 through 1995, he led the terrorism prosecution against Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and eleven others in connection with the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and a plot to bomb New York City landmarks. He served for several years as the Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District’s satellite office in White Plains, and, following the 9/11 attacks, supervised the Office’s Command Post near Ground Zero in New York City.
In 2004, Mr. McCarthy served at the Pentagon as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. He has also been an Adjunct Professor at both Fordham University’s School of Law and New York Law School, as well as a Deputy United States Marshal in the federal Witness Protection Program.
Mr. McCarthy is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Justice Department’s highest honors: the Attorney General’s Exceptional Service Award (1996) and Distinguished Service Award (1988). In addition to being featured regularly in National Review, Mr. McCarthy’s articles have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Commentary, The New Criterion, The Weekly Standard, USA Today and many other publications. He is frequently featured as a commentator on television and nationally syndicated radio broadcasts.
This narrative from The Caucus The New York Times Politics Blog chronicles a reporter’s perspective on families and the Romney campaign.
The part that really stood out for me in the piece is the quote in the title of this message, the following is the exact statement:
Members of the Romney family gathered for a photograph.
(Photo: Elise Amendola/Associated Press)
As a way of building up families, Mr. Romney talked over the weekend about reviving a policy under President Reagan that mandated a “family impact statement” be drafted for every new policy or government program. I wondered what one of those might look like for a presidential campaign.
Check out the entire entry, I found it very insightful about the behind the scenes of Romney’s campaign. I’m so happy that he cares so much about his family that he’s taken each and every one of them along for the ride.
Cross Posted at Elect Romney in 2008.
Governor Romney is definitely tapping women in the state of Florida. On top of those he’s already hired, look at the number of women he’s added to his team in this crucial battleground state.
Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced eight new additions to his Exploratory Committee in Florida, including Sherri McVay of Orlando, who will serve as Political Director for the Florida effort.
These new staffers join an already large Florida organization including State Director Mandy Fletcher, senior advisers Sally Bradshaw and Ann Herberger, and Florida adviser Marc Reichelderfer.
“I am so proud of our strong Florida team. Florida is an important state and these individuals bring tremendous experience and added strength to our efforts in the Sunshine State,” said Governor Romney.
Fast Facts About Governor Romney’s Growing Florida Organization:
- Sherri J. McVay – Political Director: An attorney, Sherri leaves Governor Bush’s office as Executive Director of the Statewide Advocacy Council to join Governor Romney’s team. She is a former Regional Field Director for Florida Bush-Cheney 2004, and previously worked at the White House for Vice President George H.W. Bush. She also served as a Special Assistant for External Affairs at the State Department and on the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Sherri was an active volunteer and fundraiser for Florida’s new Governor, Charlie Crist.
- Kristy Campbell – Communications Director: Kristy most recently served as Press Secretary for Governor Jeb Bush. Prior to that she was Communications Director for the Florida Department of Community Affairs and Public Information Officer to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, facilitating statewide communications during the historic 2004 hurricane season.
- Tzaicel Hernandez – South Florida Field Director: Currently Southwest Florida Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, Hernandez has also served as South Florida Regional Field Director for the Republican Party’s Senate Campaigns division. Hernandez previously worked as a field coordinator for Representative David Rivera’s State House Campaign in Miami.
- Nicole James – Central Florida Field Director: Nicole has served twice as Campaign Manager for State Senator Mike Haridopolos and was Governor Crist’s Brevard County Grassroots Coordinator. She also served as an analyst in the Appointments Office of Governor Jeb Bush, a Research Coordinator for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a contributing editor to the Sayfie Review, a Florida political news website.
- Jessica Welter – Northwest Florida Field Director: She is a former Legislative Aide to Pensacola Representative Holly Benson, who now serves as Secretary, Department of Business and Professional Regulation for Governor Charlie Crist. Jessica also served as a Legislative Affairs Assistant to Governor Jeb Bush.
- Patrick J. McQuillan – Southwest Florida Field Director: Patrick returns to Florida from Booz, Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C., where he served as a consultant. He previously served as Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the Florida State Technology office, and prior to that, as a Special Assistant in the Office of Governor Jeb Bush.
- Nick Hanson – Tampa Bay Field Director: Nick is a proud third generation resident of St. Petersburg. He has long been active in local politics, most recently managing the 2006 legislative campaign for Angelo Cappelli. Previously, he was a teacher with the Pinellas County School District, and he currently serves on the Steering Committee for the St. Petersburg Young Professionals.
- Cecilia Rush – Office Manager: Cecilia served on Governor Bush’s ‘94 and ‘98 gubernatorial campaigns. She has also served as Senior Assistant in the Florida Governor’s Mansion, the Governor’s Center for Efficient Government, the Foundation for Florida’s Future and to the Republican Party of Florida.
From The Buzz: Florida Politics | St Petersburg Times.
In yet another sign of Jeb Bush’s leanings for the ‘08 presidential contenders, his longtime fundraising chief, Ann Herberger, has signed on to help Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Herberger will be national finance adviser to Romney’s Commonwealth PAC, working alongside another fundraising ace, Ann Dunsmore of California. Jeb’s top political adviser, Sally Bradshaw, has also jumped on the Romney train.
“He’s the real deal, and I have a penchant for governors because they are chief executives. They run states they know how to manage. He and Gov. Bush share a lot of the same chief executive skills,” Herberger said. “He’s a new kind of a leader and moving into the 08 cycle he could take this country where it needs to go….The governor (Bush) was really supportive of it, and I’m really excited about it.”[Emphasis that of Ann Marie]
All you can say to this one is WOW.
Ann Marie