“I think Romney is the best choice for us,” former President Bush told the Houston Chronicle this week. “I like Perry, but he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere; he’s not surging forward.” ...
Bush said he supported Romney because of his “stability, experience, principles. He’s a fine person,” he said. “I just think he’s mature and reasonable – not a bomb-thrower.”
"Well, it gives me great pleasure to welcome back Governor Romney, along with Ann and four of their five sons...
I have a long history with this great American family, begining with Mitt's dad, his wonderful father George Romney,
who you could almost say was the father of volunteerism in this country.
He certainly is one of my mentors on what it means to be a point of light...
Certainly I consider Mitt and Ann Romney good friends...
I am pleased to welcome this good man, our friend from Massachusetts, Governor Mitt Romney."
“The Bush family seems to be moving its chips to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Several of Jeb’s gubernatorial staffers have signed on with Romney, and Jeb’s sister, Doro Bush Koch, is cohosting a fund-raiser for him. Mom and Dad [George H.w. and Barbara] are reportedly telling friends he’s a fine man and the class act in the race.”
Pres. George H.W. Bush: “We like Mitt Romney. We know him well and like him very much... He's a reasonable guy, he's a conservative fellow, which is good. But a, no, I think he would be a good president, a very good president.”
Larry King to Barbara: “Do you have a favorite?”
Barbara Bush: “I'll go with George-- Mitt Romney.”
"As Americans observe the wreckage of our country over the last three years -- continued high unemployment with 300,000 people last month dropping out of our workforce, the loss of respect for America around the world, fewer opportunities for the next generation, a government that refuses to control spending and faces bankruptcy -- it is obvious that this presidential election is crucial for the future of our great nation...
"Republicans must choose the candidate that can best defeat this entrenched incumbent who is the darling of the fawning media. This person must be ready to lead and a person of character. This person must be willing to take on the Washington establishment, the media and all big spenders in government.
"There are four criteria I use in determining who I will support for president. These are: leadership, character, conservative philosophy and electability...
"There is only one candidate in the field that meets all of these criteria. It is Mitt Romney. He has proven over and over again that he is a leader. He has demonstrated he is capable of making tough decisions and turning things around. He is a man of integrity. He understands budgets and financial markets. He balanced budgets and met a bottom line. He is strong on national defense and has a deep love of the principles that make America great."
Announcing his support, Vice President Quayle said, "Because of President Obama’s failed leadership, Washington has become dysfunctional. We need a leader from outside of the Washington establishment to get America back on track. Mitt Romney has proven over and over that he is a leader. He is a man of integrity. He understands budgets and financial markets. He is strong on national defense and has a deep love of the conservative philosophy that makes America great. Governor Mitt Romney has what it takes to be a great President of the United States and that is why I enthusiastically endorse him for President."
"I'm proud of the job this good man is doing as Governor of this great state. Mitt Romney is a great governor. (Applause.) And like me, he married very well. (Laughter.) I'm proud Ann is here with us tonight. Ann, thank you for coming. (Applause.) "
“I strongly stand with Mitt Romney because I believe he is the best person for the job of Governor of Massachusetts.
“I say that I know that because I know his values. He's got his priorities straight: his faith, his family, and his State. And he's not going to waver from those priorities. They're etched in his heart.
“He's got a record. He's done things in life. He started his own businesses. He's an entrepreneur. He knows how to create jobs at a time when you need somebody in Massachusetts who knows job creation.
“He knows how to take a struggling organization and turn it around. He's done that recently. He's not one of these talkers that you find in the political arena. He's a doer. Just ask the folks - just ask the folks who were wondering whether or not the Olympics were going to go bankrupt. Ask them what happened when Mitt Romney showed up and brought some managerial skills and some vision and the ability to set priorities and the know-how how to set budgets and turned that organization around and made sure the Olympics in Salt Lake City were not only successful but profitable. It's the same kind of attitude you need here in your State budget in Massachusetts.
“No, you've got the right man for the job here. You've got the right person for the job. And I want to thank you for backing him.
“And I'm real proud of his wife, Ann. She'll be a great first lady for Massachusetts. She's a dedicated mom. She's looking forward to working hard with Mitt to do everything they can to help everybody in the State of Massachusetts, to help people get ahead in this State.
“Mitt and I married above ourselves - [laughter] - in my case, by a long shot. [Laughter] Yes, I know. Laura sends her best to the Romneys, sends her love to our friends here. She is - I can't tell you how proud I am of her. You know, when I married her, she was a public school librarian in Texas. The truth of the matter is, she didn't like politics - [laughter] - nor did she like politicians. [Laughter] Now she's stuck with me. [Laughter] ...
“See, you need somebody who knows what they're talking about when it comes to making sure the people of this important State can find work. And there's no question in my mind Mitt Romney knows what he's talking about. He knows - he knows capital. He knows entrepreneurship. He understands small-business creation...
“But what I like best about him is, they understand - Mitt and Kerry (Lt. Gov Kerry Healy) understand - the number one priority of any State is the education of the children of the State. See, I used to say - I used to put it this way: Education is to a State what national defense is to the Federal Government. It's the most important priority. And this team has got education as a priority.”
“We know Governor Romney very well and I like him a lot...
I think that he is a very outstanding and wonderful man with great character and a lot of great credentials.”
"Once I determined that it was best for the cause that I step down, the question became 'should I endorse another candidate?' I made the decision to do so.
"There is a candidate that meets several criteria that are critical from my point of view. First, he will secure our borders...
He also has by the way a solid record that matches his rhetoric...
And finally, and very importantly, he can go the distance.
I am also gratified to know that on the defining geo-political issue of the 21st century, which is the war with Islamic fundamentalism,
we do find common ground. This morning I met with Governor Mitt Romney. Although we are not in agreement on all issues,
I am convinced that he is committed to the principles I have outlined.
"And so today, I am doing two things that I believe are in the best interest of this cause.
And that cause is of course a secure America.
I am withdrawing from the race and I am endorsing Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States.
"Throughout the campaign I have learned a great deal about the candidates.
I have certainly been impressed with Governor Romney's ability to solve very complex problems
and I believe he is a man of personal integrity and great character.
I think he would bring honor to the Oval Office.
So I am happy to do this thing". Tom Tancredo (4:15 minutes into statement)
Tom Tancredo was a republican party presidential candidate in 2008. A U.S. Representative from Colorado, he is known for his efforts to stop illegal immigration.
Senator John McCain said, “The time has arrived for Republicans to choose a presidential nominee; a new standard bearer who has the ability and determination to defeat President Obama and the strongest commitment to returning America to prosperity and defending our interests and values overseas. I’m pleased to have made my choice, and to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for President.”
“These last few years have been a terribly tough time for Americans, and President Obama’s policies have failed to address effectively the problems of weak economic growth and persistent joblessness that have caused so many sleepless nights for so many Americans,” continued Senator McCain. “The Obama administration has ignored the most serious challenges threatening our future – a fifteen trillion dollar debt, and the job destroying effects of a complex, unfair and incomprehensible tax code, bankrupt entitlement programs, and unnecessary government regulations. We can overcome these challenges as we have overcome every challenge in our past, but only if our country changes leaders.”
“Governor Romney offers us the commonsense reforms of government policy that are necessary to turn around our economy,” said Senator McCain. “His record of accomplishment in government and business are a testament to his leadership abilities. His commitment to a strong defense and principled diplomacy will earn the world’s respect for American leadership.”
“I had the privilege of running against Governor Romney for the nomination four years ago, and I know he is a tough competitor,” said Senator McCain. “I have no doubt he is the best candidate we can nominate. And I am proud to support him for President.”
Senator McCain on Romney (after their Republican Presidential Primary race):
"And I knew Mitt, and I knew what an outstanding individual he is and what a wonderful family person, but I hadn't had the chance to get to know Ann." McCain noted that she is "battling a disease" -- multiple sclerosis -- and that "she is a woman of courage and beauty and grace."
Senator McCain on Romney (prior to their Republican Presidential Primary race):
"You've got a great team here. But it's led by a man of honesty and integrity.
It's led by a man who is prepared to serve, and a man who I have grown to know for his honesty and his decency and his commitment to America.
I am proud to be in his company, aren't you?
"We have a man here of unimpeachable integrity and decency and honor
who could do a lot of other things, my dear friends, we all know that. Romneys could, they could move to Arizona! They could do a lot of things,
yet this man has willingly stepped forward to serve the state of Massachusetts and our party,
and young Americans and again give them a public office holder that they can look up to, and honor, and emulate.
That's why I'm committed to this race.
"In the state of Massachusetts as the state of Arizona, tough decisions are going to have to be made.
There is only one kind of person who can make those decisions and that's a man of intellectual integrity and honesty and experience.
"But I also have great and tremendous regard for Mitt Romney because I think he brings honesty and integrity
and can act as a role model to the young people of Massachusetts and all over this country.
"I think we have an opportunity to send a signal not only across Massachusetts but America-
negative campaigning doesn't work. People of integrity are still welcome to serve this country,
may I please ask you to give your warmest possible welcome to the next governor of the state of Massachusetts."
(Delays until downloaded. Double click for full screen.)
McCain & Romney on Hannity - Jan 5, 2012
McCain at Salem, NH - Jan 5, 2012
Meghan McCain, Sen. McCain's daughter
“KENNESAW - Sen. John McCain's daughter, Meghan, told a Kennesaw State University audience Monday evening that she wants to see Mitt Romney, not Sarah Palin, challenge Barack Obama for president...
“That's not to say McCain, who is a columnist for Tina Brown's The Daily Beast, doesn't have respect for Palin.
“ "She is captivating on every level, and she's a lot smarter than people ever give her credit for," McCain said... McCain said Palin has been treated unfairly by the media, which is something the media does to other conservative women as well, like McCain herself...
“ "My personal favorite right now is Mitt Romney," she said. "I like that he's not so radical. I like that he has really, really played his cards right, almost perfectly since the last election." ”
“Today I am suspending my campaign and supporting the candidate who is best-equipped to defeat the president and return conservative leadership to the White House: Governor Mitt Romney.”
Video and accompanying article of Jon Huntsman's endorsement of Mitt Romney, which includes:
“It's time, Huntsman said, for the GOP to unite behind the candidate "best equipped to defeat Barack Obama. Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues, I believe that candidate is Mitt Romney." ...
“In a statement, Romney said, “I salute Jon Huntsman and his wife Mary Kaye. Jon ran a spirited campaign based on unity not division, and love of country. I appreciate his friendship and support.”
“Huntsman and Romney spoke by phone Sunday night about what Huntsman could do to help his former rival.”
“Mitt Romney is running for president, and I am proud to endorse him.
“Alone among the contenders, he possesses the unique qualifications to confront and master our severe economic predicament. His abiding faith in our country's exceptional historical position as a beacon of freedom will make him the most important leader in a world that depends upon a strong America to stay at peace...
“He's formulated an economic plan—a set of alternatives to the government-oriented programs that Barack Obama has put in place—that is unparalleled in the history of American electoral campaigns. By pressing for fundamental change in the way that Washington taxes and spends, issues regulations, uses energy, interacts with our major trading partners, and deals with our labor force, he fully envisions a way to place America back on the path toward rapid economic growth and full employment.
“And at his core, Mitt Romney is a man of great character... He is a formidable person, and he will certainly be a formidable president...
“I am proud to stand with Mitt. Will you join me?”
“McCotter said Romney's business background played a large role in his decision to endorse him and that he thought the former Massachusetts governor was "the most electable candidate." ”
"two other social conservatives, Gary Bauer, president of American Values, and Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, met with reporters in Washington and made some positive comments about the Massachusetts governor — and less positive ones about former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, the social conservative some had believed could attract grassroots support."
"Bauer served in President Ronald Reagan's administration for eight years, as Under Secretary of Education and as President Reagan's Chief Domestic Policy Advisor. While serving at the Education Department, Bauer was named Chairman of President Reagan's Special Working Group on the Family...
"Bauer took his unapologetically pro-family, pro-life message across the country in 1999 and 2000 into the Republican presidential debates and primaries. Stressing the sanctity of life and traditional marriage, Bauer made family-friendly policies and combating judicial activism key platforms of his campaign.
"He has continued to champion these and other causes at American Values, a non-profit educational organization Bauer founded after the 2000 presidential campaign...
"A staunch supporter of President Bush’s war on terrorism, Bauer is also a leading Christian advocate for a strong and secure Israel."
"Perot says he intends to vote for Mitt Romney in the Texas Republican primary on March 4, citing Romney's experience in business and his family values."
Ross Perot was a third-party presidential candidate in 1992, getting 19% of the general election vote.
"Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said Thursday he feared his party's nominee facing Mitt Romney in the general election more than any other candidate." (CNN)
Howard Dean was "An early front-runner in the 2004 Democratic Presidential nomination," the second longest serving governor of Vermont, and was the Democrat Party's national Chairman, a post he held from 2005 to 2009. Wikipedia - Howard Dean
HUMOR - JOKES
