Whether you’re making plans to picnic, paddle on a lake, play at a park or beach, or are packing bags for a road trip, Labor Day weekend is a welcomed three-day breather for Americans needing a break from grim economic news. A few headlines:

National unemployment rate rises to 9.6 percent as more look for work – Sept 3, 2010:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate rose in August for the first time in four months as weak hiring by private employers wasn’t enough to keep pace with a large increase in the number of people looking for work.

The Labor Department says companies added a net total 67,000 new jobs last month, down from July’s upwardly revised total of 107,000. Wall Street analysts expected a smaller gain, according to Thomson Reuters.

Overall, the economy lost 54,000 jobs as 114,000 temporary census positions came to an end. State and local governments shed 10,000 positions. The jobless rate rose to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent in July.

More than a half-million Americans resumed their job searches in August, which drove up the jobless rate. When the unemployed stop looking for work, they are no longer counted in the jobless rate.

(my emphasis)

Recovery Summer Ends with Economic Pothole - Sept 3, 2010:

Whatever happened to recovery summer?

This was supposed to be the season the economy heated up, thanks to a wave of public works projects, funded by the government’s stimulus program. But summer is coming to an end, and the recovery has not taken root.

[…]

And before long, stimulus dollars will be fading like autumn leaves.[...]

Jobless Rate Climbs to 9.6 Percent as More Americans Seek Work – Sept 3, 2010:

[...]The numbers added pressure to the Obama administration to marshal all its resources toward coaxing employers to hire again, something President Obama this week pledged to do.

“A year that began with Americans bracing for a jobless recovery has instead turned into a full-blown search for both jobs and a recovery,” House Republican Leader John Boehner said in a written statement. “President Obama’s agenda represented ‘change’ once, but now it is time for him to change course, abandon his job-killing policies and find himself a new economic team.” [...]

The economic news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the U.S. economy LOST 283,000 jobs during the three months of the Summer of Recovery.

120 Days to Go Until the Largest Tax Hikes in History – Sept 3, 2010:

In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for investors, small business owners, and families. These will all expire on January 1, 2011:

Personal income tax rates will rise. The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate at which two-thirds of small business profits are taxed). The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent. All the rates in between will also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher marginal tax rates. The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:

- The 10% bracket rises to an expanded 15%

- The 25% bracket rises to 28%

- The 28% bracket rises to 31%

- The 33% bracket rises to 36%

- The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%

Higher taxes on marriage and family. The “marriage penalty” (narrower tax brackets for married couples) will return from the first dollar of income. The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child. The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level. The dependent care tax credit will be cut.

The return of the Death Tax. This year, there is no death tax. For those dying on or after January 1 2011, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes and a retirement account could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones.

Higher tax rates on savers and investors. The top capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 20 percent in 2011. The top dividends tax rate will rise from 15 percent this year to 39.6 percent in 2011. These rates will rise another 3.8 percent in 2013.

Read about the second and third waves of looming tax increases here.

New home sales plummeted to record lows in July and auto sales for August were a real clunker – lowest since 1983 (GM sales have plunged 25%). Only three states in the union are not upside down budget-wise.  One out of every six Americans are now on government assistance. The number of  underemployed Americans is now at 16.7% (a 5.2% increase in August).

This is what $814 BILLION of spent STIMULUS  bought. How many generations will be been enslaved to pay the bills for this recovery?

Yes, Labor Day weekend is a welcome respite from the daily grind for those fortunate enough to have a job. For those who are anxiously looking for work, it’s one more day with no money coming in. Whatever you do this weekend, do a couple of things: 

1. Re-read Mitt Romney’s economic op-ed Grow Jobs Shrink Government (8/18/10).
2. Tuck a copy of No Apology: The Case for American Greatness under your arm. Read Chapter Five. It’s 49 pages on  A Free and Productive Economy. 

A FOX News panel today discussed Obama’s mantra that “better days are ahead” and the question was asked “When do they get here?”  The answer: November 3rd.

As crucial as November 3rd is (and it is), Obama will still hold the veto pen. It’s also about 2012. So, between the hiking and biking this weekend, it would be a good idea to delve further into No Apology and to continue to support the Free and Strong America PAC. With every passing day, it becomes more evident that Mitt Romney is the one to ensure ‘better days’ for America. 

► Jayde Wyatt

Mitt Romney will deliver the keynote address at New Hampshire’s upcoming state convention. There is no mistaking the high regard New Hampshire’s GOP has for Governor Romney:

From UnionLeader.com (John Distaso):

MITT RETURNS. After donating thousands to the state Republican Party and some of its candidates, Mitt Romney has been named the keynote speaker at the party’s convention, slated for Sept. 25 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

State Republican Chair John H. Sununu says the party is “thrilled” to have Romney as the convention speaker
.
“Governor Romney has been a strong supporter of the New Hampshire Republican Party and we are extremely appreciative of all the assistance he has given us through this critical election cycle,” Sununu said.

Romney hosted a high-dollar fund-raiser for the state GOP at the Taj Hotel in Boston last Thursday. He also hosted fund-raisers for the Republican House PAC in Manchester and for the state party in Tuftonboro on Aug. 12. He’s donated $30,000 to the state party so far in the cycle, $1,000 to District 3 Executive Council candidate Chris Sununu and $7,500 to other local and state special election candidates.

Romney during 'No Apology' book tour New Hampshire

FoxNews.com (Jake Gibson) reported this yesterday:

Romney has been a regular in New Hampshire political circles lately and also donated $30,000 to the state party so far in this election cycle. Mitt visited the Granite State during his book tour last spring and has hosted a number of fundraisers recently. Last Thursday, Romney was in Boston at a fundraiser for the New Hampshire GOP, he has also hosted fundraisers for the Republican House PAC in Manchester on August 5th and another for the state party in Tuftonboro on August 12th.

(links added)

Gibson then commented on Romney’s absence from this year’s Iowa State Fair:

For as visible as Romney has been in New Hampshire he has been noticeably absent lately in Iowa, the other all-important early state in presidential politics. Romney did travel through the Hawkeye State during his book tour last spring, but fellow potential GOP 2012 candidates Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich visited the Iowa State Fair recently. The Iowa State Fair is a traditional cattle call for presidential hopefuls, but there was no return to the home of pork chops on a stick and fried Oreo cookies for Romney this year.

Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney’s spokesman, explained to Politico’s Ben Smith why the Governor didn’t stop by Iowa’s State Fair this year:

“He was spending August with his family on vacation,” Eric Fehrnstrom replies, indicating that Romney meant no slight to the Hawkeye State. “He was in Iowa in March on his book tour, and he will return to Iowa in the fall to campaign with Terry Branstad.”

Good enough. Iowa isn’t off the radar – but, for now, Romney is clearly in demand in New Hampshire. Besides working on his keynote speech for their state convention, he’ll also be composing a speech for the annual New Hampshire Seacoast Republican Women Chili Fest where he will be their featured speaker.  

► Jayde Wyatt

Mt. Hood overlooking Portland, Oregon

Mitt Romney’s diligence on the endorsement front is energizing Republican candidates across the country. Four candidates from the northwestern region of the USA have been singled out today. Here’s the latest from Free and Strong on oh-so-grand Oregon: 

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following four Oregon candidates and said it is contributing a total of $17,500 to their campaigns:

Chris Dudley: Chris Dudley, a successful businessman, philanthropist, and former professional basketball player, is running to become Oregon’s next Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.chrisdudley.com.

Congressman Greg Walden: Congressman Greg Walden currently represents the 2nd Congressional District of Oregon and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.waldenforcongress.com.

State Representative Scott Bruun: Scott Bruun, a state representative and businessman, is running to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visitwww.joinscott.com.

Rob Cornilles: Rob Cornilles, a successful business owner and active community leader, is running to represent Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.cornillesforcongress.com.

The PAC also announced that it is sending Dudley’s gubernatorial campaign a $10,000 contribution, and that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Walden, Bruun, and Cornilles each a $2,500 contribution

Governor Romney’s statement:

“Rather than enacting pro-growth policies that will encourage private sector growth and put people back to work, far too many of our leaders are instead turning to the false promises of big government and slowing our economic recovery. Oregon – and our nation – needs leaders who will say no to the culture of higher taxes, higher spending, and higher debt, and that is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

Regarding the gubernatorial race between Romney-endorsed Chris Dudley and opponent John Kitzhaber (D), Chris Cillizza (The Fix) adds this today:

Romney’s endorsement of Dudley comes as the Beaver State’s gubernatorial race is heating up. The most recent independent poll — conducted by Survey USA — in the race, conducted last month, showed Dudley and former Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) essentially tied at 46 percent to 44 percent.

Kitzhaber told the Democratic Governors Association last week not to air a TV ad that the committee was planning to run against Dudley. The DGA refrained from airing the ad but is still planning to spend on the race.

Kitzhaber trails Dudley in the money race; as of early July, Dudley had $263,000 on hand while Kitzhaber had $210,000.

Take a moment to click on the links above and learn more about these outstanding candidates.

► Jayde Wyatt

Tucson, Arizona sunset

Arizona’s 8th Congressional District hopeful, Jesse Kelly, has lassoed an endorsement from Mitt Romney:

Tucson, AZ

Governor and business leader Mitt Romney and his Free and Strong America PAC are pleased to announce their endorsement of Jesse Kelly for Congress in Arizona’s Eighth District. Jesse is a project manager with his family’s construction business, a Marine combat veteran and a proud husband and father.

Jesse Kelly AZ 8th

Governor Romney notes Jesse’s business experience and his record of leadership as a combat Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gov. Romney had this to say about Jesse, “I am particularly impressed with his practical conservative solutions to get Americans back to work. It is time to send businesspeople with experience in creating private sector jobs and balancing budgets to Washington.”

In responses to Gov. Romney’s support, Jesse stated, “I am excited to accept the endorsement of a leader like Governor Mitt Romney. We must apply innovative solutions to the budget issues facing America. Gov. Romney and I share the same philosophy for putting America in a more competitive position and expanding the economy.”

Jesse Kelly is the Republican nominee for Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District in the southeastern region of the state.

(emphasis mine)

Jim Kelley from TucsonCitizen.com adds:

His [Romney’s] recognition is based on Mr. Kelly’s strong business experience and proven solutions that work.

Although Mitt Romney said he has not made the decision to run for President in 2012, he is the one the GOP is most likely to give frontrunner status to soon. Many view him as the man most likely to unite the conservatives and the pragmatists in the GOP.

(emphasis mine)

UPDATE: Having found a video specifically for Tucson, I changed videos. Even though it’s slightly blurry at first, you’ll be able to get a feel for the area:

► Jayde Wyatt

Nippersink Forest Preserve, Lake County, IL

When Mother Nature is splashing the landscape with reds and golds, Governor Mitt Romney will be heading to Lincolnshire, Illinois to do what he does so well -- keynote a GOP fundraiser and help raise some cash:

Lake County NewsSunonline.com  (Aug. 28, 2010)

ROMNEY IN COUNTY: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate, will be the keynote speaker for the Lake County Republican Federation’s annual fall dinner Sept. 24 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. “We are delighted to welcome Gov. Romney to Lake County and to our fall dinner,” said Alexander Stuart of Lake Forest, federation president. “It is an honor to have such a distinguished champion of free  enterprise and public service speak to us as we gear up for the critical elections in November.”

Tickets for the dinner range from $100 per person to $1,000 for a table of 10. Seating is limited. For more information, contact federation Executive Director Chelsea Stanley at (847) 680-6680 (847) 680-6680 or e-mail chelsea@lcgop.org .

(my emphasis, link added)

On the day of this event, there will be just 39 days until the mid-term elections. Mitt Romney is a force of nature who is working mercilessly to paint the political landscape red!

► Jayde Wyatt

STRATHAM — The Seacoast Republican Women will host their 11th annual Chili Fest with special guest speaker Gov. Mitt Romney on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Scamman Farm, 69 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham from 3:30-6:30 pm.

Meet the candidates for local, state and federal elections just three days

Scamman Farm, Stratham, NH

before the primary. Come enjoy many different types of chili with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods.

Red Sox tickets 10 rows behind home plate will be raffled off as well.

The cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Go to www.nhsrw.org for more information or ways to volunteer. All are welcome.

NewHampshire.com adds this:

The Seacoast Republican Women are pleased to host their 11th annual Chili Fest. Special guest Mitt Romney will be on hand to speak as well as numerous other state and local Republican candidates. Come enjoy many different types of Chili’s with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods. Great conversation and good food make for a great afternoon. Please join us.

Sounds like a great way to mix ‘n mingle with local candidates. No doubt, Gov Romney will spice things up!

Read more about Scamman Farm here.

► Jayde Wyatt

You can add the great state of Oklahoma to the list!

What list is that?

The list of states in which Mitt Romney’s generous PAC has endorsed candidates who will “work to lower taxes and spending, restore commonsense principles to healthcare and get our economy moving again.”

The list: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Count ‘em. That’s half the states in the union. The number coincides with  news we learned three days ago that Romney is planning a 25 state stumping tour for GOP candidates (no itinerary, yet):
National Review 8/24/10:

Mitt Romney, having met last weekend in New Hampshire with the staff of his 2008 presidential campaign, is preparing to embark on an aggressive schedule that will take him to more than 25 states in what is seen as a prelude to another possible White House bid.

The two-month itinerary will launch a cycle of politicking for Republican midterm election candidates that will make Romney one of the nation’s most visible politicians in a year when he is not on the ballot.

(my emphasis)

Who has Romney endorsed in Oklahoma?
From Free and Strong America Pac:

Oklahoma City, OK

Congresswoman Mary Fallin: Congresswoman Mary Fallin currently represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Governor. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.maryfallin.org.

State Senator Todd Lamb: Todd Lamb currently serves as an Oklahoma state senator and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Lieutenant Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.votetoddlamb.com.

Congressman Tom Cole: Congressman Tom Cole currently represents the 4th Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.tomcoleforcongress.com.

Congressman Frank Lucas: Congressman Frank Lucas currently represents the 3rd Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.frankdlucas.com.

Congressman John Sullivan: Congressman John Sullivan currently represents the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.johnsullivanforcongress.com.

James Lankford: James Lankford served as the director of a Christian youth camp for over a decade, and is now running to represent the 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.jameslankford.com.

[*]The PAC also announced that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Cole, Lucas, Sullivan, and Lankford each a $2,500 contribution, and that it has already sent Fallin and Lamb each a $250 contribution toward their respective campaigns

Governor Romney’s statement on the candidates:

“Oklahoma – and our nation – deserves leaders who will focus on enacting pro-growth policies that will put people back to work. Too many of our elected officials are instead more interested in growing the size of government, and that is why it is more critical than ever that we elect leaders who will make the tough decisions necessary to turn our struggling economy around,” said Romney.

There isn’t room to include six campaign videos from each of these excellent candidates, so take the time to click on their websites, get to know them, and lend them your support.

In their honor, I’ll dust off the musical movie archives and let cowboy Curly McLain and his farm girl bride, Laurey Williams, sing a well-known tune from a production that brought an Academy Award to Rodgers and Hammerstein way back in 1955. (By the way, it’s the state song.) Here’s Oklahoma!

*UPDATE:Romney’s PAC is sending a total of $10,500 to help the candidates’ campaigns.

► Jayde Wyatt

California Gubernatorial Hopefuls, Meg Whitman & Jerry Brown

“The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in California finds Whitman earning 48% support, while Democrat Jerry Brown picks up 40% of the vote. Six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and six percent (6%) are undecided.”

“When leaners are included in the new totals, Whitman posts a 51% to 43% lead over Brown. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate.

Early in any campaign, the numbers without leaners are generally more significant. Later in a campaign, the numbers with leaners matter more. After Labor Day, Rasmussen Reports will report the numbers with leaners as the primary indicators of the campaign.”

What was Mitt Romney referring to when he clicked his Twitter send button this morning?

Stallone is right. US does apologize too much. Hope he doesn’t get in trouble with Hollywood friends: http://bit.ly/bco0ND

An explanation from The Hill - Tweets you need to read:

Former Massachusetts Gov. and potential 2012 White House contender Mitt Romney (R) took a cue Wednesday from Sylvester Stallone when he tweeted: “Stallone is right. US does apologize too much.”

The quote referred to a comment the veteran film star made Aug. 19 to Bill O’Reilly while promoting his new film “The Expendables” in an appearance on Fox News.

O’Reilly opened the segment by referring to a Los Angeles Times review arguing the film taps a vein of “apple-pie patriotism … [that is already] behind the success of a cable news network,” taken to mean Fox.

Stallone denied the film, which he directed, has any intended subtext at all.
“Some people read [into it] that I was maybe putting the focal point on the American intrusion into other countries. You know, ‘We tend to overstep our boundaries.’ I don’t believe that at all.”

“I think America apologizes too much,” he added quickly, as O’Reilly began to reply.
[…]

(my emphasis)

A stroll down Obama memory lane… Shortly after President Obama was coronated, he embarked on his ‘sackcloth and ashes’ tour to apologize for America to the world. To the French, he stated that America “has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” toward Europe. He went to Prague to proclaim that America has “a moral responsibility to act” on arms control because only the U.S. had “used a nuclear weapon.” He told Londoners that decisions regarding the world financial system were no longer being made by “just Roosevelt and Churchill sitting in a room with a brandy.” Latin Americans heard our president’s apology when he said that the United States had not “pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors” because we “failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas.” Do you remember when Obama gave a full-waist bow when greeting the King of Saudi Arabia? How about his deep head dip to the Japanese Emperor?

Mitt Romney agrees with Stallone. In fact, you may have heard, Romney wrote a 305 page best-selling book entitled No Apology: The Case for American Greatness (released last March):

“This is a book about what I believe should be our primary national objective: to keep America strong and to preserve its place as the world’s leading nation. And it describes the course I believe we must take to strengthen the nation in order to remain prosperous, secure, and free.” ~Mitt Romney

Excerpts from Jedediah Bila’s (Human Events) No Apology review 3/2/10:

In No Apology: The Case for American Greatness, Mitt Romney discusses many foreign policy and domestic issues facing America and suggests solutions he believes will lead to a more safe and robust nation. Special attention is paid to national security, economic productivity, education, energy, and cultural fortitude.
[...]
Romney warns against American complacency by outlining the manner in which other nations have, throughout history, declined from greatness. The Ottomans, Spanish, Chinese, and British — among others — serve as potent examples of just how easily a great nation can fall from grace by virtue of such destructive policies as economic and cultural isolation, a withdrawal from the international marketplace, and spending far and above one’s means.

Romney’s declaration that, “We tend to repress the possibility of catastrophic events” is dead on. People tend to see what they feel they can handle, and the rest — despite potentially disastrous effects if not addressed — is often ignored. See our 2008 financial crisis for details.

Romney adeptly expresses America’s need for both “soft power” and “hard power” involvement in the international community. He doesn’t sugarcoat alarming realities with respect to China, Russia, radical jihadists, and Iran. Despite economic challenges, he rightfully prioritizes national defense and criticizes the UN’s “inclinations toward authoritarian regimes.” Romney unapologetically defends updating our nuclear arsenal, developing a powerful missile-defense system, adding a minimum of 100,000 soldiers to the Marines and Army, and pursuing new technologies to combat the likes of cyber-warfare.

Romney also proclaims American exceptionalism, defends the notion that, “The world is a safer place when America is strong,” and praises our hard-working roots. He duly cites welfare without work and entitlement program abuses as threats to the industrious character that birthed our unrivaled success.

Romney gives detailed emphasis on economic productivity, innovation, research and development, reducing taxes on investment, and curbing government’s growing deficits: “We need to stimulate the economy, not the government.”
[...]

All in all, Romney’s book provides a well-organized display of his stand on key issues. His Obama critique is well executed, including commentary on Obama’s abandonment of our missile defense program in Poland and the Czech Republic, his repeated apologies for America, his expansion of our debt, and his September 2009 UN address. Romney’s intermittent anecdotes with regard to business experiences, hands on encounters as governor, and the trials and tribulations of his own family, add a nice personal touch to his policy and statistical explorations.

My two favorite lines from the text include “But for most Americans, the pulse of freedom beats in our very DNA” and “The greatness of America lies not simply in what we have done with our power; it is also informed by what we have not done with our power”

Romney’s No Apology: The Case for American Greatness is a sound expression of his approach to some of our nation’s greatest present challenges.

While in Europe last year, Obama was asked if he believes in American exceptionalism. After thinking about it, he answered that he… did — in the same way that “the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks in Greek exceptionalism.”  In other words, ”No.”

As for Obama’s comments to the French that America “has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive” toward Europe,  this is how arrogant, dismissive, and derisive we’ve been:

It is time for America to pursue the difficult course ahead, to confront the looming problems, to strengthen the foundations of our prosperity, and to secure the sources of our liberty and safety. The sacrifice and hard work will not sap our national energy; they will restore it. I’m one of those who believe America is destined to remain as it has been since the birth of the Republic – the brightest hope of the world. And for that belief, I do not apologize. ~Mitt Romney No Apology p. 34

(my emphasis)

If you haven’t read No Apology, DO. If you have read it, keep it handy. It is THE reference book for getting America back to running circles around the world.

► Jayde Wyatt

Update by Luke: Video of Bill O’Reilly’s interview with Stallone can be found at GOP12

Mitt Romney is gearing up to help the Republicans 2010 midterm elections by going on a lightning quick tour to support candidates in at least 25 states. The extensive two-month journey is part of an effort to turn the conservative tidal wave into becoming a tsunami that will hit Washington D.C. in November.

The Mitt Romney 2010 Whirlwind Tour - Coming to support a GOP candidate near you!

The Hill is reminding people that Mitt Romney just been just as active in helping Republicans  win in November as much, if not more, than other potential 2012 candidates.  Romney’s tour across America is just the latest example of Mitt Romney’s long standing commitment to help Republicans be victorious at the ballot box:

Among the 2012 presidential hopefuls on the Republican side, Romney has been among the most active thus far in 2010. His political action committee has donated to more than 100 GOP candidates, and he has focused fundraising efforts on down-ballot candidates in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

The Boston Globe is reporting that this may be a sneak peak as to how Mitt Romney’s campaign style will be in the 2012 Presidential elections should Mitt Romney decide to run:

Romney is seeking to come across as more easygoing and accessible than the formally dressed, perfectly coiffed, carefully rehearsed candidate of the last campaign.

“Mitt is doing a better job at low-keying it,’’ said Steve Duprey, a former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party who supported McCain in 2008 and was a vocal Romney critic at the time. “He would be wise to stay with it right through a presidential primary.’’

New Hampshire is the place Romney’s advisers and allies say they see Mitt at rest: a wearer of jeans and driver of a black 2003 Chevy Silverado pickup truck. Some of them are hoping that Romney’s laid-back summer lifestyle will survive Labor Day and endure onto the campaign trail, helping to erase the impression many voters have had of a wealthy candidate almost animatronically focused on winning.

“That’s the Mitt Romney that I know and really enjoy — not the guy they say is too perfect, too stiff,’’ said Ron Kaufman, a longtime Romney adviser who visited him this summer. “The public image of a lot of these folks in office are often 100 degrees out of whack with reality.’’

Some might say that Mitt is reinventing himself for the 2012 elections.  However, having volunteered for Mitt Romney and having the opportunity to meet him on a few occasions I know the claim is just not true.  Mitt Romney is a friendly, casual and laid back man who works hard at what he does. That’s the Mitt I’ve seen. That’s the Mitt, I hope, people will see in 2012.

~Jared A.