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Secured Olympics held a few months after 9/11:

“I worked very closely with him on all the security arrangements out there, and the security arrangements that we came up with and that he spearheaded, now are used in the Superbowl and almost every major venue in the country. I mean he's a leader!”

“On February 11, 1999 the committee named Romney the new president and CEO of the Salt Lake City Games. He was charged with restoring faith in the beleaguered event, and rescuing the Olympics from failure. Romney revamped the organization's leadership and policies, reduced budgets and boosted fundraising. He also worked to ensure the safety of the Games following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 by coordinating a $300 million security budget. Despite the initial fiscal shortfall, the Games ended up clearing a profit of $100 million.
(» Speech on Olympic terror concerns & precautions)

“ "Romney and his group here, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, did one of the great organizing jobs of all time," said NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol. Following the conclusion of the Games, then-US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta congratulated the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, "who under Mitt Romney's leadership, hosted perhaps the best Winter Olympic Games ever." President George Bush also praised Romney's management of the Games. "Mitt, you did a fabulous job," said the President at a White House ceremony recognizing the Salt Lake City Olympics.”

“The bill, filed April 28, 2005, sought to reinstate the death penalty in cases that include terrorism, the assassination of law enforcement officials and multiple killings. Romney's legislation required the presence of scientific evidence such as DNA to sentence someone to death and a tougher standard of "no doubt" of guilt for juries to sentence defendants. This differs from the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard used in traditional criminal cases. The legislation called for a pool of certified capital case lawyers to ensure proper representation for the accused and allowed jurors who do not personally support the death penalty to serve in the guilt phase of the trial.

“The Massachusetts House of Representatives defeated the bill 99-53.”

(The State Department must ensure the safety of all foreign dignitaries, so Khatami was protected by the federal government. Romney's move just ensured that Khatami didn't get state honors, including a procession by state police.)

“ "The U.S. State Department listed Khatami's Iran as the number one state sponsor of terrorism. Within his own country, Khatami oversaw the torture and murder of dissidents who spoke out for freedom and democracy. For him to lecture Americans about tolerance and violence is propaganda, pure and simple," said Romney, "It's very important to engage with moderate, modern Muslims, but former President Khatami is a wolf in sheep's clothing," he said.

“While speaking in America, Khatami struck a moderate tone, denouncing suicide bombers and stating his belief that Israel has a right to exist. However these views sharply contrasted to comments made during his tenure as President. "In the Qur'an, God commanded to kill the wicked and those who do not see the rights of the oppressed," said Khatami in a 2000 interview on Iranian TV, "If we abide by human laws, we should mobilize the whole Islamic World for a sharp confrontation with the Zionist regime. If we abide by the Qur'an, all of us should mobilize to kill." ”

Other Actions as Governor:

“ "A key part of our homeland security efforts rests on the state’s ability to collect and analyze information on potential threats," said Romney. "By putting more money into intelligence gathering, we’ll give the State Police the tools they need to be more effective."

“Romney’s Fiscal Year 2005 budget more than triples the amount of money spent on the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit, from $850,000 to $2.7 million, which will allow for an additional 12 assigned troopers in the unit. This money will be combined with $5 million from federal homeland security funding to create a vastly improved statewide information-gathering system.

“The system, which will remain within the existing State Police intelligence division, will also include 15 new civilian research analysts specially trained to collect, analyze and disseminate critical intelligence obtained from every level of government.”

“351 cities and towns will receive grants to improve homeland security. Massachusetts took another important step forward in the fight against terrorism today as Governor Mitt Romney awarded more than $45 million in federal homeland security funding to help the Commonwealth’s communities identify and address security vulnerabilities...

“Massachusetts is one of the first states to receive funding this year from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. To be eligible to receive the funds, each state was required to submit a threat, vulnerability and risk assessment and strategy to the federal government. The Commonwealth’s plan, recognized as a national model for other states to follow, was approved last month.

“ "Under the Romney Administration, Massachusetts has launched one of the most aggressive and complete homeland security strategies," said Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. "With these federal funds, the state will work closely with communities across the Commonwealth to put in place plans to prevent and mitigate terrorist activities." ”

“Governor Mitt Romney today launched a first-in-the-nation initiative to ask commuters for their help in identifying and reporting potential terrorist activity on the Commonwealth’s trains and buses...

“The Transit Watch security awareness campaign involves the initial distribution of 350,000 educational pamphlets throughout the MBTA and RTA system. The initiative also includes the installation of educational placards in transit stations and on buses and subways as well as Public Service Announcement radio spots.

“Romney urged transit passengers to be on the lookout for passengers acting oddly, unaccompanied bags or packages in a remote area or groups operating in an orchestrated or rehearsed manner. He also cautioned against an individual taking direct action against a suspicious activity, but rather to report the incident to a transit employee. Over 4,000 “front-line” MBTA employees have received expert terrorism prevention training since September 11, 2001.

“ "Transit Watch acknowledges the vital role that our riders play in homeland security by educating them on what to look for and how to bring something suspicious to our attention,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward Flynn. “Our front-line employees cannot be everywhere at once – our riding customers will play a key role in supplementing our security efforts.”

“The Transit Watch initiative also recommends becoming a more aware transit user by familiarizing one’s self with station entrances and exits and listening closely to station, train or bus announcements. Other tips include creating an advanced plan for establishing contact with family and friends in the event of an emergency and making sure that emergency information and contact numbers are carried at all times.

“ "We want to enter into a security partnership. The MBTA Police, state and local law enforcement, and our passengers can all contribute to make the Commonwealth’s transit infrastructure safer in the post 9-11 world,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel Grabauskas.

“The flyers contain telephone numbers that people can call if they see suspicious activity or packages. The literature also offers advice on how to identify, act on, and properly report potential terrorist activity.”

“Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled first-in-the-nation, tamper-resistant Massachusetts driver’s licenses that will help curb identity theft and mark the start of an effort to introduce new procedures that will make it harder for terrorists to operate...

“The new licenses and identification cards, which will be introduced November 1, contain a host of security features to reduce fraud. One of the most noticeable changes is a hologram-like Kinegram security feature at the center of the license, which displays unique characteristics when it is shifted or viewed from various angles.

“ "The Kinegram represents a technology that is used on no other license in the nation,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel A. Grabauskas. “It is tremendously difficult to duplicate and has a series of characteristics that are distinctly unique. Bar none, this is the most tamper-resistant license in America.”

“Romney said that identity theft is a nationwide problem, noting that nearly 10 million Americans were victims of the growing trend just last year. In Massachusetts, identity theft complaints rose 28 percent in one year, according to the Federal Trade Commission...

“Romney noted that the rollout of the new security-driven licenses is the first step in a comprehensive process to make the new licenses as secure as possible. Congress is already moving to standardize the documentation required to get a driver’s license in response to recommendations made by the September 11th Commission. Here in Massachusetts, the Romney Administration is looking at developing more rigorous standards to determine the authenticity of a person’s information as they apply for a driver’s license.

“ "When it comes to homeland security, our new driver’s license is only as good as the issuance process beneath it," said Romney. "That’s why we are actively developing ideas and technology to thwart the potential of terrorist activity." ”

“FRAMINGHAM – Taking critical steps to advance homeland security, Governor Mitt Romney today unveiled the latest weapon in the fight against terror, the Commonwealth Fusion Center. Romney also announced the award of a contract to the Raytheon Company for the designing of software to carry out intelligence analysis.

“The creation of the fusion center is consistent with the recommendations Romney made to the nation’s governors as Chair of the White House’s Homeland Security Task Force.

“ "It is physically impossible to protect all targets that a terrorist might attack,” said Romney. “The biggest lesson we learned from the September 11th tragedies is that intelligence sharing between our local, state, and federal law enforcement officials is absolutely necessary to the security of our nation and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

“The fusion center was first proposed by Romney in 2003, and is based on lessons learned from successful infiltration of terrorist organizations in the United Kingdom and Israel. Its core mission will be to facilitate critical and timely information sharing from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to municipal police, fire and emergency response agencies... “A successful terror prevention plan must rely upon information gathered by local law enforcement that can be put in the context of regional and national intelligence.”

“Terrorist cells often fund their activities through conventional crimes such as credit card fraud, drug dealing, and other financial crimes tied to the funding of terrorist or planned terrorist operations. The contract with Raytheon will provide the software, integration services, installation, training, and follow-on support. The software will integrate information from multiple law enforcement databases that will provide an analytical capability to identify trends and patterns...

“The Commonwealth Fusion Center is currently staffed with fifteen analysts and twenty-three intelligence officers. They have received high-level intelligence training, and are providing investigative support to public safety agencies. Once the fusion center is fully operational in 2007, it will be designated the “operational and organizational hub” of the Commonwealth's homeland security efforts...

“ "The State Police are committed to working collaboratively with our fellow law enforcement agencies to improve the flow of information, identify criminal trends, and take action to reduce crime and prevent terror,” stated Colonel Robbins of the State Police.

“The Massachusetts State Police is the primary agency overseeing the Fusion Center, working in close partnership with other local, state and federal agencies including the Regional Homeland Security Councils, Boston Police Tactical Intelligence Center, Department of Corrections, the Massachusetts Transit Police, the United States Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Attorney’s Office. The activities of the fusion center will be linked closely to the ongoing work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force based in Boston.”

“If he were to win, Romney says one of his top priorities would be terrorism.

“ "Global jihad by radical violent Islam is the greatest threat," said Romney.

“But that's followed close behind by domestic issues like immigration, for which he has two solutions.

“ "First, is securing the border. And the second is having an employment verification system," he continued.”

"Romney emphasizes four priorities if elected president: defeating the jihadists, competing with Asia, stopping runaway spending, and affirming America's culture and values." He wants "more money devoted to stopping the next terrorist plot through additional funding for the FBI and CIA. ... The FBI has only about 4,000 agents working counterterrorism, compared to New York City's 40,000 police officers."

1.) We Need A Stronger Military. Our military suffered a dangerous decline under the Clinton Administration and has faced serious strains as we confront Jihadist threats following 9/11. To support our troops, we need to ensure we have the personnel and resources needed to maintain a strong America and safe world...

2.) America Must Become Energy Independent. Our economic and military strength require that we end our strategic vulnerability to an oil shut-off by nations like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, and that we address environmental concerns...

3.) We Must Transform And Strengthen Our Civilian International Efforts To Meet A New Generation Of Challenges. Many of our civilian national security and foreign policy structures were created decades ago to confront Cold War threats...

4.) We Need To Strengthen Old Partnerships And Alliances, And Inaugurate A New One, To Address The Threat Of Jihadism. The failures of efforts such as the United Nations Human Rights Council have given multilateralism a bad name. But America's strength is amplified when it is combined with the strength of other nations...

(For more details on his plan, click below.)

Dr. Walid Phares— Advisor to the US House
of Representatives on Counter Terrorism,
• Senior Fellow-
Foundation for the Defense of Democracies,
• Author- 10 books about Terrorism,
foreign affairs best seller Future Jihad

“Dear friend

“I have seldom issued analysis and recommendations on Presidential candidates in national elections and never done so in primaries. But as a researcher on the conflict with Jihadism, I project that the next US President will have to be fully informed on the nature of the conflict and a determined leader with a focus to win the war on Terror... This note is not part of a formal activity nor any campaign...

“The President who will occupy the White House as of January 2009 will either lead the nation and the free world to a series of victories in the global conflict with Jihadism or will oversee the greater debacle in the modern history of the United States and the international community. The stakes are the highest since the end of the Cold War and so should be the choice of the next leader...

“I have studied in particular the agenda and national security language of Governor Mitt Romney and I do personally believe that at this stage he has best understood the parameters I am concerned about: that is the threat of Jihadism, the human rights crisis in the Greater Middle East and the need for a confrontation of Jihadism within the US Homeland. Governor Romney, by my academic and analytical parameters has been able to draw a counter-Jihadism doctrine which can best determine the danger, identify the threat and direct national resources into the confrontation.

“In addition I have had the chance to learn that the Mitt Romney policy on the Middle East will particularly focus on containing the Iranian and Syrian regimes, standing by and defending democracies in Israel, Lebanon and Iraq and promoting human rights in the region...

“I would recommend to the Republicans to vote for Mitt Romney...

“Dr Walid Phares”

"Dr. Walid Phares is among the pre-eminent anti-jihadists around. Dr. Phares is the author of Future Jihad and The War of Ideas, and appeared on two episodes of Hot Air’s Stak Attack last year. Among voters who rank the threat of international terrorism as a high priority, a Phares endorsement carries some weight."

"Professor Walid Phares is a Senior Fellow and the director for Future Terrorism Project at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington (2001-2009)...

"Dr Phares also lectures to and advises the US Departments of Justice, Defense, and Homeland Security on academic research on Terrorism. He has served as an expert on Terrorism with the US and European Governments since 2003. Dr Phares serves as an academic advisor to several Human Rights and minority groups.

"Since 1979, Dr Phares has published ten books on Middle East Conflicts and International Terrorism. His first post 9/11 book with Palgrave St Martin, Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies against America, published in November 2005 was a Foreign Affairs best seller in 2006. The paperback Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies against the West was published in November 2006. The War of Ideas: Jihadism against Democracy was published in March 2007. His most recent book, The Confrontation: Winning the War against Future Jihad was published in March 2008. Dr Phares books were featured on summer reading lists in the US Congress and the UK House of Commons in 2007."

"In addition to serving as a contributor to FNC, he is a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington and a visiting fellow with the European Foundation for Democracies in Brussels. Dr. Phares also teaches Jihadi Strategies at the National Defense University and has testified to the U.S. Congress, the European Parliament and the U.N. Security Council as well as to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security on terrorism and conflict."

"Dr. Walid Phares, associate professor of Middle East Studies, ethnic and religious conflict, department of political science, Florida Atlantic University, is an expert in terrorism, Islamic fundamentalism, Middle East politics, conflicts and ideologies. Phares is the author of eight books and more than 200 articles on the subject, and frequently lectures on the clash of civilizations, jihad, Islamic views of world politics," etc.

Robert Spencer— Director of Jihad Watch, Author of Stealth Jihad, etc.

“Mitt Romney deserves applause. All the presidential candidates should all be discussing the jihad -- the ideology of those who would destroy us. They should be doing so openly and freely,... His rivals should follow Romney’s lead in this and begin to face reality.”

“Controversy was stoked last week when Mitt Romney, the Massachusetts governor and potential Republican 2008 presidential hopeful, did something that you should never do in this country... He told the truth.

“Gov. Romney suggested that in the ongoing war, we ought to be investigating mosques that preach Islamic militancy and the young men who come to this country from rogue precincts of the Islamic world...

“We should be giving him a medal...

“Romney, it should be noted, was not saying that every mosque should be scrutinized. He instead asserted that we should not shrink from wiretapping mosques out of "political correctness."

“To a responsible adult, that ought to be unassailable. The government cannot get a wiretap authorization without showing a federal judge probable cause that the place on which it wants to eavesdrop is being used either for the commission of crimes or by agents of a foreign power (such as a global terrorist organization). If that kind of evidence exists, does any rational person really think we should not use wiretaps because it might upset CAIR or the ACLU?”

“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...

“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.”  (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 [2008] 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."

Michelle Malkin: “Another stellar legal mind and counterterrorism expert who successfully prosecuted the 1993 WTC jihadists, Andrew McCarthy, signs on to the Romney campaign.”

Bill O'Reilly

" ''When it comes to protecting our citizens, we have to do everything in our power. And political correctness is going to have to take a back seat. It would be silly not to recognize that in some mosques there have been extremists, and that there is a higher degree of a risk from those who are coming here from terror-sponsoring lands.'' (Mitt Romney)

"The Factor lauded Governor Romney for speaking the truth and paying the price. ''Political correctness rules here in America...'' "

Cofer Black: “The United States faces a new generation of global threats and challenges. Governor Romney recognizes the threats before us and has already laid out the policies needed to give our men and women the tools they need to protect our country.”

Pete Hoekstra: “Governor Romney understands that a President must focus on both current and emerging threats to our nation and that an agile and aggressive intelligence community provides America's first line of defense against those threats.”

" “We have made progress in securing our homeland since 9/11, but we still have much work to do,” Romney said in a statement. “Critical to our security is effective intelligence-gathering and counter-terror efforts that can prevent further attacks. The individuals in these groups have had distinguished careers in our intelligence and counter-terror communities. I look forward to working with them to ensure that our government has the tools necessary to maintain America's security.” "

Others who both supported Mitt Romney and advised him on terrorism include:

David Aufhauser:... a former General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Treasury and Chairman of the National Security Council Policy Coordinating Committee on Terrorist Financing where he led the implementation of the Administration's campaign against terrorist financing.

Former Lieutenant General John "Soup" Campbell: Gen. Campbell retired after a 32-year career in the United States Air Force (USAF). In his last assignment, he served as the Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support for the CIA...

John McClurg: McClurg is Vice President of Honeywell Global Security. Before joining Honeywell, he served as the Vice President of Global Security at Lucent and in the American Intelligence Community, as a twice-decorated member of the FBI. At the FBI, he served with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a Branch Chief charged with establishing their cyber-counterintelligence program. Prior to his DOE service, McClurg was the Supervisory Special Agent within the FBI tasked with establishing the Bureau's new Computer Investigations and Infrastructure Threat Assessment Center. He also served on assignment as a Deputy Branch Chief with the CIA.

Larry Mefford: Mefford is a 31-year veteran of the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities, including 24 years with the FBI. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he was the FBI Executive Assistant Director of Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence. Before that, he built the FBI's first Cyber Division responsible for addressing Internet-related crimes.

Ambassador Tibor Nagy, Jr.: With more than 20 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Ambassador Nagy served as Ambassador to Ethiopia and Ambassador to Guinea. He has extensive experience in Africa serving in Ethiopia, Guinea, Zambia, Seychelles, Togo, Cameroon and Nigeria...

Cal Temple: Temple is Executive Vice President of Total Intelligence Solutions. Prior to this, he served in numerous counterterrorism management positions in the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). While at the DIA, he led the Agency's Current/Crisis Terrorism Intelligence Branch in support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Director of Intelligence/J2 and served as the Joint Staff J2's daily terrorism briefer. He also worked as an FBI intelligence specialist and is an Army National Guard veteran. Temple twice received the Director of Central Intelligence's National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, is a recipient of the DIA's Exceptional Civilian Service Medal and the National Military Intelligence Association's John T. Hughes Award.

Ed Worthington: A 31 year veteran of the FBI, Worthington served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson, Mississippi Division of the FBI. He was the Deputy Director of the Counterterrorist Center at the CIA. He was involved in the investigations of the U.S. Embassy bombings in Africa, the USS Cole bombing, the Millennium Threat and the 9/11 attacks. Prior to his retirement, Worthington served a tour of duty in Iraq as the FBI On-Scene Commander. Following his retirement, he was appointed Mississippi's Homeland Security Director by Governor Haley Barbour. Leaving government service in 2006, he currently manages Ed Worthington and Associates, Inc.

Tom Tancredo

"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 - Dec 20, 2007

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Tom Tancredo was a republican party presidential candidate in 2008 and a U.S. Representative from Colorado. He is known for his efforts to protect the borders by stopping illegal immigration and for fighting terrorism.