Romney awaits word on whether he'll give speech

ST. PAUL - Mitt Romney's schedule at the Republican National Convention this week is packed with speeches and appearances, including a nightly reception dubbed "Mitt's Meet & Mingle in Minnesota" at the M Street Cafe.

But whether he would have a prime-time speaking slot remained uncertain last night.

Romney, a strong contender in the Republican primary, had originally been given a high-profile speaking slot tonight. After Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was chosen to be McCain's running mate, he was bumped to last night. Then because Hurricane Gustav forced the GOP to shorten its program Monday night, he was removed from last night's line-up.

Eric Fehrnstrom, a spokesman for Romney, said the governor ran through his speech on the convention floor yesterday afternoon, but that he was still waiting to hear exactly when he might speak. Romney, he said, was not at all concerned about the uncertainty.

"We'll do whatever they ask us to do," he said.

Steve Duprey, a McCain aide and one of three deputy chairmen of the convention, said those in charge of the program were "juggling mightily" the list of speakers and trying to figure out how to cram four days worth into three days.

He said that Fred Thompson, whose presidential bid this year was far less successful than Romney's, and Senator Joe Lieberman, who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2000, were chosen to speak last night because both men are close friends of McCain's and therefore well positioned to emphasize his biography.

Romney, who had been considered one of the top prospects to be McCain's running mate, told reporters yesterday he was not disappointed that McCain selected Palin instead.

"I think Sarah Palin connects very, very well with the base of our party and with individuals who are undecided across the country," Romney said before he addressed the Massachusetts delegation. "I think she's going to bring a lot of moms and dads to our team."

During the primary campaign, Romney often mentioned teen pregnancy in his stump speech, winning hearty applause each time he declared that children should learn that "they need to get married before they have babies." But he struck a more understanding note yesterday when asked about Bristol Palin, 17, who is five months pregnant.

"I think anybody who thinks there are families who don't have problems hasn't lived in a family," he said. "I think Barack Obama showed a lot of class by saying, 'You know what? The kids in a family, they're off limits.' "

He acknowledged being disappointed that he lost the GOP primaries. "I wish I were the Republican presidential nominee, that's what I fought hard for," he conceded. "But John McCain won fair and square."

But Romney he said he has "no interest. . . . whatsoever" in a Cabinet post if McCain wins, though some supporters have been pushing that prospect.

Romney, whose father George served unhappily in the Nixon administration after losing to him in the 1968 presidential primary, said his father's experience had taught him he would not be happy as a top White House aide.

"He felt he was kind of soldiered by the young folks in the White House and then there's a big bureaucracy that you try to move, it's hard to do that," Romney said. "I just don't have any interest in a Cabinet position."

Instead, he said, he planned to work outside the government to promote his views on public policy. Earlier this summer, Romney put together a political action committee, the Free and Strong America PAC, and has been raising money for GOP candidates and helping to promote conservative causes.