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MITT ROMNEY, A LEADER FOR CALIFORNIA CONSERVATIVES
A column penned by Tony Strickland on behalf of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
January 30, 2008
INTRODUCTION
Next week, Republicans up and down the Golden State will be helping to choose the nominee of the Grand Old Party for President of the United States. Last night, Governor Mitt Romney came in a close second in the Florida primary, and today will be in California for a candidate debate at the Reagan Presidential Library..
Below is a column from fomer California State Assemblyman Tony Strickland on behalf of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Strickland is a California Co-Chairman of the Romney for President Campaign.
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Last night, Governor Mitt Romney had a strong showing in Florida and the election is heading out West to California. We've been saying for a long time that this was going to be a close election, even last year at this time when Governor Romney was at 6% in the polls. Last night proved that true as voters showed Governor Romney's message for conservative change is resonating across the country. It's obvious that Washington is broken and voters are looking for real solutions.
For most voters last night, the number one issue was the economy. Here in California, voters also rank the economy as their top priority. That's no surprise with the current housing crisis that has affected so many hard-working families up and down our state. This is not the time for on-the-job training. We need a leader with the experience and determination to roll up his sleeves and get to work on day one.
We need an executive like Governor Romney in the White House who understands how the economy works and why jobs are created. Governor Romney won't need a briefing on Economics 101, he's already lived it for over 25 years in the private sector. Just look at the economic stimulus package he proposed. His combination of short-term and long-term proposals would help individuals keep more of their money and encourage business to expand and increase job opportunities. We need a forward thinking leader like Governor Romney on the job to keep the American Dream alive.
As we face challenges many would say are impossible to overcome, we need someone who has a proven record of getting the job done. You can see that in Governor Romney from his successful turnarounds of the 2002 Winter Olympics, companies in the private sector or in the way he led as Governor. One of the accomplishments that stands out most was how he successfully closed a nearly $3 billion budget gap without raising taxes. As a resident of a state facing a similar budget crisis today, just think of the possibilities if Governor Romney was at the helm.
Our fellow Republican voters in Florida also showed us that voters are looking for a candidate who will bring real change to Washington. Instead of focusing on negative personal attacks when the going gets rough, we need a leader who is focused on the issues. One who understands we want secure borders, lower taxes, less wasteful government spending, a stronger military, energy independence and a health care system that is more affordable and accessible. For too long, Washington has promised us solutions on these issues, but we're yet to see the results. It's time to elect a leader like Governor Mitt Romney who can work with Republicans and those on the other side of the aisle to get things done without compromising their conservative values.
This has clearly come down to a race between a Washington insider versus a Washington outsider, the past versus the future and someone who does not understand the economy versus a proven executive who does. I am proud to join my fellow Californians in supporting the candidate who represents our future and can bring conservative change to Washington to improve our lives without compromising our values. I would encourage you to join me in standing up for a man of integrity, of great leadership and a man who will inspire a nation to remain a world leader. Join me in voting for the candidate who will make us all proud to be Republicans, get to the polls on February 5th and help elect Governor Mitt Romney our next President.
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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 Tony Strickland, via the FR, here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Strickland is a former member of the California State Assembly. He is also a Past President of the California Club for Growth. In 2006, he was the Republican nominee for the office of California State Controller. He is currently a candidate for California State Senate. Strickland is a Statewide Co-Chairman of the Romney for President Campaign.