An unlikely package of contrasts emerges from Leftachusetts. � In a state that has kept dependable liberals Ted Kennedy (first elected in 1962) and John Kerry (1984) in the senate and Barney Frank (serving since 1980) among its congressional representatives, an atypical political figure has emerged on the Massachusetts horizon.
Never previously having held elective office, Gov. Mitt Romney was elected in 2002 with a decisive margin. The son of George Romney, a former Cabinet member who served three terms as governor of Michigan, Mitt presents an intriguing Republican persona as the 2006 presidential cycle shifts into full gear. Recently named Chairman of the Republican Governors’ Association, he has exhibited an impressive mix of business acumen and political savvy notably lacking in many of the names currently receiving attention. Since announcing he would not seek a second term leading Massachusetts, he has visited the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, which are key in garnering national prominence.
The curiosity of a social and fiscal conservative at the helm of the state of Massachusetts stirs initial interest. A closer look does nothing to dispel the notion that Romney has what it takes to keep Republican occupants in residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Successfully leading the management consulting firm of Bain and Company, the cum laude Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School honors graduate then distinguished himself directing its highly profitable venture capitol spin-off, Bain Capitol.
Called upon to oversee the 2002 Winter Olympics which had been mired in scandal, financial and organizational controversy, Romney became president and CEO of the organizing committee, in what became one of the nation’s most successful Olympic endeavors. Turning a $100 million profit from the debt-ridden organization by scaling back opening and closing ceremonies and holding a tight rein on the purse strings of the committee, required diligence. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks the preceding year, security concerns presented unique and costly challenges.
Touting his spirited call for volunteerism while in Utah, Romney assembled thousands of eager participants. Deeply involved in his church and long active in numerous civic and charitable organizations, Mitt Romney provided a guiding example for others to follow.
Blessed with movie star good looks, Mitt and Ann Romney have been married thirty-seven years. Surrounded by their five married sons and their families, they resemble the photographs of models manufacturers insert into newly purchased frames. Although Ann was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998, she remains committed to her community service projects, notably those helping at-risk girls make positive life choices.
In 2004, Gov. Romney, a steadfast advocate of traditional marriage, filed emergency legislation requesting the state's highest court stay its order legalizing same-sex "marriage" until Massachusetts residents could vote on the issue. State legislators passed a compromise amendment banning such nuptials while legalizing civil unions. His reaction was swift. "The people of Massachusetts should not be excluded from a decision as fundamental to our society as the definition of marriage," said Gov. Romney. "This issue is too important to leave to a one-vote majority of the Supreme Judicial Court."
He takes a jab on his strong, squared chin, from social conservatives who oppose what they see as his squishy positioning on the issue of abortion, however. "While I've said time and again that I oppose abortion, I've also indicated that I would not change in any way the abortion laws in Massachusetts. And I've honored that promise. I take my promises very seriously,” he stated.
Reminiscent of the contemptuous anti-Kennedy crowd in the early 1960’s, wary of electing the first Roman Catholic to the presidency, there are those who balk at pulling the lever for a Mormon. The fact that there are governors, cabinet members and currently five US Senators and thirteen members of the US House of Representatives of both parties who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should serve to quell such unreasonable concerns. Sen. Harry Reid aside, most faithful LDS adherents tend to hold traditional values.
Meanwhile, throwing judgment to the winds, likely Democrat contender, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) appeared with leftist activist Harry Belafonte at The Children's Defense Fund's 2006 Winter Benefit where Clinton confidant and political advisor, Susan Thomases was the honoree.
“Banana Boat” singer, Harry Belafonte, recently traveled to Venezuela to denounce President George W. Bush, calling him "the greatest terrorist in the world." Embracing the socialist dictator Hugo Chavez, Belafonte enthused, “We respect you, we admire you.” Then, Hillary’s chum, Harry, warmly declared, "¡Viva la revolución!" Mitt Romney is looking better and better.
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