Romney downplays veep talk, launches PAC
Mitt Romney is on many a short list for possible Republican vice presidential nominee. And he is among the possible picks who will attend a gathering this weekend at John McCain's Arizona ranch.
But in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published today, Romney downplays that speculation.
"Sen. McCain will make his own assessment and I don't have any insight on that at all," Romney said. "Frankly, I'm not expecting that. I think that call is very unlikely and my plans are consistent with being a supporter of the ticket, not a member of it."
The former Massachusetts governor also knocked down talk that he is auditioning for a spot on the ticket.
"I'm doing now what the McCain campaign asks me to do. I'm not doing TV appearances other than those that they ask me to do. I'm not doing events around the country other than those he asks me to do. And for that matter, I think that the VP talk is missing the mark. We're trying to get John McCain elected in what will be presumably a difficult year for Republicans."
Romney today also launched a new political action committee to help Republican candidates, but that will also help keep his name in the mix. He is honorary chairman of the Free & Strong America PAC, which declares on its website that it "supports officeholders and candidates who are dedicated to promoting public policies that will strengthen America at this critical time in our history. Working together with the American people, we will advance conservative social, fiscal, and foreign policies that are essential to our nation’s strength and freedom."
UPDATE: Kevin Madden, Romney's former spokesman, made a case for his former boss on Fox News today.
Romney can help deliver states including Michigan and Nevada, while McCain is already doing well in Florida (home to Governor Charlie Crist, another invitee) and Louisiana (home to Governor Bobby Jindal, another invitee) is a reliably Republican state.
Madden also argued that by picking Romney, McCain could show he harbors no animosity and doesn't hold grudges.
"Nothing is going to solve that better than picking him as his VP candidate," Madden said.
McCain, who has a reputation for having a temper, had some harsh exchanges with Romney before he dropped out of the nomination race and endorsed him.
Madden also speculated on the praise for McCain's culinary skills and elbowing among potential VP picks at the gathering.
"You have to have good table manners, who knows," Madden said.
Please pick Mick
Oh Romney, and to think I once had such high hopes for you...
So...Romney's new PAC will support Barack Obama, then.
What he is saying is "I am goint to start running smear ads on Obama and I am going to be VP".
You want more of the same, vote McCain.
My vote is for Obama.
Earth to Mitt: McCain hasn't got a prayer...
Don't ya'll know America is thirsting for change -- even if that change means higher taxes, bigger goverment, and of course surrendering to our enemies.
Change is on its way, baby. G Damn the US of KKK-A!
Go Barrack McGovern!
No, Mitt Romney is a Republican, Obama is an idiot.
According to The Book of Revelations the anti-christ is:
"The anti-christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything."
Hmmm...sound familiar Deward?
Pleaseeee!
This guy will say anything he has to say to get ahead. He is devisive and a bigot... McCain can do much better!!!!!
Dang! There's a positive outlook, kevkristy!
Alls not lost yet. Maybe America will recognize that Obama is a nice dreamer, and pass him over.
With Romney, McCain will have the polygamist vote sewed up!
Joe Kelly, have you even read the Bible?
There is no mention of the word "Muslim" anywhere in there, for an obvious reason -- Islam didn't exist yet.
We need an Economist to help get us back in the black. I''m all for Mitt helping out
McCain. We need positive change in our country. I could care less what will happen to anyone else. I want my tax dollars spent here not in the Middle East. Mitt is the only Economist out of all the candidates and also the only one qualified to make positive changes at home.
Mitt is a complete fraud. He makes Bill Clinton look like an unwavering man of principle. This is the guy who bad mouths his own state to score points with rednecks. This is a guy who said he was stepping down as governor because he had accomplished everything there was to accomplish - despite being close to a no-show during his time as governor. This is the guy who said he was dropping out of the presidential race not because he lost, but because staying in would "help the terrorists." He doesn't have an authentic bone in his Stepford body. What a loser.
Joe Kelly,
Thank goodness my SPAM Filter catches all those ridiculous email chain or I too might be duped that Obama is the anti christ, or George Bush and Bill Gates for that matter. Did you also send the money to the guy in Nigeria who promised 10 million if you just paid 10,000 for nominal legal fees to get the money out of the bank?
Look at all the losers on here bashing Romney, a self made man who is more successful than all of you losers could ever hope to be.
Mccain is going to pick Mitt and they will beat Obama and whoever he picks easily.
You don't have to like it but you will have to accept it.
There is a very important reason for Mccain to pick Mitt Romney as his Vice President for the general election.Mitt Romney is a serious and most reliable candidate in times of difficulties for Mccain to handle everyday duties.Mitt Romney is beyound doubt a great asset for John Mccain in many issues including the economy which seems like the issue for the upcoming election.It is easy to understand why Romney is successful in his life as an enterpreneur,an executive,a family man and an excellent leader is because of his unselfish and unwavering attitude towards solving any kind of problems.I like Mitt Romney when running as a Presidential candidate and the qualities of the man he shown what an honest candidate he is.
Peter, Romney a "self made man"?
Uuuh you might want to check the actual facts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitt_Romney
Romney was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. If Romney thinks running political smear ads is going to help McCain he is welcome. The Republicans just don't get it. Smear masquerading as policy and spreading lies will not work on the American people this year.
My vote is for Obama.
I agree with you dude, McCain has to pick Romney if he wants to win the Presidential Election. I think that it is the best match up. McCain for a stronger Military and Romney for a stronger economy and family values, which our nation is lacking big time. I think that with the two of them in the mix, our nation will climb out of recession faster than an Obama or Hillary ticket. We definitely need leadership that will help us and not just create more controversy with Hillary announcing that she did not have s$%@% relations with a Mr. Lewinski and Obama creeping us out with his pastor trying to convert America to Terrorism. I think that Romney is the Man and should be our VP. I know I sound biased, but I really could care less...please pick Romney ...he is our last chance at a Republican for President :)
Keep dreamin' Peter. I'm a Republican - McCain won't win no matter who is on his ticket. The man is an embarrassment to our party.
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