More quotes and links on Ray Ruddy's pro-life work and contributions: Ruddy’s latest plan for the foundation is to grant up to $3 million a year for projects focused on a broad range of life-saving efforts, their success measured by historical data and statistical analysis... This is a new twist in mission for Gerard Health Foundation, which to date has granted about $7 million primarily to organizations working on pro-life and abstinence-related issues... Ruddy did his homework, He spent three full days over the course of a month looking online for organizations focused on what he deems life-saving initiatives. He assigned a Gerard staff person to send copies of the RFP [Request For Proposal] to many of them. “There were a number of interesting things. Organ donor transplants. Groups to save burn victims. Mercy ships staffed with doctors off the coast of Africa — that seems to be interesting to me in terms of lives saved. Groups that go in after war that help to save children,” Ruddy said. “I wanted to expand. If I just wanted to do pro-life, I have a good mailing list for pro-life groups.” ... Ruddy, who has contributed approximately $25 million to his pet causes, called his change of course necessary in light of the Obama administration, which he characterized as having “a Blitzkrieg going on to enact the abortion agenda” that makes it “incrementally difficult to make progress in the pro-life area.” Boston Business Journal - Philanthropist puts bounty on saving lives A collection of faith-based groups is asking the federal government to investigate allegations that affiliates of Planned Parenthood in California may have fraudulently charged the federal government millions of dollars. Planned Parenthood receives federal funding through the Title X Family Planning program, a 90-percent Medicaid match for family planning, and a federal program to purchase drugs from manufacturers at a reduced price. In 2004, state auditors in California began reviewing Planned Parenthood affiliates; however, the audit was stopped after only one review was completed. That review found that Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside counties overbilled the government more than $5.2 million. Ray Ruddy, president of Gerard Health Foundation, is leading the call for the federal investigation... One News Now - Planned Parenthood guilty of fraud? "Ray [Ruddy] is a rare leader who puts his money where his heart is, and he did much to win George Bush his presidency," Manuel Miranda, the Chairman of the conservative Third Branch Conference, told me in an e-mail interview. Although Miranda maintained that Ruddy's "small financial support to social conservative efforts is eclipsed by the applied wealth of George Soros and Hollywood," the former backer of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney also appears to be spearheading an effort - waged by a collection of Christian conservative organizations - aimed at putting Planned Parenthood out of business. Talk To Action - The Raymond Ruddy Effect At a Friday evening celebration at the National Building Museum, six Americans were awarded the first annual “Life Prizes” for their heroism in defending the sanctity of human life. The event was attended by more than 1,200 pro-life activists and leaders and their families... (Excerpts of program, summary of winners accomplishments, etc are then provided) CNS News - Six Americans Receive First Annual ‘Life Prizes' for Defending Sanctity of Life

(Full text and video of Life Prizes Ceremony is provided here: LifePrizes.org - Ceremony)

Anne Fox— President of Massachusetts Citizens for Life

“Since being elected governor, Mitt Romney has had a consistent commitment to the culture of life. As governor, he worked closely with Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Misguided attempts to blame Mitt Romney for the fact that state-funded health care in Massachusetts funds abortion ignore the facts. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in 1981 that the Massachusetts Constitution requires the funding of abortion. This decision forces Massachusetts to fund abortion to the same extent it funds other medical procedures. A 1986 attempt to overturn the court ruling with a Constitutional Amendment failed. Obviously, in providing health coverage, the governor and the legislature were bound by this decision.”

"Ms. Fox of Citizens for Life says her antiabortion group began having regular contact with a Romney aide [while Romney was governor] and through him asked if Mr. Romney's wife, Ann, would become an honorary chairwoman of its new capital campaign. She did so."

Massachusetts Citizens for Life endorses Mitt Romney

"Romney’s home state group — the organization that perhaps knows his conversion to the pro-life perspective and record as former governor of the Bay State better than any — is endorsing him...

" “As the country’s most pro-abortion president, Barack Obama has pursued a radical pro-abortion agenda,” the organization told LifeNews. “In contrast, as governor, Mitt Romney worked closely with MCFL. He takes a strong pro-life position and is committed to implementing policies to protect the unborn, the medically dependent, the disabled, and the elderly.” ...

"John Rowe, the chairman of the Massachusetts Citizens for Life PAC, said, “... We look forward to Mitt Romney’s election as our next pro-life president on November 6th.” "

Marie Sturgis— Executive Director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life

"It’s a view echoed by Marie Sturgis, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, who says, “Having Governor Romney in the corner office for the last four years has been one of the strongest assets the pro-life movement has had in Massachusetts. His actions concerning life issues have been consistent and he has been helpful down the line for us in the Bay State.” "

Kris Mineau— President of Massachusetts Family Institute

"Mineau is among those Massachusetts social conservatives who are grateful to have had Romney in the statehouse... “For the four years of his administration, Governor Romney provided strong leadership on key conservative social issues — whether it was politically expedient to do so or not.” He tells National Review Online, “I believe Mitt Romney has done an excellent job in defending traditional family values in Massachusetts despite an extremely hostile legislature and judiciary, not to mention an attorney general and secretary of state who both opposed everything the governor stood for.” ...

"Mineau is among the signatories of a letter expected to be released on Thursday by a coalition of “organizations dedicated to fighting for the pro-family agenda in Massachusetts.” ... The letter, which organizers provided NRO with drafts of Wednesday night, defends the governor’s record and praises his staff for their commitment to affirming a culture of life, protecting traditional marriage, and defending religious liberty. Among those signing the letter are Harvard University law professor Mary Ann Glendon (who also serves as the president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in Rome)."

" “On marriage and cloning, he has provided aggressive leadership as a positive, pro-family governor,” says Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute."

• Thomas A. Shields— Chairman, Coalition for Family and Marriage
• James Morgan— President, Institute for Family Development
• Joseph Reilly— President, Massachusetts Citizens for Life
• Rita Covelle— President, Morality in Media Massachusetts
• Kris Mineau— President of Massachusetts Family Institute
• Other Massachusetts pro life leaders

An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney (January 11, 2007):

“As you know, Mitt Romney became the governor of our state in 2003. Since that time, we have worked closely with him...

“Some press accounts and bloggers have described Governor Romney in terms we neither have observed nor can we accept. To the contrary, we, who have been fighting here for the values you also hold, are indebted to him and his responsive staff in demonstrating solid social conservative credentials by undertaking the following actions here in Massachusetts:

“Staunchly defended traditional marriage. ...

“Fought for abstinence education. In 2006, under Governor Romney's leadership, Massachusetts' public schools began to offer a classroom program on abstinence from the faith-based Boston group Healthy Futures to middle school students. Promoting the program, Governor Romney stated, "I've never had anyone complain to me that their kids are not learning enough about sex in school. However, a number of people have asked me why it is that we do not speak more about abstinence as a safe and preventative health practice."

“Affirmed the culture of life. Governor Romney has vetoed bills to provide access to the so-called "morning-after pill," which is an abortifacient, as well as a bill providing for expansive, embryo-destroying stem cell research. He vetoed the latter bill in 2005 because he could not "in good conscience allow this bill to become law." ...

“All of this may explain why John J. Miller, the national political reporter of National Review, has written that "a good case can be made that Romney has fought harder for social conservatives than any other governor in America, and it is difficult to imagine his doing so in a more daunting political environment."

“We are aware of the 1994 comments of Senate candidate Romney, which have been the subject of much recent discussion... they do not dovetail with the actions of Governor Romney from 2003 until now - and those actions have positively and demonstrably impacted the social climate of Massachusetts.

“Since well before 2003, we have been laboring in the trenches of Massachusetts, fighting for the family values you and we share. It is difficult work indeed - not for the faint of heart. In this challenging environment, Governor Romney has proven that he shares our values, as well as our determination to protect them.

“For four years, Governor Romney has been right there beside us, providing leadership on key issues - whether it was politically expedient to do so or not. He has stood on principle, and we have benefited greatly from having him with us.

“It is clear that Governor Romney has learned much since 1994 - to the benefit of our movement and our Commonwealth. In fact, the entire nation has benefited from his socially conservative, pro-family actions in office. As we explained earlier, his leadership on the marriage issue helped prevent our nation from being plunged into even worse legal turmoil following the court decision that forced "gay marriage" upon our Commonwealth.

“For that our country ought to be thankful. We certainly are.”

An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney - Jan 11, 2007

(For more info on the letter, read previous entry by clicking here)

Expanded Open Letter with additional Social Conservatives signing on

The above letter has been expanded in light of incorrect information during the 2012 election. It has been signed by the same signatories as the first letter with a couple of additional signatories replacing one from the previous cycle. Also a dozen Florida social conservatives have signed onto the expanded letter.

The new letter includes the following:

"We do not agree with the claims that Gov. Romney is responsible for tax payer funded abortion under the Massachusetts health care system. That blame lies solely on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court who ruled in 1981 that the Massachusetts Constitution required payment for abortions for Medicaid-eligible women. In 1997, the Court reaffirmed its position that a state-subsidized plan must offer “medically necessary abortions.” "

Mary Anne Glendon - Women Affirming Life Founder, gives statement on Mitt Romney - Jan 13, 2012

CATHOLIC

Seán Patrick Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap—
Archbishop of Boston

“Cardinal O'Malley in Boston has said that Romney was a better friend to the Catholic church than any other MA governor in decades, and he was about the only one that wasn't Catholic.”

(archived page — original site expired)

"Standing today with Governor Romney in support of the Protection of Marriage Amendment, which would allow the voters of the Commonwealth to determine the definition of marriage in Massachusetts, were Seán Cardinal O'Malley, OFM Cap, Archdiocese of Boston; Bishop George Coleman, Diocese of Fall River; Bishop Robert McManus, Diocese of Worcester; ...

"Cardinal Seán O'Malley said, “Marriage is the foundation of family life in our society. People of many faiths and from many walks of life have joined us to support marriage as being only the union between one man and one woman. The debate over the meaning of marriage should not be limited to government officials. The magnitude of the issue calls for full participation by the citizens of the Commonwealth. We urge our legislators to let the people exercise their right to vote.”

" “Governor Romney has said all along that the people’s voice matters, and today he has demonstrated that leadership again by focusing public attention on those in the state legislature who are strategizing to deny Massachusetts citizens the right to vote on marriage,” said Kris Mineau, President, Massachusetts Family Institute and Spokesman for VoteOnMarriage.org."

"In an apparent response" to "an open letter to Cardinal O’Malley and the Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts, accusing them of “promoting prejudice,” " sent by a group for gay marriage, "Gov. Mitt Romney held a press conference with traditional marriage supporters including Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley at the Statehouse on June 28".

In the press release, "Cardinal O’Malley said that society has a duty to pass on a strong institution of marriage for the good of future generations. The optimal place for children is a family of a father and mother in a permanent, loving, committed relationship which deserves to be protected by the state, he said.

" “To redefine marriage as merely an arrangement among adults undermines the family and will have serious consequences in our future,” he added."

7 More articles on Romney & Cardinal O'Malley »

• Mary Ann Glendon— President, Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
• Richard Guerriero— Immediate Past State Deputy, Knights of Columbus

The previously mentioned open letter included at least these two prominent Catholic leaders.

An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney (January 11, 2007):

“As you know, Mitt Romney became the governor of our state in 2003. Since that time, we have worked closely with him and his excellent staff on that [pro-family] agenda.

“Some press accounts and bloggers have described Governor Romney in terms we neither have observed nor can we accept. To the contrary, we, who have been fighting here for the values you also hold, are indebted to him and his responsive staff in demonstrating solid social conservative credentials by undertaking the following actions here in Massachusetts:

“Staunchly defended traditional marriage. ...

“Affirmed the culture of life. ...

“Stood for religious freedom. Last year, Governor Romney was stalwart in defense of the right of Catholic Charities of Boston to refuse to allow homosexual couples to adopt children in its care. Catholic Charities was loudly accused of "discrimination," but Governor Romney correctly pointed out that it is unjust to force a religious agency to violate the tenets of its faith in order to placate a special-interest group.

“Filed "An Act Protecting Religious Freedom" in the Massachusetts legislature to save Catholic Charities of Boston and other religious groups from being forced to violate their moral principles or stop doing important charitable work.

“All of this may explain why John J. Miller, the national political reporter of National Review, has written that "a good case can be made that Romney has fought harder for social conservatives than any other governor in America, and it is difficult to imagine his doing so in a more daunting political environment." ...

“Since well before 2003, we have been laboring in the trenches of Massachusetts, fighting for the family values you and we share. It is difficult work indeed - not for the faint of heart. In this challenging environment, Governor Romney has proven that he shares our values, as well as our determination to protect them.

“For four years, Governor Romney has been right there beside us, providing leadership on key issues - whether it was politically expedient to do so or not. He has stood on principle, and we have benefited greatly from having him with us...”

signed sincerely,

Rita Covelle
President, Morality in the Media Massachusetts

Richard Guerriero
Immediate Past State Deputy, Massachusetts State Council, Knights of Columbus

Mary Ann Glendon
Learned Hand Professor of Law, Harvard Law School (and president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in Rome)

Kristian Mineau
President, Massachusetts Family Institute

Dr. Roberto Miranda
President, COPAHNI Fellowship of Hispanic Pastors of New England (and Chairman of Voteonmarriage.org and Covenant for New England)

James Morgan
President, Institute for Family Development

Joseph Reilly
President, Massachusetts Citizens for Life

Thomas A. Shields
Chairman, Coalition for Family and Marriage

The Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney - Jan 11, 2007

More on Mary Ann Glendon and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences:

"The letter, which organizers provided NRO with drafts of Wednesday night, defends the governor’s record and praises his staff for their commitment to affirming a culture of life, protecting traditional marriage, and defending religious liberty. Among those signing the letter are Harvard University law professor Mary Ann Glendon (who also serves as the president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences in Rome)."

"The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was founded by John Paul II in January 1994, with the Motu Proprio "Socialum Scientiarum." Its objective, says Article 1 of its statutes, is "to promote the study and progress of social, economic, political and juridical sciences in the light of the social doctrine of the Church."

"The academy is autonomous and at the same time, maintains a very close relationship with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, with which it coordinates the planning of various initiatives. Its academicians are also named by the pope ..."

Mary Ann Glendon was appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences by Pope John Paul II, in January 1994, just days after the Holy Father created the academy. (Pontifical Academies - Glendon)

One decade later, in 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed Mary Ann Glendon to be the president of the academy for a five year term. (Boston.com)

A few months after signing the open letter noted above, Mary Ann Glendon was also appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. (CatholicExchange.com - Interesting interview of her experience as Ambassador)

She continued to serve as President of the Pontificial Academy of Social Sciences into 2009 as appointed. (Vatican - MOTU PROPRIO, HISTORY AND AIM OF THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES - 2009)

More Catholic Leaders statements »

4 More articles about Rev Brown and Brown & Romney »

Bishop Gilbert Thompson—
Senior Pastor of a Boston megachurch
President- Black Ministerial Alliance

“Although Baker-Gomez [a veteran Democratic strategist and now chief of staff for state Representative Gloria Fox] characterizes Bishop Thompson as “a star supporter of Romney,” she’s inclined to view him as largely apolitical... But the nature of a megachurch’s mega-ness—the sheer numbers of citizens and dollars and square feet involved, the emphasis on growth as a cardinal virtue—tends to thrust its leader into the public sphere”. (Boston Magazine - The Kingdom and the Power - Aug 2006)

“In 2003, Thompson hosted Romney’s inaugural prayer breakfast at his church, then known as New Covenant Christian Church, and praised Romney as "an obviously great man with great wisdom." Since then, the Bay State Banner, Boston’s African-American newspaper, has described Thompson as a "Romney advisor" and quoted Romney calling the bishop his "kitchen cabinet." ” (BostonPhoenix.com - Jun 24, 2005)

Gilbert Thompson has built a megachurch 7,000 souls strong, the biggest congregation of any black church in greater Boston. Since 2004, he has also been the president of the Black Ministerial Alliance (BMA), an organization of Boston's black clergy, representing 20,000 members.

Dr. Roberto Miranda—
• Senior Paster of a large Boston Church
• Founder and Chairman- Covenant for New England
• Chairman- Voteonmarriage.org
• Founder, President- COPAHNI
(Fellowship of Hispanic Pastors of New England)

Open Letter with other Massachusetts pro-family leaders, Jan 11, 2007:

“As you know, Mitt Romney became the governor of our state in 2003. Since that time, we have worked closely with him and his excellent staff on that [pro-family] agenda.

“Some press accounts and bloggers have described Governor Romney in terms we neither have observed nor can we accept. To the contrary, we, who have been fighting here for the values you also hold, are indebted to him and his responsive staff in demonstrating solid social conservative credentials by undertaking the following actions here in Massachusetts:

“Staunchly defended traditional marriage. (details are then given)

“Worked hard to overturn "same-sex marriage" in the Commonwealth (details given)

“Provided active support for a successful citizen petition drive in 2005 to advance a clean constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

“Filed suit before the Supreme Judicial Court. (details given)

“Fought for abstinence education. (details given)

“Affirmed the culture of life. (details given)

“Stood for religious freedom. (details given)

“Filed "An Act Protecting Religious Freedom" in the Massachusetts legislature to save Catholic Charities of Boston and other religious groups from being forced to violate their moral principles or stop doing important charitable work.

“All of this may explain why John J. Miller, the national political reporter of National Review, has written that "a good case can be made that Romney has fought harder for social conservatives than any other governor in America, and it is difficult to imagine his doing so in a more daunting political environment."

“We are aware of the 1994 comments of Senate candidate Romney, ... they do not dovetail with the actions of Governor Romney from 2003 until now - and those actions have positively and demonstrably impacted the social climate of Massachusetts.

“Since well before 2003, we have been laboring in the trenches of Massachusetts, fighting for the family values you and we share. It is difficult work indeed - not for the faint of heart. In this challenging environment, Governor Romney has proven that he shares our values, as well as our determination to protect them.

“For four years, Governor Romney has been right there beside us, providing leadership on key issues - whether it was politically expedient to do so or not. He has stood on principle, and we have benefited greatly from having him with us.

“It is clear that Governor Romney has learned much since 1994 - to the benefit of our movement and our Commonwealth. In fact, the entire nation has benefited from his socially conservative, pro-family actions in office. As we explained earlier, his leadership on the marriage issue helped prevent our nation from being plunged into even worse legal turmoil following the court decision that forced "gay marriage" upon our Commonwealth.

“For that our country ought to be thankful. We certainly are.”

signed sincerely,

Roberto Miranda

President, COPAHNI Fellowship of Hispanic Pastors of New England

(And other top family values leaders including Richard Guerriero, Immediate Past State Deputy, Massachusetts State Council, Knights of Columbus, and the presidents of the Institute for Family Development, Massachusetts Family Institute, Massachusetts Citizens for Life, the Chairman of Coalition for Family and Marriage, and others.)

An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney - Jan 11, 2007

Section on Rev Miranda with several more articles »

More statements by state-wide prominent Evangelicals »

JEWS

The Jewish Journal — Candidate profile: Mitt Romney

“Nancy Kaufman, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, said she worked extensively with Romney during his time as governor, particularly on services for seniors and faith-based assistance after Hurricane Katrina.

“She also lobbied for Romney's health-care plan, which provided assistance for low-income families but levied a tax penalty on those who did not get insurance...

“ "I haven't heard him talk about working across faith groups," Kaufman said. "I worked closely with him and his wife, and they were very appreciative of the role faith-based groups played. He valued the Jewish community and our input." ”

Washington Jewish Week

“Romney financial backers include JCRC board member Lee Cowen and lobbyist Mark Isakowitz. Ron Kaufman, a lobbyist who splits his time between Washington and Boston and served as political director in the first Bush White House, is a key man for Romney in the Jewish community.

“Cowen noted that Romney is the only candidate who has "run something" in the private sector, and believes the contender's religion may help him among Jewish voters.

“ "The fact that he's a Mormon is positive for the Jewish community," said Cowen. "He's a minority religion like we are [and] we as Jews have sympathy for other groups suffered from persecution." ”

Gun Owners’ Action League — The Romney Record

“GOAL [Gun Owners’ Action League] had more access to this administration than any other since the days of Governor Ed King in 1979... senior level Romney staffers met on a monthly basis with GOAL’s Executive Director to discuss and work on any issues relevant to GOAL’s members. This should not be taken as an indication that GOAL “controlled” the corner office, but rather that a very good working relationship was developed that benefited both parties.

“During the Romney Administration, no anti-second amendment or anti-sportsmen legislation made its way to the Governor’s desk.

“Governor Romney did sign five pro-second amendment/pro-sportsmen bills into law.”

“Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts...

“GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers...

“We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state's premier gun rights association...

“Every intrusion on our gun rights is an intrusion on all rights. The Constitutional rights and freedoms that you enjoy - and may take for granted - are becoming more fragile each day. Secure your rights for yourself, your family and future generations...

“Gun Owners’ Action League is a grassroots organization whose members actively participate in the many facets of protecting our Second Amendment rights and passing on the shooting sports traditions...

“GOAL publishes materials to bring the truth about gun ownership to the public, the legislature and our members. We also promote public education and junior shooting opportunities through our 501(c)3 sister organization, The GOAL Foundation.”

Mitt Romney - 2nd Amendment Support

“LIVETOSHOOT,my brother lives in MA. he is a ret.marine and has the utmost respect for ROMNEY. he has told me how it was before he got in, how hard it was to get a gun or pistol, but ROMNEY got the laws changed to make it a little easier. he didn't get all of them like he wanted, [some are still banned] but it is a lot better now.”
(bigbuddy21, GunAndGame.com VIP Member)

“Thus far in my research, everything I've located on Mitt Romney, personal and political, shows his integrity isn't for trade or sale. His record shows him to be very honest and upright...”

Grover Norquist —
• National Rifle Association Board Member
• Massachusetts native

(fought gun control there while Romney was Guv)

“NORQUIST: Guns and Romney. Romney's position on guns is flawless ... I went and worked with the governor back when the D's were planning on passing a restriction on 50 caliber rifles in Massachusetts. And he committed to me that he would oppose any restrictions. I’m on the 50 caliber association, not the machine gun guys, just the single shot 50 caliber. Although if we set up one of the other associations I'd volunteer, no, its lots of fun and people keep wanting to restrict these things of beauty, but people don’t appreciate art in this country, that’s the problem. So, his position is fine.

“Where he got awkward is trying to do this, ‘I'm with you, I'm a lifetime hunter’, meaning ‘I've hunted.’ And, he'd only hunted a few times ... He didn’t need to do that. So, it’s awkward but on the other hand since the people who care about the second amendment only care about your position on it, they don’t care if you hunt or target shoot or collect or don’t have any guns. They just want to know where you are politically. He's fine politically.”

 Grover Norquist (2:05 minutes)

“Mr. Norquist, a native of Massachusetts, has been one of Washington’s most effective issues management strategists for over two decades.

“Mr. Norquist is president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), ...

“Mr. Norquist also:

“• Serves on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association of America.”

Citizens for Limited Taxation

"Romney kept his promises and fought for taxpayers... Now we have moved on to the question, is Mitt Romney the best man to replace George Bush? It's hard to put that particular question in perspective without being mean to the current president... He [Gov Romney] controlled spending as well as a Republican governor with a Democratic legislature could. I thought he was the man to save Massachusetts in 2002; I've been a fan since he became governor, and nothing has changed my mind."

"Citizens for Limited Taxation is the largest taxpayers association in Massachusetts. CLT was founded in 1974 ..." (cltg.org - history)

Americans for Tax Reform

"As Governor, Mitt Romney pressed for several major tax cuts in the difficult blue-state environment of Massachusetts." - Americans for Tax Reform

“Gov. Romney firmly commits himself in writing to fiscal discipline and economic common sense. Mitt Romney has told taxpayers in no uncertain terms that he plans to look out for their interests.” - Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform

"ATR was founded in 1985 by Grover Norquist at the request of President Reagan."

“Mr. Norquist, a native of Massachusetts, has been one of Washington’s most effective issues management strategists for over two decades.”

 

Massachusetts citizens show strong support for plan

BOSTON, MA - Two years after the implementation of a health care reform law aimed at providing health coverage for nearly all Massachusetts residents, public support for the law remains high. According to a new poll by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, over two-thirds (69%) of Massachusetts residents support the law... compared to 67% in 2007 and 61% in 2006.

Other signs of public support for the law include the following:

• 77% support providing subsidized coverage...

• 71% say the law has been successful at reducing the number of uninsured in Massachusetts...

In the two years since the law's passage, approximately 350,000 Massachusetts residents have gained health insurance coverage...

The law requires businesses that employ more than 10 people to provide health insurance for their employees or pay a fine of up to $295 per employee per year. The public is highly supportive of this provision with three out of four expressing support (75%).

A poll conducted this week by The Washington Post of 880 Massachusetts residents who said they voted in the special election found that 68 percent support the Massachusetts plan...

But support plummeted when voters were asked about health care proposals from Obama and Democrats in Congress.

 

Massachusetts medical doctors show strong support for plan

Three Years Into Implementation, Docs Rate State's Health Care System Positively

Washington, D.C. -- A study published in today's New England Journal of Medicine finds that a large majority (70 percent) of practicing physicians in Massachusetts support health reform three years after its passage in 2006...

The poll found similar levels of support among primary care doctors and specialists. When asked about the law's future, 75 percent of physicians say they want to continue the policies - 46 percent with some changes and 29 percent as is... Only 13 percent of physicians in the state oppose the health reforms created through the legislation, and just 7 percent believe the policies should be repealed.

"There appears to be broad support among physicians in Massachusetts for the reforms that led to almost all state residents having health coverage," said Robert Blendon, Sc.D., one of the study's authors and professor of health policy and political analysis at HSPH. "The findings suggest that it is possible to provide near-universal coverage of the population and have a resulting system that most physicians believe improves care for the uninsured without undermining their ability to provide care to their patients." ...

"Massachusetts' recent experience in reforming health care provides invaluable insights for federal lawmakers," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A. president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "Based on what we have seen in Massachusetts, doctors are supportive of the reforms and their patients appear to be better off. What's good for doctors and their patients is good for the health of our nation..."

"What is particularly impressive is that on almost every question in which physicians were asked about the impacts of the law on their own practice and patients, a majority reported that it is having either no impact or a positive one," said Gillian SteelFisher, Ph.D., M.Sc., co-author of the study and research scientist at HSPH.

Physicians rated the Massachusetts health care system much more positively than they did the national health care system, 63 percent to 33 percent. [63% rated Massachusetts system excellent or good, 33 percent rated current national system the same. Another 30% rated Massachusetts system fair and only 6% rated it poor.] Nearly four in five physicians (79 percent) believe that the law positively impacted those who were previously uninsured, though overall costs to the state continue to be a concern.

"Whether at the state or national level, health reform is about trade-offs, but the reaction among physicians in Massachusetts has been overwhelmingly positive," said Anya Rader Wallack, interim president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. "The state now has the lowest proportion of uninsured residents in the nation, and our physicians are looking forward to continuing and improving the health reform efforts already in place. That's a remarkable achievement."

 

Massachusetts businesses show strong support for plan

Most Massachusetts businesses believe that they have a responsibility to help provide health benefits to their workers, support "play-or-pay" provisions of the state's landmark 2006 health care reform legislation, and even believe that the play-or-pay requirements should apply to firms with ten or fewer workers, which they currently do not...

The RWJF/NORC (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/National Opinion Research Center) survey found broad support among Massachusetts businesses both for the concept of employer responsibility for health benefits and for the specific provisions of the Massachusetts reforms. Seventy-seven percent of employers in the state either "strongly" (34 percent) or "somewhat" (43 percent) agreed with the statement that "all employers bear some responsibility for providing health benefits to their workers." The statement garnered majority support among firms of all sizes and even among firms not offering health benefits, although those nonofferers were significantly less likely than firms offering benefits were to strongly agree.

These sentiments translated into similarly widespread support for the "play-or-pay" aspects of the Massachusetts reform legislation: Sixty-nine percent of employers either "strongly" (35 percent) or "somewhat" (34 percent) agreed with the requirement that firms with eleven or more workers either offer health benefits or pay the "fair share" contribution of $295 per worker. Even among nonoffering firms, half either "strongly" or "somewhat" supported this provision.

In fact, Massachusetts businesses were prepared to go farther than the state's recent legislation...

"This striking support among even the smallest businesses for universal employer responsibility speaks to how all sectors have taken on the shared goal of access to health care for all residents of the Commonwealth," noted Jarrett Barrios, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation.

Fmr. Governor Bill Weld (R-MA)

Gov Weld is the most recent (and a popular) two-term governor.

MY FONDEST MEMORY of my two terms as governor of Massachusetts in the 1990s was that we reversed the tax-and-spend policies of the Dukakis years, and put the Commonwealth on a new diet of "Live Free or Die" philosophy and "supply-side" economics. From 1991 to 1997, we had 19 tax cuts in Massachusetts, and not a single tax increase. The result, predictably, was an economic resurgence.

I was therefore thrilled when Mitt Romney was elected governor in 2002 and accelerated the Commonwealth's course of fiscal conservatism.

I believe that Romney was a very effective leader for our state. He came into office facing a nearly $3 billion budget gap. Even Democrats conceded that this was the worst fiscal crisis since the Depression. Instead of raising taxes or borrowing more money, Romney cut spending and closed the budget gap. As one commentator said, he "didn't just go after the sacred cows, he went after the whole herd." In his first year, government spending declined from $22.8 billion in Fiscal 2002 to $22.4 billion in Fiscal 2003. This was a tremendous success that Romney would continue to match throughout his four years as head of the Commonwealth. Seeing what he did in Massachusetts, I am proud to support Romney and believe he is the kind of leader we need in Washington.

Anyone who claims that Romney did not cut taxes in Massachusetts is simply mistaken. He cut capital gains taxes, benefiting well over 150,000 residents. Thousands more are currently benefiting from new jobs in the biotech field because of Romney's manufacturing tax relief and because he made the investment tax credit permanent. Thousands of Massachusetts families saved their hard-earned dollars when Romney enacted sales tax holidays. Seniors are benefiting from property tax relief proposed and signed into law by Romney. Our honorable veterans and National Guard members have several new tax breaks because of Romney's belief that they should be taxed less. Commuters can now deduct expenses for travel because Romney believes they shouldn't be penalized for helping increase commerce.

Romney's fiscal achievements were not his only accomplishments in Massachusetts.

Besides tackling government waste and inefficiency, he halted the state's economic tailspin and added tens of thousands of new jobs. He signed into law a health insurance reform modeled on a conservative market-oriented approach that emphasizes personal responsibility. He started the Adams Scholarship, a merit-based program that awards the top 25 percent of high school students in Massachusetts with four years of free tuition at a Massachusetts public college or university. He instituted English immersion in the public schools and abolished the old bilingual education system.

This is a real record of achievement that Romney is running on across the country. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for president of the United States.

“And he really means it when he says he’s committed to rebuilding the Republican Party. He has done it not only in Massachusetts, ... but I remember back in Massachusetts when I ran for the state senate, that he was the only one behind, pushing me along, encouraging me to make a difference... because he saw in the beginning that we had a chance to make a true difference in this country. And for that I am so, so thankful for his feeling the fact that I could do it, when no one else could...

“One of the Republican party’s bright lights, and a man I once called my governor, and now I’m even more proud to call my very, very dear friend.”

"After his speech, Brown declined to comment on Romney’s White House ambitions.

" “I’m not sure what his plans are,” said Brown. “I’m here actually just to support him. I’ve known him for many, many years and I have great respect for him and his family.” "

Brown's supporters also liked Mitt:

“Mitt Romney, the last Republican governor elected in the Bay State, worked the crowd at Scott Brown's headquarters Tuesday evening as polls closed, CNN's John King and Rachel Streitfeld report.

“The crowd was shouting "Mitt, Mitt," to the 2008 Republican presidential nominee as he shook hands with audience members.”

"As I've said before, He's one of the most honest, nicest, hard working men I've ever met...

"When it comes to the economic issues, there is no one I would trust more than Governor Romney, because we're in a financial emergency and we need people who are going to make very tough decisions and have the experience to get us out of this economic mess we're in...

"He's got a great sense of humor, he's a devoted family man, he cares very deeply not only about my state but about this country and where we're going economically, into the future, because like you said, right now we're in a financial emergency, we're borrowing 42 cents of every dollar. When I went down there, 11.95 trillion dollar national debt. It's up to 15.3 and rising, with no end in sight. We need people in there who are going to do the very best. Sometimes you need somebody who's just focused on the economy. They don't tell a lot of good jokes, they are not trying to yuk it up, because this is very serious times. We need serious people, and that's why I'm supporting Governor Romney."

— Sen. Scott Brown, March 19, 2012 on Piers Morgan

31 of 33 Republican State Legislators - 2012

★ House Minority Leader Bradley Jones   ★ Assistant Minority Leader George Peterson   ★ House Minority Whip Bradford Hill   ★ Assistant Minority Whip Elizabeth Poirier  * Representative Paul Adams  ★ Representative Jay Barrows  * Representative Richard Bastien  * Representative Matthew Beaton  * Representative Nicholas Boldyga  ★ Representative Vinny DeMacedo  * Representative Angelo D'Emilia  * Representative Geoff Diehl  * Representative Peter Durant  * Representative Ryan Fattman  * Representative Kimberly Ferguson  ★ Representative Paul Frost  ★ Representative Susan Gifford

★ Senate Assistant Minority Leader Robert Hedlund   ★ Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross   * Representative Sheila Harrington  * Representative Steven Howitt  ★ Representative Donald Humason  * Representative Randy Hunt  * Representative Kevin Kuros  * Representative Steven Levy  * Representative Marc Lombardo  * Representative Shaunna O'Connell  * Representative George Ross  ★ Representative Todd Smola  * Representative David Vieira  ★ Representative Daniel Webster  * Representative Daniel Winslow  * Representative Donald Wong

“After working closely with Mitt Romney during his time as governor, I know he is the right person to lead our country. Unlike our current president, Mitt Romney had a record of results as governor.” — Representative Brad Jones, House Minority Leader

18 of 19 Republican State Representatives - 2008

★ Bradley Jones, House Republican Leader

★ Fred "Jay" Barrows, State Representative

★ Vinny DeMacedo, State Representative

• Lewis Evangelidis, State Representative

★ Paul Frost, State Representative

★ Susan Gifford, State Representative

• Robert Hargraves, State Representative

★ Bradford Hill, State Representative

★ Donald Humason, State Representative

• John Lepper, State Representative

• Jeffrey Perry, State Representative

★ George Peterson, State Representative

★ Elizabeth Poirier, State Representative

• Karyn Polito, State Representative

• Mary Rogeness, State Representative

★ Richard Ross, State Representative

★ Todd Smola, State Representative

★ Daniel Webster, State Representative

List of all 2007-2008 Massachusetts state reps:

(archived page — original link expired)

Every Massachusetts representative that was republican supported Romney except one who decided to support McCain. (Early on McCain also had State Senators supporting him who later switched to Romney or Guiliani.)

“As governor, Mitt Romney did something significant to address a burning problem in his state. He helped bring medical insurance to the uninsured with a market-based approach that saved money for the taxpayers. That’s a formidable credential for a political leader with many other impressive credentials to his name.” — Rep. Bradley Jones, House Minority Leader

All Massachusetts RNC committee members

Every Republican National Committee member representing Massachusetts in the 2008 Republican primary supported Romney for president:

• Darrell Crate (Now Chairman of Mass. Republican Party - RNC)

• Jody Dow

• Ron Kaufman

In 2008 it was reported that each state gets two National Committee members, and states with a Republican governor or who voted republican in the last presidential election get three RNC committee members representing their state. In and after Romney's final week as governor, all three Massachusetts RNC members supported him. Not long after he left office, Massachusetts was reduced to two RNC members, who both supported Romney.

At least starting in 2012, Each state gets three Republican National Committee (RNC) members, but not all are allowed to endorse (DCW - Delegate list).

Sample statement of supporting committee member:

“Republican State Committee member Eamon Fennessy of Beverly does not hesitate when asked whom he favors among his party's contenders for the presidency next year. He's in Mitt Romney's corner.

“ "I think he's the best guy for the United States today," he said of the former Massachusetts governor. "He's a guy who gets things done, who is decent, who has a set of values that agrees with mine." ...

“Like Fennessy, Essex Sheriff Frank G. Cousins Jr. of Newburyport is supporting the Bay State's former governor.

“ "He asked me last fall and I told him I'd be supportive of him," Cousins said of Romney. "I think he's got the leadership, he wants to do the job, he's got the energy. He's a very, very strong, viable candidate." ”

Fmr. Lt. Governor Kerry Healey (R-MA)

“Governor Romney closed a 3 billion dollar budget gap with no new taxes. He stood up for traditional values against an activist court...

“I'm a Lieutenant Governor who's proud to serve with my Governor -- a man of uncommon intelligence, integrity, and vision.”

“Former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey added, "Governor Romney continues to have the backing of Massachusetts Republicans because we saw first hand the leadership he brought to our state after inheriting a nearly $3 billion dollar deficit and state spending that was out of control. We are all proud to support his campaign for the White House because we know he'll bring that same executive experience and determination to Washington to overcome the real challenges facing our nation." ”

* Endorsement: Nation needs Romney

Ego-driven candidates like Donald Trump flirted with the process only to be followed by the often engaging but deeply flawed candidacies of Herman Cain, Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul and finally Newt Gingrich... really now, does anyone see even the remotest possibility of any of those folks taking the oath of office on the Capitol steps come Jan. 20, 2013? ...

There is only one candidate in the Republican field with the integrity, the experience, the organizational strength and the intelligence to beat Barack Obama and that man is Mitt Romney.

But perhaps more to the point, there is only one candidate who can put this nation back on the path to fiscal sanity and restore it to its central role on the world stage. That candidate is Mitt Romney.

Now we are more aware than most of our former governor’s reputation for being, well, a bit stiff. But this is a contest for what we used to call Leader of the Free World (before Barack Obama downgraded the job), not Mr. Congeniality or the guy you’d most like to have a beer with.

We don’t need a buddy in the White House; we need a leader — one who can work with a deeply divided Congress and a deeply divided nation.

Romney as governor of a thoroughly Democratic state actually managed to get things done during his tenure...

Among those accomplishments was health care reform — sure, call it Romneycare — but it works here for us and Mitt Romney has nothing to be ashamed of for having secured the best piece of legislation he could. And let’s not forget he did it with the threat of a universal health care bill headed for the ballot at the time and rising costs for treating the uninsured. It wasn’t as he would have crafted it, but it was a decent compromise...

And Romney is at the core of his being a small government kind of guy. That isn’t simply campaign rhetoric...

He knows that long-term entitlement reform is key to getting the economy back on track...

Romney’s appeal at the national level is what it has always been here — he’s a tough, no nonsense CEO who wants to bring a sense of trust back to government. And he can attract to his candidacy that growing number of independent voters who will ultimately decide the presidency in November just as he did when he successfully ran for governor in this bluest of blue states.

Mitt Romney can get the job done — the job of running for president and the job of governing. And the Herald is pleased to endorse his candidacy.

Boston Herald - Opinion Article

That fact that Mitt Romney wasn’t the GOP nominee still bothers me. He’s about the only one on the national stage who gets it. Let’s hope Romney stays interested in public service long enough to consider another run ...

- Sean F. Flaherty, Boston

Reader Comments:

I applaud Romney for going after Obama. The rest of the GOP needs to follow his lead. With the benefit of hindsight, Romney should have been the nominee and he would have beaten Obama. (reader Odumba comment)

... Regarding Mitt and the GOP nomination . Even though I feel he was and still is the best qualified candidate , I do not believe the GOP will nominate him . The religious right can never , ever nominate a Mormon . Further evidence that the GOP has been detrimentally hijacked by religion . (reader sweetfly comment)

why wasn't Mitt made auto czar? he's business savvy, very smart, and...didn't he work in the auto industry? (reader J535 comment)

Boston Herald - Editorial Staff weighs in on Romney

... as former Gov. Mitt Romney put it in a speech Monday, “Arrogant delusional tyrants cannot be stopped by earnest words and furrowed brows. Action, strong bold action coming from a position of strength and determination, is the only effective deterrent.” ...

Romney called the move “a grave miscalculation” given the uncertainties of dealing with North Korea and Iran and the instability in Pakistan.

He’s right. He’s also right when he says “this is too big an issue for ideology or politics to prevail over national security.”

By Boston Herald editorial staff

Salem News

Massachusetts had a governor. He was a man who served admirably, and refused to even accept even one cent as his salary during his term. His name was Mitt Romney.

This Republican governor was a wildly successful businessman and a genuine economic genius who worked across the aisle with an overwhelmingly Democratic Legislature to create universal health care for this state — a program which, though flawed, has actually worked pretty well.

America is in a depression. Is there any doubt we would be better off with Mitt Romney at the nation's helm right now?

By John Treggiari - Salem

Jay Severin

''I'm for Mitt Romney, always have been. I believe he'd be a great president of the United States, also a great candidate against the Democrats''

''A talk-show host since 1999, Jay Severin was in 2005 nominated for radio's highest honor, the Marconi Award as Radio Personality of the Year.''

Jay Severin, a talk-show host broadcasting from Boston, is also a former award-winning columnist for MSNBC.com

» Endorsements and comments of all major conservative talk show hosts

* Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson is a professor of history at Harvard University. He is also a senior research fellow at Jesus College, Oxford University, and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. His Latest book, Civilization: The West and the Rest, has just been published by Penguin Press.

''What’s the case against Romney? That he’s a Mormon? Ted, you were a devout Catholic, just as I am a doubting atheist. But this is America. Religion and government are separate. And we tolerate all faiths, no matter how idiosyncratic, provided they tolerate ours too. That he’s changed his mind on hot-button issues? Well, so does any intelligent person. You often did. What is this, a dogmatism contest?

''Actually, the best case for Mitt Romney was just made by the other side. In an unintentionally hilarious piece, The New York Times attempted a hatchet job based on his time as the founder and CEO of Bain Capital: “After a Romney Deal, Profits and Then Layoffs.”

''You’re not going to believe this, Ted. You know what this evil bastard did? Yes, that’s right. He used borrowed money to take over failing companies. And that’s not all. He fired some of the folks who worked at those companies. Wait, it gets even worse. He restored those companies to profitability. I know, I know. And—to cap it all—he made hundreds of millions of dollars doing it.

''Pretty funny, isn’t it? Because that’s exactly the business model of private equity and leveraged buyouts that you pioneered. And as I was reading about Romney’s very impressive business career, I was reminded of you.''

Other supporters of Mitt Romney:

» Prominent Massachusetts and national pro-sports figures

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