Mitt Romney’s rally in New Hampshire has a Massachusetts’ feel to it

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

DERRY, N.H. – Mitt Romney came here this morning seeking to scoop up some of the many undecided voters four days before the New Hampshire primary. But his rally, with several hundred supporters in the Pinkerton Academy gymnasium, at times felt like it was a Massachusetts outpost.

At least five members of the Massachusetts Legislature – all Republicans – were on hand (“It’s certainly not over, but you’ve got to like where he’s at,” said Representative Brad Jones). Newton Mayor Setti Warren was near the rally to provide the Democratic counterpoint (“People need to know what Governor Romney’s record is,” he said).

When Romney mentioned his home state – “Next door in that little state known as Massachusetts” – cheers went out.

“My goodness, we have a contingent!” Romney said. “You have a border-security problem here, apparently.”

Then, when he mentioned the name of former Senate president Billy Bulger, a smattering of boos went out.

“He used to joke that the FBI came to him and said that they had counted in the triple decker – you know what that is, these triple apartment homes,” Romney said. “He said the triple decker across from his home voted 257 times for him in the last election, and how could he explain that? And he said, ‘Easy, the top floor was still empty.’ So you guys get out there and vote.”

Protesters briefly interrupted his speech but were drowned out with chants of “Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!”

“We have some people who want to make themselves heard – hi guys,” Romney said as his supporters’ chants surrounded them. “Well, we’re lucky to live in a country where people are able to express their views, you know that? I love the freedom of this great country. Although I do prefer when we do it with respect and civility.”

“Let’s get back,” he added. “Let me tell you how I’m going to balance the budget. We did that in Massachusetts, you know that? I see some Massachusetts legislators right here. Thanks you guys. This, by the way, is the total contingent of Republican legislators it seems like in Massachusetts.”

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.