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

Is it possible that the Republicans meeting in New Orleans for the SRLC are geographically challenged? Former congressman Vin Weber seemed to think that might be the case. A U.S. representative during the Reagan and George H.W. Bush presidencies, Weber noted that although fellow conservatives were having a get together on the correct river, they were on the wrong end of it. The reason? Two high profile GOP members, and possible 2012 presidential candidates, were in his home state of Minnesota on Friday night to give their thoughts about the current issues and political climate facing this country.

Governor Tim Pawlenty gave a brief, but warm welcome to Mitt Romney at the sold-out Freedom Foundation of Minnesota event in Bloomington. I was fortunate enough to be among the audience members who witnessed these two stars of the Republican Party. Mitt did not disappoint, as he once again displayed his superior knowledge of the challenges facing our nation and how to solve them applying conservative principles. Here is a summary of the evening’s events, as observed from table 26 in the Sofitel ballroom:

Pawlenty shared how he and Romney had enjoyed the opportunity to work together after their respective victories in 2002. The Minnesota Governor praised Romney as being an effective leader, but more than that, “a great person.” He then took time to criticize the current administration and the unprecedented growth of government that has taken place over the past year. A more charismatic-than-usual Pawlenty, exhorted audience members to be “constitutional conservatives.” There was no mention of MassCare during Pawlenty’s talk as he appeared to be positioning himself for a possible vp spot in 2012.

Mitt received a standing ovation as he made his way to the podium and then regaled the audience with stories of people who had mistaken him for John Kerry and even Barack Obama. These instances of mistaken identity had the crowd roaring with laughter. Mitt was clearly at ease behind the podium, even without a teleprompter (take note Mr. President).

Romney hit on several key points from his book No Apology: The Case for American Greatness, beginning with the culture of the United States. This culture of hard work and free enterprise, which has led us to the unprecedented prosperity we enjoy, is now under attack from politicians in Washington D.C. He expounded on how the Obama administration and congress are killing the economic engine of our great country with the laws they have passed and policies they support. The former Massachusetts Governor spoke about how President Obama has alienated our allies and appeased our enemies, thus making us weaker and more exposed to international threats.

Mitt also recalled stories from the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, which he rescued from financial disaster. He told the story of speed skater Derek Parra, a gold medal winner and one of eight athletes chosen to carry in the United States flag. Parra’s highlight of the Olympics was not winning the gold medal however. Instead, it was carrying in the flag which had flown over the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. A breeze had lifted up the flag and Parra thought it must have been the spirits of those who had died on that terrible day. It was a story which brought tears to the eyes of many of the audience members.

Governor Romney ended on an optimistic note, declaring that we can overcome the many challenges we now face. He closed by saying that the United States is truly “the hope of the earth.” The 400 or so people in the room gave him a rousing standing ovation and many headed into the hallway to get their copies of No Apology signed by Mitt.

I was extremely impressed with the Governor’s substance and delivery, as were those around me. He once again managed to come across as presidential, yet quite personable at the same time. It was just further proof that I am supporting the right man!

On Saturday morning, Governor Romney went to The Bookcase in Wayzata, Minnesota for an hour and half long book signing. I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer for this event and it ended up being a fantastic experience. This was put together last minute and word had not really gotten out to people, but nearly 200 still showed up to have their books and rally signs signed by Mitt. Those I spoke with were excited about a possible 2012 run and the opportunity to support him again. State Senator Gen Olson and state Representative Connie Doepke also came to offer their support. There were even a couple of Democrats who showed up! Mitt had a wonderful rapport with all of the folks who came through the line and was kind enough to sign my book and take a picture with me at the end of the session. Did I shake the hand of the next President of the United States? I certainly hope so. No matter what happens in the future, it was an experience I will never forget.

Governor Romney and myself

~Update by Ross

Since the beginning of the recession, more than 7 million American jobs are pfffffffft…GONE! With the number of unemployed workers higher than it has been since 1983, government jobs sharply increasing, and banks nailing the ‘Don’t Apply For A Loan’ signs on their doors, how will the beleaguered private sector get its groove back?

David Gregory spoke with Mitt Romney about  our current recession and jobs (or lack thereof) on Meet The Press Sunday, December 13, 2009. Other participants included Alan Greenspan – former Fed Chairman, Jim Cramer – Host of MSNBC’s Mad Money, and Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-Michigan). 

Questions for Romney at 2:27, 8:37, 15:06, and 20:38.

…The right course here is not to create a new stimulus but to fix the one they’ve already passed. So let’s take that money that has been allocated to all sorts of government programs that aren’t necessary and are not growing the American economy and let’s, instead, focus that on efforts that will actually create jobs. And, investment tax credits, allowing businesses to expense capital expenditures in the first year, reducing the payroll tax – these kinds of things will get jobs growing immediately.

Mitt Romney 2012.

UPDATE – Mitt has released a statement about his appearance on Meet the Press through his Free & Strong America Pac at My thoughts on my Meet the Press interview this weekend Clips that only include his answers can be found on that page as well.

Along with Mitt Romney and other guests, Mad Money’s  Jim Cramer will appear on Meet the Press this Sunday, Dec 13th. Will MTP host David Gregory remind Cramer of his fervent declaration back in early summer 2007, while being interviewed by Chris Mathews (MSNBC’s Hardball), that Mitt Romney is the best businessman in North America?

UPDATE: Full video of the Dec. 13th interview is posted here.

“He’s the best businessman in North America and that’s how you should think of him!”

“Romney is a guy who would say…we’re going to be a growth nation again! Romney is the guy who favors growth!”

“Romney understands business; he understands taxes; he understands capital creation!”

Cramer also interviewed Romney at CRAMERICA on October 29, 2007. (Jim had never invited a presidential candidate to be on his show.) Full transcript here.

For this Sunday’s program, let’s email David Gregory to ask him to remind Jim Cramer of his high praise for Mitt’s business expertise!

“Hat tip” to Rebel Ross for memory-jogging.

This Sunday on Meet the Press, David Gregory will ask Governor Romney where the jobs are in America and what he thinks the political and economic obstacles are to a complete and timely recovery. No doubt, Mitt will have the answers!

UPDATE: Full video of this interview is posted here.

As the president maintains that the economy is recovering, the unemployment rate remains the highest in a generation. So, is the United States in a jobless recovery? Plus, the president’s new jobs package is drawing fire from the left and right.

Also on Sunday’s program:
Dr. Christina Romer – Chairman President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers
Jim Cramer – Host of CNBC’S Mad Money
Governor Jennifer Granholm D-Michigan
Alan Greenspan – former Fed Chairman

Meet the Press airs Sundays from 9-10 a.m. ET on the NBC-TV network; 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET in New York and Washington. The program also re-airs at 2 p.m. ET Sundays and 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. ET Mondays on MSNBC on cable. To check the time in your area, on NBC-TV or radio, check here.

Hat tip: Jenn / NY for Mitt

Given all that is taking place in America, including yesterday’s approval vote of the Affordable Health Care for America Act H.R. 3962 (words that smear lipstick on a pig!) in the House of Representatives, it’s good to step back and reflect on the BIG picture. With that in mind, I want to share an interactive link to a magnificent piece of art that captures the tipping point in which we Americans now find ourselves.

Characterized as what may be the most important new painting of the 21st century, Artist Jon McNaughton’s One Nation Under God came as inspiration to him in the middle of the 2008 elections. The research for this amazing new work took McNaughton about six months to complete; the actual painting was a four month effort. According to the artist, he “had one shot at this and he had to get it right.”

Artist McNaughton describes his painting: “Christ is holding up the U.S. Constitution while behind him are the Founding Fathers and other patriotic heroes from the past two centuries speaking to us from the dust. (Note the symbolism of  dust at their feet.) They are asking us to remember the foundation of our country’s greatness and the liberties defined under the Constitution.”

Summarizing One Nation Under God as something “that would make people talk and think,” McNaughton emphasizes that he doesn’t want people to conclude from his painting that everyone in America has to be a Christian.  He wants his painting to express the origin of our nation’s strength.

Feast your eyes upon One Nation Under God here. Rich in symbolism, it includes over 60 images, including 40 patriotic heroes. McNaughton also depicts figures that lean toward socialism – which is contrary to his belief in the U.S. Constitution. As you run your cursor over each image, a description and reason why it was included in the painting is revealed on the right-hand side of your screen. Taking time to ponder this painting – even down to the scattered papers on the steps – will evoke feelings of deep appreciation for our beloved Republic, the United States Constitution, and the blessings of freedom. It also reminds that our independence and freedoms are eroding. It calls us to action.

Mitt Romney (Faith in America speech):

“…We can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: We do not insist on a single strain of religion — rather, we welcome our nation’s symphony of faith.

Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. They were too divided in religious sentiments, what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.

Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot. And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God, they founded this great nation.

In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine author of liberty. And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed with freedom’s holy light.

God bless this great land, the United States of America.

May we never tire in upholding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while defending our United States Constitution.

Mitt Romney’s very generous donations of time and PAC money to help elect conservative candidates are a testament of his ‘stick-to-it-ive-ness’ for the principles he believes in. He is a doer. He says what he means and means what he says. That equates to trust. Americans recognize that they can trust Mitt Romney. It comes as no surprise that another Romney fundraiser on November 9^th in Duval County (FL) proves, once again, that Mitt is a hot commodity. If you live anywhere near Duval County, better get your tickets now!

The Duval County Republican Party recently announced that their November 9th event, “An Evening with Governor Mitt Romney”, has been so well received that they’ve had to open up additional general seating to accommodate the supporters who want tickets.

The event with the Former Governor and Presidential candidate will be held Monday, November 9th at the Hyatt Regency on the waterfront.

General seating tickets are selling for the same price of $75 as they did in 2006 out of respect for the current economic situation, according to Duval Republican Chairman Lenny Curry. In spite of economic down turns, Curry said the financial support from sponsors has been unprecedented.

“Duval Republican grassroots members are fired up and our donors are eager to make a difference in the 2010 election cycle by providing the finance necessary to make the mighty grassroots an unprecedented success,” said Curry.

Curry also commented on the mass appeal of Mitt Romney not only as a political leader but as a successful entrepreneur.

“Governor Romney possesses a wealth of knowledge of national and global economic issues and his long list of successes in business is unrivaled,” said Curry.

For additional information and to obtain tickets, read here.

Speaking from Newton, MA this morning, former Governor Mitt Romney connected by remote to the The Early Morning Show (CBS) for an interview with Harry Smith. Questioned on the president’s war strategy in Afghanistan, Romney reminded viewers that Afghanistan was the centerpiece of Obama’s presidential campaign. Mitt compared Obama to Shakespeare’s Hamlet and chastened him for not having made a decision on sending additional troops.

Romney also spoke on tomorrow’s important elections and his fundraising efforts to support conservative candidates. He’s been criss-crossing the country non-stop to attend fundraisers for Va. gubernatorial Bob McDonnell and the candidate for Lt. Governor, Bill Bolling; New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie; South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint; and candidates for races in Arizona, Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, Utah, and elsewhere.

Just three days after the Obama White House bragged that their stimulus program has created or saved some 650,000 jobs, Romney stated that “the stimulus that the president and the Congress passed is not what’s helped the economy.”

Romney (after ad): “As you recall, the scenario they (Obama administration) forecast would occur without the stimulus, is now the very scenario which they’re forecasting is going to occur. So the jobless rate is going to hit 10%. We’re not going to have any net new jobs into the third quarter of next year. That’s what was supposed to happen without the stimulus. So their stimulus didn’t work. The right answer is to stop the stimulus that they put in place, reform it, or scrap it, because it is not what’s creating jobs in this country; instead, it’s the private sector.”