FLASHREPORT

ROMNEY WINS ON SUBSTANCE

An exclusive column from State Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman.

One of the qualities that immediately stood out when I first met Governor Romney was his command of the important issues facing our nation.  Last night, Republicans who were introduced to Governor Romney for the first time had the same opportunity to hear from a man who has the ability to debate the substance of what is at the heart of the upcoming election.

Our country wants someone to bring conservative change to Washington and make it work again.  The country is tired of the status quo in Washington and they’re tired of those who have been a part of the status quo.  Governor Romney is the only real candidate from outside Washington who can bring that change.  

We need a leader who can bring new ideas, new energy and strong leadership on the issues that matter most to Americans.  At the debate last night, Governor Romney won on substance.  He showed an incredible mastery of the issues and that he has the qualities that of a person prepared to lead the nation.

Governor Romney is the candidate that best represents the Republican Party's ideals, and he is the candidate who the Democrats fear the most.  This is because Governor Romney believes in the strength of America – a strong economy, strong military and strong families.

Additionally, Governor Romney has a strong record on the issues that matter most to Americans.  He has a superb record on healthcare and education, fought higher taxes, and has advocated what are arguably the strongest policies on national defense, homeland security and foreign policy in this race.

Further, Governor Romney is able to talk with ease about one of the biggest issues at the forefront of political debate in our country: immigration.  Last night, Governor Romney clearly articulated three priorities we must meet if we are to reform our immigration system – border security, enforceable employment verification system and no special pathway to citizenship.  What we saw last night was Governor Romney speaking to the substance of this issue and not engaging in personal political attacks.

Governor Romney also made it clear last night that he will enforce immigration laws as they currently exist.  The law passed in 1986 asked for us to secure the border and put in place an employer verification system.  Neither one of those were done and Governor Romney stressed the importance of enforcing the law as it exists.  That’s just common sense.

You don’t have to take Governor Romney’s word on what he will do as our President, just look at his record of past leadership.  His record on immigration is strong and proven.

Governor Romney has taken strong measures to enforce our immigration laws.  He signed an agreement with the federal government so Massachusetts state troopers could enforce federal immigration laws.  He vetoed in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.  He opposed driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.  He authorized Massachusetts National Guardsmen to help with border security.  He promoted teaching our kids English in schools.

And immigration isn’t the only topic where Governor Romney has a proven record.   As Governor of Massachusetts, he turned a multi-billion dollar budget gap into a billion dollar surplus.  He fought for English immersion in schools and to improve education for child.  Governor Romney showed that he can bring Republicans together with some of the most liberal Democrats in the country to keep taxes low and improve the state’s economy.

This is the kind of proven leadership that our nation desperately needs right now.  We are all looking to be inspired by our nation’s next leader, someone who will not only articulate an optimistic vision for the future of our nation, but someone who can actually provide the leadership to make that vision a reality.  Last night, voters across our nation were reminded that Governor Romney is that person.
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You can go to the Romney for President website here: www.mittromney.com
You can e-mail the Romney campaign here: info@mittromney.com

You can contact Senator Ackerman, via the FR, here.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Senator Dick Ackerman has led Senate Republicans since 2004, when he was unanimously elected Senate Republican Leader. As one of the four legislative leaders negotiating the budget, he has worked hard to reduce overspending and to reduce the debt that continues to plague the state. Senator Ackerman also helped construct the compromise that ensured voters would get to vote on funding for badly needed infrastructure in a meaningful way by breaking the bond issues into separate measures. Senator Ackerman believes that Californians and the businesses they depend on will benefit immeasurably from investment in new infrastructure, particularly new and expanded roadways, but that voters should have a say in where and how the money is spent.

Senator Ackerman also has been a key proponent of measures to protect small businesses from excessive and frivolous litigation, serving as the primary negotiator on a measure that established new provisions allowing businesses to comply with various laws before being sued. As a former local government official and small business owner, Senator Ackerman is sensitive to major problems facing local governments and California businesses and the workers they employ and realizes that the best way to make California strong is to encourage economic growth.

A long-time Southern California resident, Senator Ackerman has represented Orange County in the state Legislature since his election to the Assembly in 1995. In 2000, he was elected to the State Senate, where he currently serves the 33rd district. Prior to his tenure in the Legislature, Senator Ackerman had a long record of service in local government: He served on the Fullerton City Council for 12 years, including two terms as Fullerton's mayor.

Senator Ackerman was born in Long Beach and graduated from Bellflower High School. In 1964, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1967, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Hastings School of Law. Senator Ackerman has practiced law for over 30 years in Orange County. Dick and his wife, Linda, have lived in Orange County for over 30 years and have three children and two grandchildren.