Romney on the Economy and California

Mike Huckabee Issues Statement On Year-End 2007 FEC Filing

Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today:

"My presidential campaign has defied the odds, and will continue to do so, as we head into the Super Tuesday primaries, proving the power of message over money and mechanics. I believe the record will show that mine has been one of the most cost-effective presidential campaigns in recent history -- at a time when the campaign season has been the longest. This affirms what I have always known, that this country is not for sale and the office of president cannot be bought.

"My campaign filed our year-end 2007 FEC report in compliance with federal law -- and all of the details are available online. While my fund-raising has increased significantly, with each quarter outperforming the previous one, a majority of my donors are a part of a grassroots army of concerned citizens from across America -- individuals who may have limited financial means but who care about this country deeply and are giving what they can to support my campaign.

"At every juncture, I've been amazed at the power of the people, who represent the core strength and values of this country. I am deeply appreciative of their support, which has fueled my candidacy and will continue to power our campaign in the weeks and months ahead."

Keyes cites Romney's role in instituting same-sex marriage

"Mitt Romney is single-handedly responsible for instituting same-sex marriage in Massachusetts."

That's the view of Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes, who lobbied against the state's adoption of same-sex marriage when it was imminent in 2004.

"Most people are unaware of the way Massachusetts came to adopt same-sex marriage," the former Reagan administration diplomat said. "They think the state's Supreme Judicial Court forced it to happen. That's incorrect."

Said Keyes, "The court merely issued an opinion stating that, in its view, the existing marriage law was unconstitutional because it failed to allow persons of the same sex to marry. The court then gave the legislature 180 days to 'take such action as it may deem appropriate in light of this opinion' — implicitly telling lawmakers to come up with a new marriage statute."

According to Keyes, "the public record shows the legislature refused to do so. It balked at this attempt by the judiciary to usurp its legislative authority. When the 180-day deadline came and went, the legislature had not changed the marriage law."

Why then, Keyes asked, did Massachusetts become the first state to adopt same-sex marriage — if in fact the legislature never changed the law to reflect the decision of the court?

The answer, he said, is that "Mitt Romney pushed through same-sex marriage all by himself, in the absence of any authority or requirement to do so, having a complete misunderstanding of his role as governor and of the significance of the court's opinion."

"The court never ordered him to act, nor did he have the right to act, since the legislature never changed the law," said Keyes. "Romney claimed he had no other choice, but that's completely untrue."

"The appropriate course of action for Romney was to do nothing," Keyes commented, since the legislature gave him no new law to enforce. Instead, "as governor, he created, in essence, his own same-sex marriage rule and then enforced it — reportedly threatening local clerks with dismissal if they refused to comply with his executive order," Keyes noted.

To Keyes, the result was catastrophic. "This action by Mitt Romney is among the most socially-damaging actions by a chief executive in our nation's history. Because of its far-reaching implications for the future of the traditional family, it threatens to destroy our entire moral and cultural fabric more than any other executive action I can think of."

"The failure by Romney to 'say no' to corrupt activist judges in a critical controversy over 'separation of powers,' and his willingness to take unwarranted steps that exceeded his lawful authority, reveal the kind of chief executive he would be if elected president," Keyes believes.

Romney's mishandling of the matter, said Keyes — who holds a Ph.D. from Harvard in government and wrote his dissertation on constitutional theory — has been ignored by conservative leaders, as well as the national media. "Romney shouldn't get a free pass on so vital a public-policy issue."

FORMER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR JIM EDGAR ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar has endorsed John McCain for president.

"We live in a time of great uncertainty. Our economy is teetering on the edge of a major setback. Terrorists continue to threaten our American way of life," said Governor Edgar. "In these uncertain times, we need leadership we can trust. We need leadership that is guided by principle, not political expediency. We need John McCain. He is the only leader with a consistent record of standing up for what is right, not just what's easy. I am proud to announce that John McCain has my full support, and I look forward to working with him to ensure his success on February 5th."

John McCain thanked Governor Edgar for his support, saying, "Jim's tireless public service has made a positive difference in Illinois. He earned a reputation for fiscal discipline and exemplified the strong character and values that make our country great. I am proud to have him as a member of our team, and I know that his support will go a long way toward ensuring victory on February 5th."

Governor Edgar served as Governor from 1991-1999. In 1994, he was reelected Governor by the largest margin in Illinois history. Prior to being elected the 38th Governor of Illinois, Jim Edgar served 10 years as the Illinois Secretary of State. Governor Edgar and his wife Brenda have two grown children. The Edgars reside in Champaign County.

New York Republicans Endorse John McCain

Senator John McCain is a true leader, an extraordinary patriot, and a committed Republican. His unwavering commitment to winning the war on terror, stimulating the economy, limiting government and ensuring that our families are safe from dangers at home and abroad reflect the needs of New Yorkers and people across the country." -- Chairman Joseph N. Mondello
Excerpts From Statement By Republican State Committee Chairman Joseph N. MondelloJanuary 31, 2008

"I conferred with Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco about the critically important race for the Republican presidential nomination. I am grateful that these two great Republican leaders join me in the following announcement.
"I am proud to announce that New York Republicans are endorsing Senator John McCain.
"Senator John McCain is a true leader, an extraordinary patriot, and a committed Republican. New York's Republican Party and John McCain have been good friends over the years. Our state committee was very proud that the Senator served as a keynote speaker at our annual State Dinner last year.

"Senator McCain has proven himself to be a leader with the experience necessary to lead our nation during troubled times. His unwavering commitment to winning the war on terror, stimulating the economy, limiting government and ensuring that our families are safe from dangers at home and abroad reflect the needs of New Yorkers and people across the country.

"After discussion with the county chairs, local organizations, legislative leadership and many other elected officials, I am honored to declare that New York's Republican Party is unified behind Senator McCain. As the primary process moves to Super Tuesday and particularly the New York primary, Republican activists across the state will be fully supporting Senator McCain, and working tirelessly to ensure that he is the next President of the United States. "

Read The Full New York Republicans Press Release

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE BOWERS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Georgia Attorney General Mike Bowers has endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"As someone who has had the distinct honor of serving my country in the military and my state as an elected official, I believe that John McCain is the best candidate that we can offer for the presidency," said Bowers. "John McCain is prepared to assume the role of commander in chief from the outset and will lead our nation based on the commonsense conservative principles that Georgians desire."

John McCain thanked Bowers for his support, stating, "Mike Bowers has always had a keen understanding of the results and accountability that everyday Georgians expect from their public servants. I am pleased that a leader with Mike's insight and instincts believes so strongly in my campaign for president."

Bowers, a graduate of the United States Military Academy and retired Air Force officer, served as the Attorney General of Georgia from 1981-1997.

"A CALL TO CONSERVATIVE ACTION"

The Wall Street Journal
By Vin Weber
February 1, 2008

"In February 2007, Gov. Mitt Romney stood at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., and announced his candidacy for President of the United States. As he did then and continued to do throughout this campaign, Mr. Romney spoke to a new vision for a stronger America.

"It is a vision that calls for empowering the American people through conservative change in Washington. From Dearborn to Des Moines to Jacksonville, Mr. Romney has articulated the conservative vision and the conservative policies needed to make America strong again.

"Mr. Romney is ready to meet the call for action. America is the greatest nation on Earth. We were the first nation on the moon; our technology is the envy of the world; and we are a beacon of freedom and opportunity. We are a leader in the world, but that leadership came with great sacrifice. It was won by those of the Greatest Generation who left their children a great nation.

"Now, it is our turn to take the mantle of leadership and ask, what kind of nation will we leave our children and grandchildren? We can leave future generations a greater nation, but only if we are willing to take the action necessary today to overcome a new generation of challenges."

…

"On each of the major challenges confronting our country, Washington has failed to act. Mr. Romney will not. Throughout his career in business and public service, he has never failed to meet a challenge. That is leadership we need today.

"For far too long, Americans have watched as our borders remain unsecure, our tax burden grows, and long-term challenges are left unfixed. This is a call to action that Mr. Romney has spoken to throughout this campaign. He will build a stronger America and has laid out the conservative strategy to do so."

…

"In a few short months, the American people will head to the polls to vote for their vision for a stronger America. This is not an election about yesterday and yesterday's fights. It is about winning the future for our children. Mr. Romney has laid out his vision to do that and it is a vision that brings change to a broken system.

"As he has done throughout his career, Mitt Romney is ready to get the hard things done to strengthen America."

Mr. Weber, a former Republican congressman from Minnesota, is policy chairman of the Romney for President campaign.

To read the full op-ed, please see: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120182704153833813.html

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES "EXPERIENCE MATTERS" TELEVISION AD IN CALIFORNIA

Today, Romney for President launched its "Experience Matters" television ad in California. The ad highlights Governor Romney's belief that our nation's leader must have the experience "to run the largest enterprise in the world." Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) does not have that experience and our nation cannot afford a leader who needs on-the-job training when it comes to executive leadership and the economy. Governor Romney has led businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In each case, he brought change and turned around institutions. As President, he will do the same for our government.

The ad will begin airing tomorrow in California. Script and viewing links are below.

Script For "Experience Matters" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Hillary Clinton wants to run the largest enterprise in the world. She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city.

"She has never run anything. And the idea that she could learn to be President as an internship just doesn't make any sense.

"I have spent my life running things. I've learned how to run a business. I've learned how to run a state. I ran the Olympics. In each case, I've brought change.

"And if there's ever been a time we needed change in Washington to bring strength to America, it's now.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

To watch "Experience Matters," please see: http://tv.mittromney.com/?showid=451202

AD FACTS: Script For "Experience Matters" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Hillary Clinton wants to run the largest enterprise in the world. She hasn't run a corner store. She hasn't run a state. She hasn't run a city. She has never run anything. And the idea that she could learn to be President as an internship just doesn't make any sense."

U.S. World & News Report'sMort Zuckerman: "Hillary Clinton Doesn't Exactly Have That Much Executive Experience…" ZUCKERMAN: "I'm just saying that if you want to talk about experience, what really is critical is executive experience. And on this particular criteria, even Hillary Clinton doesn't exactly have that much executive experience…" (MSNBC's "Tucker," 8/21/07)

Former Governor Mark Warner (D-VA) Contrasted His Executive Experience With Senator Clinton's Lack Thereof. "[Mark] Warner ever so quietly and carefully made the case why he might be a more pragmatic option than Mrs. Clinton. 'I think there is something different about somebody who has had executive experience,' said Mr. Warner, who wore a blue shirt and yellow tie. 'Oftentimes for a legislator, the end of the battle is once you've passed the bill--the facts are that's just the beginning. Once legislation is passed, that doesn't mean the problem is solved; that's the actual beginning.'" (Jason Horowitz, "Can Mark Warner Find Some Money Hillary Dropped," New York Observer, 9/25/06)

Senator Clinton Has Less Experience As An Elected Official Than Barack Obama. "I was never very good in math, but I do know how to add. If you add up Barack Obama's years in elective office the total is 10. If you add up Hillary Clinton's years in elective office, it is six. Maybe neither of them is qualified for the presidency, but considering the numbers, why is Mr. Obama's lack of experience more of an issue than Mrs. Rodham Clinton's?" (Chuck Goudie, Op-Ed, "It's Time To Come Clean About The Players In The Super Poll," Chicago Daily Herald, 2/5/07)
CHYRON: "The U.S. Government … 14.6 Million Federal Workforce … $2.4 Trillion Revenue"

The Federal Government's Workforce Is Made Up Of 14.6 Million People. "Paul Light, a professor of public service at New York University, estimates the true size of the federal work force at 14.6 million, including 7.6 million contractors, 2.9 million grantees and 1.9 million civil servants – the biggest it has been in more than two decades. The rest of the work force consists of 1.4 million military personnel and 0.8 million postal employees." (Elise Castelli, "Contractor And Grant-Funded Employees Outnumber Feds 5.5-To-1," The Federal Times, 10/17/06)

The Washington Post: "According to a recent study, not only is the number of federal civil servants on the rise, but so are the numbers of employees working for government-funded contractors and for organizations that receive government grants. Roll all of those together – and mix in the numbers of postal workers and military personnel on the federal payroll – and the 'true size' of the federal government stands at 14.6 million employees, said Paul C. Light, the study's author and a government professor at New York University. That compares with 12.1 million employees in 2002, said Light, who has tracked the growth of government for years and has data for as far back as 1990. The latest increase is almost entirely due to contractors, whose ranks swelled by 2.5 million since 2002, Light wrote in his 10-page research brief." (Christopher Lee, "Big Government Gets Bigger," The Washington Post, 10/6/06)

In Fiscal Year 2006, The U.S. Government Collected $2.4 Trillion In Revenue. ("The Budget and Economic Outlook: Fiscal Years 2008 To 2017," Congressional Budget Office, Link, 1/07)
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I have spent my life running things. I've learned how to run a business. I've learned how to run a state. I ran the Olympics. In each case, I've brought change. And if there's ever been a time we needed a change in Washington to bring strength to America, it's now. I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

Governor Romney Has "A Solid Reputation In The Business Community For Turning Companies Around." CNN's RHONDA SCHAFFLER: "Romney had a solid reputation in the business community for turning companies around, like Staples, Domino's Pizza and the Sports Authority." (CNN's "Business Unusual," 1/27/02)

The Boston Globe's Robert Gavin And Sacha Pfeiffer: "In time, Romney would lead the shaky start-up from a staff of seven people managing $37 million to 115 people managing $4 billion in assets. During Romney's 15-year tenure, Bain Capital would post an astonishing record, on average doubling its return on realized investments every year." (Robert Gavin and Sacha Pfeiffer, "Reaping Profit In Study, Sweat," The Boston Globe, 6/26/07)

Bloomberg's Heidi Pryzbyla: "Romney's business record is unmatched by the current crop of leading candidates." (Heidi Pryzbyla, "Romney Finds Classmate Bush's Management Lapses Unlikely Hurdle," Bloomberg, 7/1/07)

The Associated Press: "Romney took over as head of Salt Lake's Olympic organizing committee in February 1999 after it was revealed Salt Lake organizers doled out more than $1 million in cash and gifts to members of the International Olympic Committee to win the 2002 bid. Under Romney's leadership, the Games were lauded as a critical success, a model of post-Sept. 11 security and turned a $100 million profit. Romney, a successful venture capitalist before the Games, wrote a book after titled 'Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership and the Olympic Games.'" (Debbie Hummel, "Utah's 'Adopted Son' Returns To State For Presidential Fundraiser," The Associated Press, 2/21/07)

At The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Governor Romney Turned A $379 Million Deficit Into A $100 Million Profit. "As early as 1999, a financial crisis was looming: The Games were mired in a bribery scandal and were running a $379 million deficit. Romney was asked to step in, and he immediately slashed budgets and boosted sponsorships. And since the Games were held just months after Sept. 11, 2001, he oversaw a huge security apparatus. He now says it was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done, comparing it to 'arranging 17 Super Bowls a day for 17 days.' The Games ended up with a $100 million profit." (Marcia Vickers, "The Republicans' Mr. Fix-It," Fortune Magazine, 6/27/07)

In Massachusetts, Governor Romney Closed A Nearly $3 Billion Shortfall Without Raising Taxes. "When Mitt Romney became governor of Massachusetts in 2003, the state had a budget gap of almost $3 billion and was losing thousands of jobs a month. In Mr. Romney's four-year tenure, the deficit was eliminated without raising the sales tax or the income tax, and since the labor slump hit bottom in December 2003, the state has gained 81,000 jobs." (Pam Belluck, "Romney Candidacy Puts Massachusetts Economy In Spotlight," The New York Times, 3/16/07)

The Weekly Standard's Terry Eastland: "As governor, Romney has scored another turnaround, conservative in both ends and means. Told during the campaign that he would inherit a deficit of between $500 million and $1.5 billion, Romney discovered upon taking office a $650 million deficit in fiscal 2003 and an anticipated one of $3 billion in fiscal 2004. Romney balanced the 2003 budget, and he finished 2004 with a $700 million surplus. A reviving economy helped, but Romney didn't tax or borrow, and he reduced spending through government consolidation and reform." (Terry Eastland, "In 2008, Will It Be Mormon In America?" The Weekly Standard, 6/6/05)

To watch "Experience Matters," please see: http://tv.mittromney.com/?showid=451202

OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN BUNNY CHAMBERS ENDORSES GOVERNOR ROMNEY

Today, Oklahoma Republican National Committeewoman Bunny Chambers announced her endorsement of Governor Mitt Romney. Committeewoman Chambers has years of experience working in Oklahoma politics working to support the Republican Party and conservative candidates.

"From the grassroots level to the leadership of the Republican Party, Committeewoman Chambers has been a strong Republican leader over much of the last three decades. Her knowledge of Oklahoma politics will be critical as we approach the primary on February 5th. I look forward to working with her in the months ahead as we advance our campaign to change Washington," said Governor Romney.

Committeewoman Chambers added, "Governor Romney has had an impressive career of bringing change to troubled institutions. That is leadership we need in Washington today. The people of Oklahoma want a leader who will bring change and that leader is Governor Romney. I am proud to support his candidacy and encourage all my fellow Republicans in Oklahoma to cast their vote for Governor Romney."

Background On Oklahoma Republican National Committeewoman Bunny Chambers:
Bunny Chambers Has Served As Oklahoma's Republican National Committeewoman Since 1996. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Republican State Committee of Oklahoma. She has also held numerous positions on the grassroots level in her precinct and House District. Chambers has been a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2004.

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Texas Governor Rick Perry has endorsed John McCain for president.

"Of all the issues the American people must consider as they select a commander in chief, I am convinced that our most pressing concern is the ongoing war on terror," said Governor Perry. "Senator John McCain is the best prepared candidate to guide us to victory in this war and protect our nation against future terrorist attacks. John McCain is a man of principle and a man who has never been afraid of making tough decisions, regardless of the consequences. John McCain has my respect and my endorsement for President of the United States."

John McCain thanked Governor Perry for his support, saying, "Rick's commitment to the great state of Texas is a shining example of public service. He has consistently stood up for the best interests of those who elected him. His dedication to the principles of individual freedom and limited government has made the Lone Star state an even better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. Rick is a great addition to our strong team of supporters, and I am honored to have him on board."

A fifth generation Texan, Governor Perry grew up the son of tenant farmers in the tiny West Texas town of Paint Creek. Governor Perry was one of the first in his family to go to college, earning a degree in Animal Science at Texas A&M. Between 1972 and 1977, Governor Perry served in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft in Europe and the Middle East. Prior to being elected Lieutenant Governor in 1998, he served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and four terms in the Texas House of Representatives. Governor Perry married his childhood sweetheart, Anita Thigpen, in 1982. The Governor and First Lady are the proud parents of two children.

FORMER GIULIANI NATIONAL POLICY DIRECTOR BILL SIMON TO JOIN MCCAIN CAMPAIGN AS NATIONAL POLICY CO-CHAIR

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Rudy Giuliani National Policy Director Bill Simon has endorsed John McCain for president. Simon will join the campaign serving as National Policy Co-Chair.

"I am very proud to support John McCain to be the next President," said Simon. "John has been a tireless leader for our party for over two decades, and his experience and judgment are precisely the qualities needed in our next Commander and Chief."

John McCain thanked Simon for his support, stating, "I am pleased that Bill Simon has agreed to join our campaign team. I was proud to campaign for him in 2002 and have enormous respect for him as a national conservative leader."

Mr. Simon has had a distinguished career in law, business, and public policy. He is co-chairman of William E. Simon and Sons, LLC, an investment firm which he co-founded in 1988 with his father, William E. Simon, Sr., a former United States Treasury Secretary, and his brother J. Peter Simon. He has given speeches to numerous conservative organizations including the Heritage Foundation, Manhattan Institute, Conservative Political Action Conference, and the Pacific Research Institute. In addition, he has appeared regularly on FOX News and written articles for the American Spectator and NewsMax.com. He also currently serves as co-chairman of the Cynthia L. and William E. Simon, Jr. Foundation, which helps needy children in urban areas through faith-based efforts. Simon entered the political arena in 2001 as the Republican gubernatorial nominee in California. Early in his career, Simon worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was then the United States Attorney for the Southern District.

SEVEN RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the endorsement of seven Republican National Committee members.

"After his victory in Florida, John McCain is clearly in the best position to win the Republican nomination," said RNC Vice Chairman Chuck Yob. "His ability to unify the Reagan coalition of national security conservatives, social conservatives, and fiscal conservatives gives Republicans the best chance of winning in November."

John McCain thanked the RNC members, saying, "I am honored to have received the endorsement of these dedicated leaders in the Republican Party, and I am thankful for their support."

Members of the Republican National Committee are automatically seated as delegates at the Republican National Convention. From this endorsement list, John McCain gains seven super-delegate votes at the Republican National Convention.

RNC MEMBERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAINWilliam "Van" Hilleary, TennesseeKay Katz, LouisianaJoseph Mondello, New YorkRoman Palacios, Northern Mariana IslandsSandy Treadwell, New YorkTom Wilson, New JerseyJennifer Yaffa, New York

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES VIRGINIA BUSINESS LEADERS FOR MCCAIN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the Virginia Business Leaders for McCain team. The team will contribute to the growing momentum among the business community on behalf of John McCain's campaign for president.

"We are proud to be supporting John McCain in his candidacy for president," said Bobbie Kilberg. "John McCain has leadership skills that are vital to guide our economy through challenging times, and he is the only candidate with the experience to lead our country from day one in the Oval Office."

John McCain thanked the business leaders, stating, "I am excited to have the support of so many business leaders from across the Commonwealth of Virginia and look forward to working with them as we work towards a victory in Virginia on February 12th."

VIRGINIA BUSINESS LEADERS FOR MCCAIN
Melchior Baltazar
Christian Braunlich
Paul Cofoni
Charles Curran
Mike Devine
Bob Dinkel
Phil Duke
Thomas Farrell
Raul Fernandez
Bill Fetsch
Mark Frantz
Janet Hale
Christian Hoff
Mark Hughes
Tod Hullin
Christopher Jehn
Bob Johnson
Bobbie Kilberg
Curt Kolcun
Jim LeBlanc
John Lee
Ted Leonsis
Jim Leto
Paul Lombardi
Jack London
John Love
Fred Malek
Titi McNeill
Tim Meyers
Champ Mitchell
Kent Murphy
Bob Nelson
Gary Pan
Carter Pate
Sterling Phillips
Michael Powell
Rob Quartel
Fuad Sahouri
Mary Sahouri
Brad Schwartz
Cory Starr
Stephen Vermillion
Earle Williams
James Williams
Al Zapanta

ANOTHER CONSERVATIVE VOTE FOR GOVERNOR ROMNEY

RC Note: I happened to be listening to Hannity yesterday when he made this statement. The entire exchange is worth a listen. He is very convincing!

Sean Hannity: "I'll tell you right now, and I've not announced this, but I will be voting for Mitt Romney in this campaign. It's the first time I've stated it publicly. I'll state it now." ("Sean Hannity Radio Show," 1/31/08)

To listen to Sean Hannity, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt-P4HoppiQ

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT TOTALS OVER $27 MILLION IN

Today, Romney for President announced it reported over $27 million in total receipts for the Fourth Quarter, ending December 31, 2007. The Campaign again opted to raise no general election funds and reported $9 million in primary contributions. The total receipts include Governor Romney's loan of $18 million.

For the entire year, Romney for President had total receipts of $90 million. In the past month, Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington has resonated with people across this country. Governor Romney has won three states, placed a strong second in another three and had a strong showing in South Carolina.

In the Fourth Quarter, Romney for President focused on growing its network of grassroots support ahead of the critical early caucus and primary states. For the year, Romney for President will report more than 119,000 contributors to Governor Romney's effort. In the Fourth Quarter, Governor Romney focused on meeting with voters across the country and campaigning.

"Over the past year, our campaign expanded Governor Romney's grassroots support across the country, and we have seen Americans rally to his message of bringing conservative change to a broken Washington. As this campaign progresses and more Americans cast their vote, we will continue to build Governor Romney's network of grassroots support," said Romney for President national spokesman Kevin Madden.

FAST FACTS About Romney For President's Over $27 Million Fourth Quarter Total:
Amount Reported In Primary Contributions In The Fourth Quarter: $9 Million
In The Fourth Quarter, Governor Romney Loaned $18 Million To Romney For President
Total Amount Raised In Primary Contributions For The Year: Approximately $53.5 Million
Total Amount Of Revenue For The Year: $90 Million
Total Number Of Donors In 2007: More Than 119,000
Contributions Received From All 50 States And Washington, D.C.
NO General Election Money Collected In 2007 (General Funds Cannot Be Spent During The Primary Election)