Romney sits for gubernatorial portrait

Will leave visage for posterity

Mitt Romney is about to return to the governor's office.

Massachusetts' former Republican chief executive is spending $30,000 to have his official portrait painted. He already had one sitting at his vacation home in Wolfeboro, N.H. Once finished, the portrait will hang alongside those of his recent predecessors in the lobby outside the governor's office.

State campaign finance records show that Romney, who waged an unsuccessful bid for the presidency this year, paid New Hampshire artist Richard Whitney a $10,000 down payment last month. He also paid $90 to his former gubernatorial photographer Abby Brack for photos to help develop the picture.

"Mr. Whitney is an esteemed portrait artist who is known for his realistic paintings, and Governor Romney is pleased that he has accepted this commission," Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said. Whitney has painted Senator Jim Webb of Virginia and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich.

By tradition, Romney's portrait will hang next to that of his immediate predecessor, acting governor Jane Swift, who has clashed with her fellow Republican before and after leaving office. She endorsed his primary rival, John McCain, who won the GOP nomination.

It also will trigger a reshuffling that sends the oldest portrait in the lobby, in this case of John Volpe, into the Statehouse halls. They are lined with the portraits of other former governors.