Sometimes you just need to call a spade a spade. Over at B4M I’ve made it a point to have a lot of fun at Damien LaVera’s expense. He’s Howlin’ Mad Howie Dean’s Head Mitt Hit Man – which means he’s tasked with writing press releases every few days where he takes pot shots at “Smooth Talking Mitt”. For some odd reason, the irony of a DNC staffer deriding anyone as a Smooth Talker (in the wake of Slick Willy) has yet to dawn on LaVera. Add to that the fact he continuously quotes himself – probably only to increase his Google rating - and you end up with a really comical press release.

Well, today LaVera crossed a line. Evidently he thinks if you repeat a lie enough times it will be believed as the truth. Last December, the Boston Globe’s Jonathan Saltzman, Maria Cramer, and Connie Page wrote a story with the headline “Illegal Immigrants toiled for governor” – insinuating that then Governor Romney hired illegal immigrants to landscape his Belmont property.

There’s only one problem with the story. Governor Romney didn’t hire the Guatemalans - they worked for the landscaping company he hired. The company’s owner was, in fact, a legal immigrant. Governor Romney wasn’t required by any law or policy to enquire or verify the immigration status of the landscaping company’s workers. The Boston Globe’s story was based on a false premise and fueled by a false headline. Said story has long since been debunked.

Damien LaVera didn’t get that memo and probably ignored the facts surrounding this non-story altogether. Truth and other factual information mean little to him because that kind of thing doesn’t make for good press copy. Today LaVera released the following statement about Governor Romney:

…Romney himself employed undocumented workers at his own home in Massachusetts as recently as December.

This statement, taken from the first paragraph of LaVera’s self aggrandizing press release is an outright bold faced lie. Governor Romney did not employ the “undocumented workers”. He did not interview them, he did not directly pay them. The most contact he had with them was the occasional “Buenos Dias”. Unless you consider the occasional glass of water from Ann to be a direct payment, LaVera’s statement leaks credibility like a sieve.

Facts are stubborn things. The fact of the matter is, of the current crop of presidential contenders, Governor Romney is the only one who actually did something on the issue of illegal immigration. You’ll notice that article wasn’t cited in LaVera’s hit piece.

Damien LaVera’s job is to tarnish Mitt as much as possible. His job is an unenviable one because there is so little for him to work with that he must rely on lies, half-truths, and ad-hominem attacks to fill his daily press quota.

I’m sorry, Damien. Your cheap shot press release comes across a little more than a lie, and a pathetic one at that. Try harder next time.

Labels: Damien LaVera, Immigration, press release, Rebuttal

Boston, MA – Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Arizona State Representative Mark Anderson will Co-Chair his campaign in Arizona. Representative Anderson will work closely with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, State Senator Chuck Gray and Governor Romney's Finance Committee to continue to expand the Governor's base of support in the Grand Canyon State. Sheriff Arpaio is serving as Governor Romney's Honorary Chairman for Arizona while Senator Gray is serving as Chair.

Governor Romney's Arizona campaign also announced that it had eclipsed state fundraising goals and raised $697,082 in total receipts for the first fundraising quarter.

"For many years, Mark Anderson has been a faithful and effective voice for conservative values in the Arizona State Legislature," said Governor Romney. "I am pleased that he has decided to join my growing campaign and look forward to working with him as we add to our strength in Arizona and across the nation."

With today's announcement, Representative Anderson said, "Governor Romney is an impressive leader with a proven track record of accomplishment. On national defense, economic competitiveness and the important moral matters of our day, Governor Romney has the vision and the conservative principles needed to guide America forward."

Background On Representative Mark Anderson:

Representative Anderson Is A Leading Conservative In The Arizona House Of Representatives. First elected in 1994, Anderson represents western Mesa. He currently chairs the K-12 Education Committee and is on the Appropriations and Human Services Committees. During his legislative career he has sponsored bills to lower recidivism and supported efforts to expand abstinence education, counseling and mentoring for young fathers, and a program that encourages churches to assist in the placement of foster children in their communities.

Labels: arizona, mark anderson, press release

Governor Romey Released the Following statement today on current environmental debate. Saying that South Carolina Governor was right on this issue he continued:

Unfortunately, some in the Republican Party are embracing the radical environmental ideas of the liberal left. As governor, I found that thoughtful environmentalism need not be anti-growth and anti-jobs. But Kyoto-style sweeping
mandates, imposed unilaterally in the United States, would kill jobs, depress growth and shift manufacturing to the dirtiest developing nations.

Republicans should never abandon pro-growth conservative principles in an effort to embrace the ideas of Al Gore. Instead of sweeping mandates, we must use America's power of innovation to develop alternative sources of energy and new technologies that use energy more efficiently.

Bonus points to the person who can figure out who the governor may be referring to

Labels: global warming, press release

Detroit, MI - Today, Governor Mitt Romney will deliver a major policy speech on the economy at the Detroit Economic Club. Governor Romney will address his policy ideas for keeping America strong and meeting a new generation of challenges so all Americans can realize the New American Dream.

Governor Romney's Five Factors That Accelerate Growth And Assure Economic Leadership:

- Skilled, Educated, Motivated People

- Free Trade, On The Level

- Capital And Savings

- Innovation And Technology

- Consumer Freedom

Governor Romney's Five Braking Factors That Decelerate Economic Growth:

- Excessive Taxation And Spending

- Excessive Regulation

- Excessive Burdens On Business Activity

- Excessive Health Care Costs

- Excessive Energy Costs

Governor Romney's Initiatives To Ensure America's Continued Economic Growth:


Below are excerpts of Governor Romney's remarks as prepared for delivery.

MAKING THE 2001 AND 2003 TAX CUTS PERMANENT: "Which course is better for America? A European model of high taxes and regulations? Or, low taxes and free trade - the Ronald Reagan model? That's the choice the next President will make. Some are already fighting to implement a massive tax increase. Instead, we should make the tax cuts permanent."

- REFORMING THE TAX CODE: "However, making the tax cuts permanent is only the first step. We also need reform of the tax code that moves towards a tax system that encourages growth, fairness, and simplicity."

TAX FREE SAVINGS: Governor Romney Proposes Allowing People To Save Tax Free. "It is time to make saving easy in America. I believe people should be allowed to earn interest, dividends and capital gains up to a certain amount a year, tax free and without restrictions on how or when their savings and investments are spent. As an example, let's say we chose $5,000 for joint filers as the annual tax free figure for dividends, interest and capital gains. This would help middle class families to be able to save and to invest - and spend their savings the American way: any way they want."

FISCAL DISCIPLINE: Unless Given The Line-Item Veto, Governor Romney Would Veto Any Appropriations Bills If They Exceed Spending Targets. "I have a fairly simple idea for keeping spending in check. Give Congress a spending target and then insist that it is met. If Congress does not meet the spending targets, then its appropriations bills should be vetoed. I regularly exercised my veto power while governor. The alternative is for the Congress to vest the President with a power held in some form by 43 governors, including this Governor - the line-item veto."

REGULATORY RELIEF: Governor Romney Would Reinstitute A Regulatory Relief Board To Cut Back Regulations That Choke Off Growth. "Our regulatory burden is also overbearing. I'd re-institute a regulatory relief board to cut back the regulation weeds that choke off growth. One that deserves pruning is Sarbanes Oxley - it's driving away IPO's, depressing jobs, and requiring billions of unnecessary cost. Executives who violate the law should go to jail, but the entire economy shouldn't have pay an inordinate price for the sins of the few bad actors."

NATIONAL TORT REFORM: Governor Romney Believes America Needs National Tort Reform, Not Reform State-By-State. "Another burden on our economic future is our out-of-control tort system. Last year, U.S. corporations spent more money on tort claims than they did on R&D. If innovation is the key to our long term leadership, then some tort lawyers are cashing out our country's future. I spoke with one member of the plaintiff's bar the other day. He said that the tort lawyers are ok with state reform, but not national reform. You know what state level tort reform means - it means that as long as there is one lawsuit-friendly state, they can sue almost any major, deep-pocketed company in America. No thanks, America needs national tort reform."

FUEL EFFICIENCY: Governor Romney Would Evaluate Reforms To CAFE Standards To Develop A Better Way To Get Higher Fleet Mileage Without Market Distortions. "What does this mean for Detroit? Well, it means that the automotive fleet will have to become more fuel efficient. CAFE improved mileage initially, but the consumer has gotten around it over the last couple of decades. CAFE has some real problems. It distorts the market. It penalizes the domestic automakers. It can ignore technical realities. So before I would change the CAFE standards, I want to sit down with every major knowledgeable party and evaluate each of the alternatives. A good number have been proposed; let's decide which is the best course by looking at the data and analysis, rather than by playing to the TV cameras Let's not forget that a far more fuel efficient fleet must be part of our energy future. The issue is which is the least distorting way to achieve it."

Labels: press release, speech

Governor Romney "Best Among Conservatives"

Fox News' Fred Barnes: "The candidate who's done the best among conservatives, I think, is Mitt Romney so far." (Fox News' "Special Report," 1/30/07)

ABC's Matthew Stuart: The Candidate With The "Buzz" Is Governor Mitt Romney. "One of the up-and-coming presidential candidates made a significant first trip to Iowa since throwing a hat into the increasingly crowded ring. As the candidate spent the day talking with Hawkeyes fans from Waterloo to Dubuque while campaigning at sports bars, making the mandatory ethanol factory visit, and shaking countless hands in between, one thing became clear: This candidate has buzz. Does this sound like Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.? Wrong. Try former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney." (Matthew Stuart, "The Surprise Hit Candidate In Iowa," ABC News, 1/29/07)

ABC's Terry Moran: "There's Clearly A Lot Of Buzz Around This Guy Right Now." "So after spending a long day campaigning in Iowa with Mitt Romney, I was struck by a couple of things: First, the number of people who came out to see him even now, a full year before the caucuses. There were a couple hundred people in both Waterloo and Dubuque - for a candidate with low name recognition at this point in the race. There's clearly a lot of buzz around this guy right now." (Terry Moran's Blog, "Mitt Romney: The Interview," http://blogs.abcnews.com, 1/29/07)

-Moran: Governor Romney Is "personable, polite, cheerful, nice all the time, it seems." (ABC's "Nightline," 1/29/07)

- Moran: "But a lot of people think Mitt Romney is going to be a formidable candidate. He's got the money, the skills, the looks, and the track record that might appeal to a lot of Republicans." (ABC's "Nightline," 1/29/07)

Conservative Radio Host Mike Gallagher: "I've interviewed Mitt Romney a number of times. I like his ideology, he's right on the issues." (Fox News' "Fox Online," 1/30/07)

The Washington Post's Shailagh Murray: "But watch out for Mitt Romney. He is proving himself to be a patient and focused candidate, and he started laying the groundwork for this a long time ago. ... I expect he'll have a strong start this first quarter, which could snowball into who-knows-what." (The Washington Post's "Post Politics Hour," www.washingtonpost.com, 1/29/07)

Large Crowds Greet Governor Romney In Iowa And South Carolina:

ABC's Matthew Stuart: "Romney's Trip To Iowa Friday Gathered Hundreds Of Supporters In This Key Primary State." "While the New York senator ultimately garnered most of the headlines Monday morning, most noting her 'evil men' joke, Romney's trip to Iowa Friday gathered hundreds of supporters in this key primary state." (Matthew Stuart, "The Surprise Hit Candidate In Iowa," ABC News, 1/29/07)

- Stuart: "More Than 200" People Attend Event In Waterloo, Iowa. "Throughout the day, Romney presented himself as a personable, smart candidate, hoping to 'convince a few people that [he's] somebody who's worth giving a second look.' Stopping at Beck's Restaurant in Waterloo, the 'few people' turned out to be more than 200, and they didn't just come for the free food." (Matthew Stuart, "The Surprise Hit Candidate In Iowa," ABC News, 1/29/07)

The [Columbia, SC] State: Governor Romney Greeted By "A Standing Room Only Crowd" In Columbia, South Carolina. "A standing room only crowd greeted presidential candidate Mitt Romney this morning at the Lizard's Thicket on Elmwood Avenue in Columbia. The former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential hopeful worked the crowd as servers delivered steaming plates of eggs, grits and cinnamon apples to diners that found themselves surrounded by television cameras and photographers." (The State's "S.C. Politics Today," Blog, "Romney Campaigns At Columbia Lizard's Thicket," http://thestatecom.typepad.com, 1/30/07)

Aiken [SC] Standard: "The Rotary Club of Aiken was standing room only Monday as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said America needs to correct a few problems if it wants to remain the leader of the free world." (Philip Lord, "Presidential Bid Brings Romney To Aiken," Aiken [SC] Standard, 1/30/07)

Romney Exploratory Committee Building Strong State Organizations:

ABC's Terry Moran: "He's already assembled a top-flight campaign team. They managed to pack every event when we were with him. And he's done his homework on the issues." (ABC's "Nightline," 1/29/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "...Romney is building a very solid Iowa team." (Jonathan Martin, The Politico's "Politics '08" Blog, "Mitt's Hawkeye For Talent," www.politico.com, 1/30/07)

The Associated Press : Romney Picks Up "Key Endorsements" In South Carolina. "On a cold winter day that made it seem more like New Hampshire than South Carolina, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney picked up three key endorsements Monday in the state with the first southern presidential primary. ... He was endorsed by former Gov. Jim Edwards, the first Republican elected governor in South Carolina since Reconstruction, former U.S. Rep. Tommy Hartnett and Republican National Committeewoman Cindy Costa." (Bruce Smith, "Romney Campaigns In SC With Sen. DeMint," The Associated Press, 1/29/07)

Detroit Free Press : "Romney, whose late father, George, was Michigan's governor in the 1960s, has developed a formidable Michigan organization. His team includes top fund-raisers, members of Congress and about 50 legislators." (Dawson Bell and Chris Christoff, "Pace For '08 Race Quickens In State," Detroit Free Press, 1/26/07)

St. Petersburg Times: Governor Mitt Romney "Is Far And Away Ahead In Organizing In Florida." "He may be little known across Florida, but presidential candidate Mitt Romney of Massachusetts is far and away ahead in organizing in Florida. He hired some of the top political operatives, already has a regional field staff up and running, and was the only Republican to have any kind of presence at the Republican Party's quarterly meeting at Disney Friday and Saturday. One of his sons, Josh Romney, schmoozed the crowd, dotted with Romney '08 stickers." (Adam C. Smith, "7 Voters Save Crist From Political Embarrassment," St. Petersburg Times, 1/28/07)

- The Miami Herald: "The Romney Team Held A Full-Court Press" At The Florida Republican Convention. "The Romney team held a full-court press. They invited activists to a hospitality suite and brought the son to meetings with party leaders from every county - all of whom would vote in a straw poll. At the Friday night reception, former party chairman Al Cardenas and U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney walked him on stage." (Beth Reinhard, "GOP Elects Crist Ally As Leader," The Miami Herald, 1/28/07)

Labels: mitt romney, press release

Romney Picks up Rep Camp(R-MI) as Co-Chair of his Michigan Campaign
Rep Knollenberg(R-MI) will also serve as Co-Chair. Both will serve as liasons on Capitol Hill.

Hoekstra Endorses Romney

Romney Hitting South Carolina Monday

But even with the deck stacked against him, the GOP momentum in South Carolina
for the Massachusetts pol is running high. “He’s got a natural charisma,” said
Dawson of Romney. “He’s really got a good flavor for the state.”

Weekly Standard: Mitt Romney's conversion

Two years into his governorship, in February 2005, Romney announced his
opposition to stem cell research. Then, to the dismay of his pro-choice
supporters, he vetoed a July 2005 bill making available Plan B or "morning
after" contraception. Also that year, in an op-ed for the Boston Globe, he
declared himself pro-life.

I say look at someone's deeds.


Romney in Iowa:
KCCI: Romney Touts Conservative Views in Waterloo
DesMoines Register: Romney Wants to put Focus on Conservative Views
Over 250 people filled a local establishment in Waterloo to hear Romney speak. Not bad at all
Iowa Politics: Romney Touts Education Plan
Iowa Politics: Romney Favors Surge Strategy Over Subdividing Iraq


Romney puts Shine on his All-Star Team
Good rundown of who's on Team Romney on Capitol Hill

DNC on Romney's speech tonight at National Review's Conservative Summit

"Smooth talking Mitt Romney's campaign to charm conservative activists is
falling on deaf ears," said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie
Paxton. "As hard as he tries, conservative leaders can see that Mitt Romney
believes telling voters what he thinks they want to hear is more important than
addressing the inconsistencies in his record."

Just what I need. Far left Liberals telling me what a Conservative is. Incredible. I guess it shows you who they really fear!

Keep checking back here for more throughout the day.

Labels: articles, news, press release

Governor Mitt Romney on Today's "March for Life"
Monday, Jan 22, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kevin Madden (857) 288-6390

Boston, MA - Today, on the 34th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement commemorating the annual March For Life:

"Across this nation, thousands of Americans are gathering in their local communities and in our nation's capital to reaffirm their dedication to protecting the sanctity of life. We must create a culture of life where the weakest and most innocent among us are protected.

"While there are well-meaning people on both sides of this debate, no one can deny that when hundreds of thousands of abortions are performed every year, it should be a major concern for a nation as great as ours. If we commit ourselves to promoting a culture of life, I believe that one day our nation's laws may reflect what is in our hearts."

The above was copied from MittRomney.com.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney, 2008, Presidential Election, Election 2008.

Labels: abortion, campaign, communications, family, mitt, press release, pro-life, Romney

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Support of RNC Committee Members
Thursday, Jan 18, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kevin Madden (857) 288-6390

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that 16 members of the Republican National Committee (RNC) will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"As we gather for the RNC annual winter meeting, I am grateful to have the strong support of my fellow Republicans. In our Party and in their respective states, these men and women will be tireless advocates for our common ideals of lowering taxes, curbing runaway spending, promoting traditional values, and providing for a strong national defense," said Governor Romney. "In just two weeks, we have put together a strong team united by an optimistic vision for the future and motivated to go forward."

RNC Committee Members Supporting Governor Romney:

- Cindy Costa, SC
- Darrell Crate, MA
- David Norcross, NJ
- Donna Gosney, WV
- Jody Dow, MA
- June Hartley, OR
- Louis Pope, MD
- Lynn Windel, OK
- Peter Cianchette, ME
- Robert Manning, RI
- Ron Kaufman, MA
- Sara Gear Boyd, VT
- Solomon Yue, OR
- Tom Rath, NH
- Tony Parker, DC
- Vance Day, OR

The above was copied from MittRomney.com.

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney, 2008, Presidential Election, Election 2008.

Labels: campaign, mitt, news, press release, Romney

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that U.S. Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA) will serve as the House Congressional Liaison for the Romney for President Exploratory Committee. As Liaison, Representative McCrery will lead Governor Romney's outreach efforts in the U.S. House.

"I am proud to have the support and service of Jim McCrery on my Exploratory Committee. Congressman McCrery will be a strong voice in the U.S. Capitol for our vision to move America forward. Today's announcement is just another sign of our growing support," said Governor Romney.

Governor Romney also named Representatives Dave Camp (R-MI) and Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) as Co-House Congressional Liaisons. Congressman Camp will also serve as Michigan Co-Chair of the Romney for President Exploratory Committee.

"Congressmen Camp and McKeon have demonstrated a strong commitment to doing what's right for their constituents and the American people," said Governor Romney. "With their help, we will find new solutions for the new generation of challenges confronting our nation."

Background On Governor Romney's House Congressional Liaisons:

Representative Jim McCrery Is A Proven Leader In The United States Congress. Serving his ninth full term in the U.S. House, McCrery has been recognized for his focus on solving America's challenges by looking past partisan politics and toward long-term, practical solutions. Cited as one of 28 "emerging players" on Capitol Hill, McCrery has concentrated on advancing core conservative principles. As one time Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee, McCrery played a leading role in passing major tax bills during President Bush's first term.

Representative Dave Camp Has Compiled A Record Of Accomplishment For The People Of His District. First elected to Congress in 1990 as representative for the 4^th Congressional District of Michigan, Camp quickly earned a reputation for paying close attention to his constituents' needs. In 1996, Camp made his mark playing a crucial role in the passage of historic welfare reform legislation. As an attorney before his election, Camp worked extensively with parents and children in the foster care system and has become one of the House's leading adoption and foster care proponents.

Representative Howard "Buck" McKeon Is A Vocal Advocate For Conservative Principles In Our Nation's Capital. Elected to represent the 25^th Congressional District of California in 1992, McKeon is a noted leader in efforts to reform the education system, cut the national debt, provide tax cuts, and strengthen the military. McKeon's record of legislative leadership has been recognized by several national organizations including the National Taxpayers Union, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Independent Colleges.

Labels: campaign, policy, press release