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McCain campaign 2008 opposition research book on Romney

Written by Subject: Politics: Republican Campaigns
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BIOGRAPHY AND TIMELINE ............................................................................................................................................. 3
BRIEF OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
BIOGRAPHICAL TIMELINE ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
TOP HITS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
SOCIAL ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
ABORTION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
STEM CELL RESEARCH ........................................................................................................................................................... 23
GAY RIGHTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
SECOND AMENDMENT ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................. 31
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 36
JUDICIAL ISSUES .................................................................................................................................................................... 38
CONFEDERATE FLAG/SOUTHERN ISSUES ............................................................................................................................... 44
ECONOMIC ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
SPENDING ............................................................................................................................................................................. 45
TAXES .................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
STATE FEES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 54
BUSH TAX CUTS .................................................................................................................................................................... 59
JOBS AND ECONOMY ............................................................................................................................................................ 60
FOREIGN POLICY ........................................................................................................................................................... 66
EXPERIENCE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 66
IRAQ ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
IRAN ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
TERRORISM ........................................................................................................................................................................... 78
CHINA.................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
CUBA/VENEZUELA ................................................................................................................................................................ 81
GENERAL ISSUES ................................................................................................................................................................... 84
DOMESTIC POLICY ......................................................................................................................................................... 87
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM .............................................................................................................................................. 88
IMMIGRATION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 92
HEALTH CARE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 100
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 110
EDUCATION......................................................................................................................................................................... 118
CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................ 121
SOCIAL SECURITY ................................................................................................................................................................ 131
VETERANS ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................... 133
BUSINESS RECORD ...................................................................................................................................................... 135
GENERAL BAIN OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 135
BAIN CAPITAL AND DREXEL BURNHAM ............................................................................................................................... 138
BAIN & CO. AND IRAN ......................................................................................................................................................... 139
DAMON CLINICAL LABORATORIES ...................................................................................................................................... 140
AMPAD ............................................................................................................................................................................... 142
HAIER GROUP AND MAYTAG .............................................................................................................................................. 143
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STREAM INTERNATIONAL, INC. .......................................................................................................................................... 147
MODUS MEDIA, INC. ........................................................................................................................................................... 154
DDi CORP. ........................................................................................................................................................................... 160
ALLIANCE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................................ 161
IMAGITAS INC. .................................................................................................................................................................... 163
GS INDUSTRIES, INC. ........................................................................................................................................................... 165
FLIP‐FLOPS .................................................................................................................................................................. 168
TOP ROMNEY TURNAROUNDS ........................................................................................................................................... 168
ANALYSTS ON ROMNEY’S SHIFTING VALUES ....................................................................................................................... 175
POLITICAL ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................................ 179
QUESTIONABLE REPUBLICAN CREDENTIALS ........................................................................................................................ 179
ROMNEY VS. HIS ADVISERS ................................................................................................................................................. 184
REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR’S ASSOCIATION ........................................................................................................................... 189
CAMPAIGN ETHICS .............................................................................................................................................................. 190
BOSTON VIDEO ARCHIVE ............................................................................................................................................. 195
VIDEO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR USE .............................................................................................................................. 195
VIDEO WAITING TO BE COPIED .......................................................................................................................................... 196
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BIOGRAPHY AND TIMELINE
BRIEF OVERVIEW
Full Name: Willard Mitt Romney
Born: March 12, 1947, Detroit, Michigan
Family: Wife Ann (married 37 years); five sons, ten grandchildren
Residences: 171 Marsh Street
Belmont, MA 02478
2005 assessed value: $3.162 million
87 Claflin Road
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
2006 estimated value: $5 million
The Boston Herald noted Romney’s “$5 million Lake Winnipesaukee estate … features a
three-story, six-bedroom, 3-bathroom house, a sprawling $200,000 stone boathouse and
a recently renovated $500,000 carriage house with guest quarters.”1
Vacation home
Deer Valley, UT
2006 estimated value: $5.2 million2
Education: The Cranbrook School, Bloomfield Hills, MI (1965)
Stanford University (1965-66, departed for 30-month mission after freshman year)
B.A., Brigham Young University (1971)
M.B.A., Harvard Business School; J.D., Harvard Law School (1975)
Employment: Consultant, Boston Consulting Group (1975-77)
Consultant, Bain & Company, Inc. (1977)
Vice President, Bain & Company, Inc. (1978-84)
Co-founder and managing general partner, Bain Capital, Inc. (1984-99)
Interim CEO, Bain & Company, Inc. (1991-93)
President and CEO, Salt Lake Organizing Committee (1999-2002)
Political Career: Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts (1994)
Governor of Massachusetts (2003-07)
Chairman, Republican Governors Association (2005-06)
BIOGRAPHICAL TIMELINE
March 12, 1947 Romney is born in Detroit, MI, youngest of four children of future Michigan Gov. George
Romney and his wife Lenore.
Spring 1965 Graduates from the Cranbrook School, an exclusive, all-male prep school in Bloomfield
Hills, MI.
August 1965 Enrolls at Stanford University, where he spends only one year.
June 1966 Departs for France on a Mormon mission that will last 2½ years.
1 The Boston Herald, 7/29/05
2 Deseret Morning News, 12/24/06
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June 1968 While in France, Romney is injured in a serious car accident (caused by a drunk driver)
that kills the wife of his mission’s leader; for a time, Romney’s family is under the
impression he has been killed.
December 1968 Returns to the United States from his mission in France.
March 21, 1969 Marries Ann Davies, his girlfriend of four years.
1969 Transfers to Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, enrolling as a sophomore.
1970 After four years of deferments through student and missionary status, Romney draws
high draft number and avoids conscription and service in Vietnam.
Spring 1971 Graduates as valedictorian with highest honors from Brigham Young University.
Fall 1971 Enrolls at Harvard Law School.
1972 Enters joint program at Harvard that combines law and business degrees in one program.
Spring 1975 Graduates with joint M.B.A./J.D. from Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School;
was Baker Scholar at business school and earned cum laude honors from law school.
Summer 1975 Joins Boston Consulting Group as a consultant after graduating from Harvard.
1977 Joins Bain & Company, Inc. as a consultant.
1978 Promoted to vice president at Bain & Co.
1984 Bain & Co. founder Bill Bain asks Romney to head a new private equity spin-off unit
called Bain Capital, Inc.; serves as managing general partner at Bain Capital until 1999.
October 29, 1990 Bain & Co. announces Romney will take over as “worldwide managing director” in the
near future; Bill Bain asks Romney to return on an interim basis to engineer turnaround of
the flagging company.
January 1991 Takes over as interim CEO at Bain & Co., serving a two-year stretch and rescuing the
company from a dire financial situation; continues to serve as managing general partner
at Bain Capital.
October 1993 Switches party affiliation from Independent to Republican in anticipation of running for
political office in 1994.
November 1993 Informs GOP activists he is likely to run for the U.S. Senate.
February 2, 1994 Formally declares his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
September 20, 1994 Wins Republican U.S. Senate primary over businessman John Lakian by an 82-18%
margin.
November 8, 1994 Loses U.S. Senate race to Sen. Ted Kennedy (D) by a 58-41% margin.
1995 Flirts with idea of running against Sen. John Kerry in the 1996 Senate race, but ultimately
foregoes another run and backs then-Gov. Bill Weld (R).
Spring 1995 Co-chairs “The Task Force on Emerging Companies,” a 13-member business panel
formed by the Weld Administration and charged with recommending ways to foster
growth of new companies.
July 26, 1995 George Romney, Mitt’s father, dies in Michigan at age 88.
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September 12, 1995 Attends White House event and is praised by President Clinton for supporting the
beleaguered AmeriCorps program, which was under assault from congressional
Republicans.
1996 Bain Capital acquires 11 firms in various transactions throughout the year; Romney earns
an estimated $22 million, according to FinancialWorld magazine.
November 13, 1996 After poor Republican showings in the 1996 election, the Boston Herald calls on Romney
to step forward and become state GOP chairman.
November 14, 1996 Bain Capital and a partner firm complete sale of Experian to a British company, turning a
$200 million profit for Bain in less than three months.
1997 Bain Capital acquires at least 17 firms throughout the year, according to Boston Globe
reporting.
April 16, 1997 Bain Capital pledges $1 million through various charities to help Boston’s youth.
April 27, 1997 Attends the “Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future,” a Clinton Administration initiative
to promote volunteerism initially spearheaded by George Romney just before his death.
July 7, 1998 Lenore Romney, Mitt’s mother, dies at age 89.
December 1998 Ann Romney diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
February 11, 1999 Hired as president and CEO of Salt Lake Organizing Committee, tasked with running the
business side of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games; ultimately erases organization’s $379
million deficit and turns a profit.
April 9, 2000 Confirms he is considering a run for governor in Massachusetts following the 2002 Winter
Olympics.
Summer 2000 Ann Romney’s multiple sclerosis goes into remission.
August 21, 2001 While professing interest in another run for office, Romney declares he will not challenge
any GOP incumbent in Massachusetts in 2002, saying he would back acting Gov. Jane
Swift (R) if she decided to run.
February 24, 2002 Winter Olympics concludes.
March 19, 2002 Hours after Gov. Swift announces she will not seek a full term in 2002, Romney declares
his intention to run for governor of Massachusetts.
April 24, 2002 Steps down as head of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee.
September 17, 2002 Wins Republican nomination for governor.
November 5, 2002 Elected governor of Massachusetts by a 50-45% margin over state Treasurer Shannon
O’Brien (D).
January 2, 2003 Sworn in as 70th governor of Massachusetts.
November 18, 2003 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules same-sex marriage is protected in the
Massachusetts Constitution.
May 17, 2004 Same-sex marriages begin in Massachusetts.
August 2004 Publishes “Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership and the Olympic Games,” a book recounting
his time at the Salt Lake Organizing Committee.
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June 21, 2005 Acknowledges publicly he is considering a run for president in 2008; insists he still plans
on seeking reelection as governor but promises decision in the fall.
December 1, 2005 Elected chairman of the Republican Governors Association.
December 14, 2005 Announces he will not seek re-election as governor in 2006.
April 12, 2006 Signs into law a comprehensive health care reform package designed to provide
insurance for all Massachusetts residents by mid-2007.
July 10, 2006 A ceiling collapse in Boston’s I-90 connector tunnel kills one woman and sparks a series
of events affecting the entire “Big Dig” project; Romney takes large investigative role and
earns much media attention throughout.
December 1, 2006 Boston Globe reports Romney has used illegal immigrants to perform maintenance work
at his home.
January 3, 2007 Announces he will form a presidential exploratory committee, files papers with the FEC.
January 4, 2007 Leaves office as his gubernatorial term ends.
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TOP HITS
SOCIAL ISSUES
Abortion
 Romney says he changed his mind on abortion meeting with Harvard stem cell researcher – Romney claims
the doctor said scientists “kill” embryos after 14 days, but doctor later said Romney “mischaracterized my
position.”
 Months after his “conversion,” Romney stated his commitment to upholding Massachusetts’ abortion laws and
appointed pro-choice judge to state district court.
 In October 2005, Romney signed bill expanding family planning services, including abortion counseling and
morning-after pill.
 In December 2005, Romney “abruptly ordered his administration to reverse course … and require Catholic
hospitals to provide emergency contraception medication to rape victims.”
 Romney health insurance plan expanded access to abortion, required Planned Parenthood representative on
state panel.
 Romney endorsed legalization of abortion pill RU-486 access during his 1994 Senate race and backed
federal funding of abortion, saying “I think it’s important that people see me not as a pro-life candidate.”
 In 1994 and 2002, Romney confirmed his support for Roe v. Wade decision and forcefully positioned himself
as pro-choice in 1994 Senate race, saying “you will not see me wavering on that.”
 Romney has refused to comment on bill pending in South Carolina legislature requiring that abortion doctors
offer pregnant women option of viewing ultrasound.
Gay Rights
 Romney endorsed Rep. Barney Frank’s Employment Nondiscrimination Act in 1994.
 In 1994, Romney called “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy first step toward having gays and lesbians “able to serve
openly and honestly in our nation’s military” and said he would provide “more effective leadership” on gay
rights issues than Ted Kennedy.
 In 2003, The Washington Times reported Romney “would support a Vermont-style civil union law in
Massachusetts.”
 As governor, Romney said health coverage benefits and hospital visitation rights should be provided to gay
couples.
 Romney promised to make gay partnership benefits a “hallmark of my leadership as governor” and has said
he would attend gay weddings if invited.
 Romney publicly opposed Boy Scouts’ ban on homosexuals in 1994 and 2002 campaigns.
 In 2002, Romney backed hate crimes legislation that included sexual orientation provisions.
 In 2007, Romney praised gay parent who confronted him over gay marriage issue, but in 2005 remarked to
South Carolina audience that some gay couples “are actually having children” and called it “wrong.”
Gun Control
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 In 1994 Senate race, Romney backed Brady bill and assault weapons ban, saying “I don’t line up with the
NRA” and “that’s not going to make me the hero of the NRA.”
 Romney called Clinton crime bill “a big step forward.”
 As governor, Romney quadrupled gun licensing fees and vowed not to “chip away” at tough gun laws
 In 2004, Romney signed permanent state-level ban on assault weapons that was mirrored after federal
assault weapons ban.
 In January 2006, Romney said he owned a gun – then two days later admitted he did not and the gun
belonged to his son.
 Romney bragged about being member of the NRA but later revealed he didn’t join until August 2006, just
before launching his presidential campaign.
 Romney recently said he’s “been a hunter pretty much all my life” but later admitted he hunted only twice in
his life, later clarifying remarks by claiming he has hunted “small varmints … more than two times.”
 In 2006 press conference, Romney claimed he had been hunting “many times” after returning from quail hunt
in Georgia.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
 State spending increased at well over rate of inflation under Romney’s watch, estimated at 24% - more than
$5 billion – over Romney’s final three years.
 Under Romney, Massachusetts dramatically underperformed the rest of the nation in terms of job growth.
 Romney has been criticized by experts for failing to deliver on issues of business development and economic
growth after selling himself as the “CEO governor.”
 2006 report issued by quasi-public Massachusetts Technology Collaborative warned the state was losing its
grip as leader in “innovation economy” and that tech job was alarmingly slow.
 Romney left his successor to fill a budget deficit exceeding $1 billion.
 Romney raised state fees and taxes more than $700 million per year, according to independent experts.
 Romney raised fees by roughly $500 million in his first year alone, a figure that was highest in the nation.
 Romney quadrupled gun licensing fees and raised fees on first responders, real estate transactions, the blind,
golfers and many others.
 Massachusetts’ state and local tax burden rose more than 7% during Romney’s administration.
 Romney refused to endorse the Bush tax cuts in 2003, telling the state’s all-Democrat congressional
delegation he wouldn’t be a cheerleader for the plan.
 Romney implemented three rounds of tax changes (which he referred to as “closing loopholes”) which
increased business taxes by an estimated $400 million per year.
 Massachusetts’ corporate tax climate now ranks 47th in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.
 Romney proposed – then backed away from – a new internet tourism tax that would levy higher taxes on
users of sites like Orbitz and Travelocity.
 Romney enrolled Massachusetts in multistate compact aiming to end moratorium on internet sales taxes.
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 Romney took no position on estate tax issue in 2002 and signed 50% increase in state cremation fee, which
observers called “hidden tax on the dead.”
FOREIGN POLICY
 Romney has no foreign policy experience.
 Though generally described as a supporter of the president’s policy in Iraq, Romney came under fire in April
2007 for advocating “secret” withdrawal timetable similar to proposal by Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR).
 In June 2007, Romney stepped up his criticism of the Bush Administration’s Iraq policy by publicly
denouncing the White House’s comparison of future troop presence in Iraq to our current presence in South
Korea.
 Romney hedged on endorsing troop surge and has been criticized for not talking enough about Iraq.
 During June 2006 presidential debate, Romney incorrectly claimed weapons inspectors were not allowed to
enter Iraq before the 2003 U.S. invasion.
 When Romney finally endorsed the president’s troop surge proposal, he unintentionally endorsed larger surge
than was proposed by calling for extra regiment in Anbar province.
 Romney said capturing Osama bin Laden would result in “very insignificant increase in safety” for America
and such effort was “not worth moving heaven and earth and spending billions of dollars” to catch one person.
 After calling for economic divestment from Iran, Romney was embarrassed by revelation that the Italian
branch of Bain & Company – firm where Romney started as young consultant and served as CEO in early
‘90s – received $2.3 million contract from National Iranian Oil Company in 2004.
 Bain Capital, the private equity firm that made Romney his fortune, currently owns a chemicals and paint
company called SigmaKalon that operates an office in Tehran.
 Romney has made favorable comments about plan offered by Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) to split Iraq into thirds.
 Romney has proposed doubling the size of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and supports “enhanced
interrogation techniques.”
 Romney called Cuban president Fidel Castro a “monster” and has taken hard line against the dictator, but
mistakenly employed signature Castro slogan while speaking to largely Hispanic audience in Miami this year.
 Romney praised 2005 plan by Citgo Petroleum Corp. – ultimately controlled by the Venezuelan government
and President Hugo Chavez – to provide low-income Massachusetts residents with discounted heating oil.
DOMESTIC POLICY
Campaign Finance Reform
 In 2002, Romney proposed installing 10 percent tax on private donations to political campaigns.
 Romney praised McCain at campaign rally shortly before 2002 election, saying he shared McCain’s “values”
 Romney once proposed capping spending on elections, abolishing PACs and “tightening regulations.”
National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru said Romney once held campaign finance positions “to the left of
McCain-Feingold.”
Immigration
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 In November 2005, Romney said McCain immigration plan was “quite different” from amnesty and called plan
“reasonable.”
 Romney in 2005: “I think an amnesty program is what – which is all the illegal immigrants who are here are
now citizens, and walk up and get your citizenship. What the president has proposed, and what Senator
McCain and Cornyn have proposed, are quite different than that.”
 In March 2006, Romney supported “path toward citizenship” for illegal immigrants.
 Romney in 2006: “Those that are here paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a
process towards application for citizenship.”
 Romney in 2006: “The 11 million or so that are here are not going to be rounded up and box-carted out of
America.”
 Romney’s current immigration stance is at odds with top FL Republicans like Jeb Bush, Charlie Crist and Mel
Martinez as he places emphasis on Florida in quest for GOP nomination.
 Romney mischaracterized former Gov. Jeb Bush’s immigration position, comparing his own initiative to let
state police arrest illegal immigrants to a more limited, terrorism-focused program initiated by Bush in wake of
9/11 attacks.
 Romney has failed to clearly articulate any plan for dealing with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in
the U.S.
 For more than a decade, Romney used services of company heavily reliant on illegal immigrant labor to
perform landscaping duties at his home.
 While Romney was governor, state of Massachusetts approved government contract for New Bedford firm
raided in early 2007 for massive immigration law violations.
Environment and Energy
 In 2003, Romney said, “I think the global warming debate is now pretty much over.”
 As governor, Romney was open to “regional cap and trade” system to address global warming – saying “now
is the time to take action” – but later pulled Massachusetts out of regional agreement on same day he
announced he would not seek reelection.
 In 2004, a Romney press event announcing new state policy to combat global warming was marred by his
refusal to admit global warming is actually happening.
 As candidate for governor, Romney proposed increasing excise taxes on vehicles with high gas mileage –
otherwise known as an “SUV tax.”
 Romney has been open to raising the federal gas tax in the past and has not ruled it out in the future.
 In 2007 television appearance, Romney refused to rule out a carbon tax or carbon caps if elected president.
 Romney teamed with Sen. Ted Kennedy to oppose renewable energy project on Cape Cod known as “Cape
Wind.”
Health Care
 Romney changed positions on importing cheaper prescription drugs from Canada – first supporting it, now
opposing it.
 Romney called rate of growth of prescription drug costs “outrageous” and said Medicare drug benefit passed
in 2003 was too expensive and criticized the Bush Administration for failing to enact broader reforms.
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 Romney’s health insurance reform plan has been assailed by conservative health care experts as “a gourmet
recipe for runaway spending” and praised by Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.
 Romney once called his state’s health insurance law a “once in a generation” achievement.
Wall Street Journal said Romney oversold virtues of healthcare plan, imposed government mandate and now
distances himself from own policy.
 Plan is encountering higher costs and more bureaucracy than Romney promised, as officials warn costs must
be controlled or the program will be unsustainable.
 Plan will cost millions more than anticipated while exempting 20% of uninsured from coverage mandate.
 Romney health plan expanded access to abortion, required Planned Parenthood representative on state
policy panel.
BUSINESS RECORD
 Romney spent most of his business career as CEO of private equity firm Bain Capital – as of June 2007 he
maintained an investor’s stake in the company.
 Bain Capital has been criticized for relentless focus on bottom line at expense of workers and jobs.
 Romney describes himself as a “business legend” in his campaign ads and once said of himself: “I’m basically
in the investor’s Hall of Fame.”
 Bain Capital and Bain & Co. employees donated at least $171,000 to Romney’s presidential campaign in Q1
2007 and gave tens of thousands more in support of his previous political activities.
 Bain Capital financed 1988 buyout with junk bonds issued by Drexel Burnham – when SEC filed charges
against the firm and CEO Michael Milken, Bain Capital maintained their business relationship; Romney later
reminisced about “the glorious days of Drexel Burnham.”
 In 2004, Bain & Co. received a multi-million dollar contract from the National Iranian Oil Company.
 Romney sat on board of directors of Bain portfolio company Damon Clinical Laboratories, which in 1996 was
fined over $100 million for Medicare fraud committed during Romney’s tenure.
 Bain Capital owned company named Ampad that purchased an Indiana paper plant, fired its workers and
offered to bring them back at drastically reduced salary and benefits – the firings became an issue in the 1994
Senate race when workers blamed Romney for their situation and appeared in Kennedy campaign ads.
 After Romney became governor, Bain Capital teamed up with Chinese appliance maker Haier Group in 2005
in effort to purchase Newton, IA-based Maytag Corp. and send jobs overseas.
 At least two Bain Capital companies – Stream International and Modus Media – focused on outsourced
technical support services, expanding facilities abroad while contracting operations in the United States.
 Bain Capital operated steel company called GS Industries which went bankrupt in 2001 after years of labor
strife, closing a plant in Kansas City and laying off over 700 workers.
POLITICAL ISSUES
 In late 2002, Romney described himself as “a progressive-on-social-issues governor of Massachusetts.”
 Romney left the state GOP weaker than when he took over as governor, with the party described as being “at
its weakest point in years.”
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 During 1998 panel on urban issues, Romney addressed need for Boston business communities to work
together and claimed “Hillary Clinton is very much right, it does take a village.”
 In 1994, Romney opposed the Contract with America without even reading it.
 Romney has made political contributions to Democratic candidates, saying he places friendship above
politics.
 Romney appeared in 2003 TV ad endorsing Democrat Rocky Anderson – who has been outspoken in calling
for President Bush’s impeachment over Iraq war – for reelection as Salt Lake City mayor; Romney featured
an Anderson testimonial in his own TV ads while running for governor in 2002.
 Romney proclaimed he wasn’t a Republican during the Reagan years, saying “I was an independent during
the time of Reagan-Bush. I’m not trying to return to Reagan-Bush.”
 Romney was an independent until deciding to run for the Senate in 1994.
 Romney voted for Paul Tsongas in the 1992 Democratic presidential primary.
 Romney has surrounded himself with policy advisers – like Gregory Mankiw, Vin Weber, Kerry Healey, Bill
Weld and more – who do not share his beliefs on key issues.
 Top Romney campaign aides and surrogates have ties to several recent Washington ethics scandals.
 Romney’s spending decisions as chairman of the Republican Governors Association during 2006 election
cycle “raised eyebrows” in light of his presidential aspirations.
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SOCIAL ISSUES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Abortion
 Romney says he changed his mind on abortion meeting with Harvard stem cell researcher – Romney claims
the doctor said scientists “kill” embryos after 14 days, but doctor later said Romney “mischaracterized my
position.”
 Months after his “conversion,” Romney stated his commitment to upholding Massachusetts’ abortion laws and
appointed pro-choice judge to state district court.
 In October 2005, Romney signed bill expanding family planning services, including abortion counseling and
morning-after pill.
 In December 2005, Romney “abruptly ordered his administration to reverse course … and require Catholic
hospitals to provide emergency contraception medication to rape victims.”
 Romney health insurance plan expanded access to abortion, required Planned Parenthood representative on
state panel.
 Romney endorsed legalization of abortion pill RU-486 access during his 1994 Senate race and backed
federal funding of abortion, saying “I think it’s important that people see me not as a pro-life candidate.”
 In 1994 and 2002, Romney confirmed his support for Roe v. Wade decision and forcefully positioned himself
as pro-choice in 1994 Senate race, saying “you will not see me wavering on that.”
 Romney has refused to comment on bill pending in South Carolina legislature requiring that abortion doctors
offer pregnant women option of viewing ultrasound.
Gay Rights
 Romney endorsed Rep. Barney Frank’s Employment Nondiscrimination Act in 1994.
 In 1994, Romney called “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy first step toward having gays and lesbians “able to serve
openly and honestly in our nation’s military” and said he would provide “more effective leadership” on gay
rights issues than Ted Kennedy.
 In 2003, Washington Times reported Romney “would support a Vermont-style civil union law in
Massachusetts.”
 As governor, Romney said health coverage benefits and hospital visitation rights should be provided to gay
couples.
 Romney promised to make gay partnership benefits a “hallmark of my leadership as governor” and has said
he would attend gay weddings if invited.
 Romney publicly opposed Boy Scouts’ ban on homosexuals in 1994 and 2002 campaigns.
 In 2002, Romney backed hate crimes legislation that included sexual orientation provisions.
 In 2007, Romney praised gay parent who confronted him over gay marriage issue, but in 2005 remarked to
South Carolina audience that some gay couples “are actually having children” and called it “wrong.”
Gun Control
14
 In 1994 Senate race, Romney backed Brady bill and assault weapons ban, saying “I don’t line up with the
NRA” and “that’s not going to make me the hero of the NRA.”
 Romney called Clinton crime bill “a big step forward.”
 As governor, Romney quadrupled gun licensing fees and vowed not to “chip away” at tough gun laws
 In 2004, Romney signed permanent state-level ban on assault weapons that was mirrored after federal
assault weapons ban.
 In January 2006, Romney said he owned a gun – then two days later admitted he did not and the gun
belonged to his son.
 Romney bragged about being member of the NRA but later revealed he didn’t join until August 2006, just
before launching his presidential campaign.
 Romney recently said he’s “been a hunter pretty much all my life” but later admitted he hunted only twice in
his life, later clarifying remarks by claiming he has hunted “small varmints … more than two times.”
 In 2006 press conference, Romney claimed he had been hunting “many times” after returning from quail hunt
in Georgia.
ABORTION
During His Political Career, Romney Has Been Pro-Choice, Then Not Pro-Choice, Then Pro-Choice Again,
Now Claims To Be Pro-Life
Romney Forcefully Positioned Himself As Pro-Choice In 1994 Senate Race, Saying “You Will Not See Me
Wavering On That.” “When Kennedy called him ‘multiple choice,’ Romney demanded an extra rebuttal. He
revealed that a close relative died of an illegal abortion years ago and said, ‘Since that time, my mother and my
family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on
others on that matter, and you will not see me wavering on that.’” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston
Globe, 3/2/06)
In 1994, Romney Claimed He Supported Legalizing Abortion Before Roe v. Wade Decision. ROMNEY:
“I joined my mother in 1970 when she said she was in favor of legalizing abortion.” (Scot Lehigh, “Romney Labeled
A ‘Pretender’ On Abortion Rights,” The Boston Globe, 10/12/94)
  Romney, During 1994 Debate: “I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have
since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that
since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s
Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)
As Romney Considered Run For Office In Utah In 2002, He Told Local Paper He Did Not “Wish To Be
Labeled Pro-Choice.” “After Romney lost the Senate race, he decamped to Utah to run the Winter Olympics.
When it was rumored he might seek political office there, he wrote this in a letter to the editor of the Salt Lake City
Tribune: ‘I do not wish to be labeled prochoice.’” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)
Romney: “When I am asked if I am pro-choice or pro-life, I say I refuse to accept either label.” (Glen Warchol,
“This Is The Place, But Politics May Lead Romneys Elsewhere,” The Salt Lake Tribune, 2/14/99)
Announcing For Massachusetts Governor In 2002, Romney Reaffirmed His Pro-Choice Position. “[A]s
Governor of the Commonwealth, I will protect the right of a woman to choose under the law of the country and the
laws of the Commonwealth.” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)
  Romney: “I will preserve and protect a woman’s right to choose, and am devoted and dedicated to
honoring my word in that regard. I will not change any provisions of Massachusetts’ pro-choice laws.” (2002
Romney-O’Brien Gubernatorial Debate, Suffolk University, Boston, MA, 10/29/02)
15
“Romney … Said He Was Pro-Choice When He Ran For Governor Of Massachusetts.” (Michael Goot,
“Romney On Campaign Trail,” Foster’s Daily Democrat, 4/27/07)
In 2002, Romney Offered His Completed NARAL Questionnaire, Filled Out With “Mostly Abortion-Rights
Positions,” To The Media Even Before Returning It To NARAL. “Yesterday, Romney also aimed to head off
confusion about his stance on abortion rights by answering a Mass National Abortion and Reproductive Rights
Action League questionnaire with mostly abortion-rights positions. He offered the questionnaire to the press even
before he returned it to MassNARAL…” (Stephanie Ebbert, “Romney Pushes Education At Campaign Stop,” The Boston Globe,
4/10/02)
Romney Now Insists He Has Always Been Personally Pro-Life. “I’ve always been personally pro-life. … For
me, the role of government (on that issue) was what was uncertain.” (AnnMarie Timmins, “Romney Tells Voters: Ask Away,”
Concord Monitor, 4/4/07)
Former Adviser Mike Murphy, On Romney’s Pro-Life Position: “He’s been a pro-life Mormon faking it as a
pro-choice friendly.” (John J. Miller, “Matinee Mitt,” The National Review, 12/14/05, www.nationalreview.com, Accessed 4/30/07)
Romney Says He Changed His Mind On Abortion After 2004 Meeting On Stem Cell Research With Harvard
Doctor, Who Later Said Romney Mischaracterized Their Conversation
Romney Says He “Simply Changed His Mind” On Abortion One Day In November 2004. “On abortion,
Romney says he simply changed his mind. He recalls that it happened in a single revelatory moment, during a
Nov. 9, 2004, meeting with an embryonic-stem-cell researcher who said he didn’t believe therapeutic cloning
presented a moral issue because the embryos were destroyed at 14 days. ‘It hit me very hard that we had so
cheapened the value of human life in a Roe v. Wade environment that it was important to stand for the dignity of
human life,’ Romney says.” (Karen Tumulty, “What Romney Believes,” Time, 5/21/07)
Romney’s “Epiphany” Came After Meeting Harvard Stem Cell Researcher – Romney Claimed The Doctor
Said Scientists “Kill” Embryos After 14 Days. “Romney says he changed his mind in November 2004, when
he met with a scientist from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Romney claimed in a June 2006 interview that the
researcher had told him: ‘Look, you don’t have to think about this stem cell research as a moral issue, because
we kill the embryos after 14 days.’ Romney went on to say that both he and his chief of staff had an epiphany,
recognizing that embryonic stem cell research cheapened respect for human life.” (Scott Helman, “Romney’s Journey To
The Right,” The Boston Globe, 12/17/06)
The Doctor, Harvard’s Douglas Melton, Claimed Romney “Mischaracterized My Position.” “Governor
Romney has mischaracterized my position; we didn’t discuss killing or anything related to it. … I explained my
work to him, told him about my deeply held respect for life, and explained that my work focuses on improving the
lives of those suffering from debilitating diseases.” (Scott Helman, “Romney’s Journey To The Right,” The Boston Globe,
12/17/06)
Spokesman For Harvard Stem Cell Institute: “The words ‘kill’ and ‘killing’ are not in Dr. Melton’s
professional vocabulary, a vocabulary used to discuss finding cures for diseases in order to save lives.”
(Jennifer Rubin, “Mitt Romney’s Conversion,” The Weekly Standard, 2/5/07)
National Review’s Rich Lowry: Romney’s Conversion Story “Isn’t Very Compelling.” “[Romney’s] account
of how he came to change his view on abortion – through the issue of stem-cell research – isn’t very compelling
and he would probably be better off not talking about it at all. Fairly or not, people aren’t going to believe it.” (Rich
Lowry, “The Romney Speech,” National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com, 1/29/07)
Romney Ran For Senate And Governor “Promising To Protect Abortion Rights, But Disavowed That View
As He Began Preparations For A Presidential Run.” “Romney’s shifting positions on abortion have become a
major flashpoint in the Republican presidential campaign. He ran for Senate in 1994 and governor in 2002
promising to protect abortion rights, but disavowed that view as he began preparations for a presidential run.” (Rick
Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?” ABC News, 6/14/07)
Six Months After His Abortion “Epiphany,” Romney Still Said He Was “Absolutely Committed” To
Upholding Abortion Laws In Massachusetts
Romney: “When I First Ran For Office ... I Concluded, Wrongly, That I Would Support The Law As It Was
In Place ... And So I Publicly Acknowledged My Error, And Joined With You To Promote The Sanctity Of
Human Life.” “As you know, when I first ran for office ... I concluded, wrongly, that I would support the law as it
16
was in place – effectively, a pro-choice position. ... And I was wrong. And so I publicly acknowledged my error,
and joined with you to promote the sanctity of human life. And you know that my words were matched with my
actions.” (Mitt Romney, Remarks To Massachusetts Citizens For Life Mother’s Day Dinner, Agawam, MA, 5/10/07)
Romney: “I believe every speck of human life is a divine speck that comes from God and as a result of that,
that forms a great deal of my sense of responsibility to the people of this nation and the of the world.” (Fox
News’ “The Big Story,” 4/3/07)
In May 2005, Romney Still Claimed He Was “Absolutely Committed” To Maintaining Pro-Choice Laws
In Massachusetts. ROMNEY: “I am absolutely committed to my promise to maintain the status quo with regards
to laws relating to abortion and choice and so far I’ve been able to successfully do that and my personal
philosophical views about this issue is not something that I think would do anything other than distract from what I
think is a more critical agenda ...” (Mitt Romney, Press Conference, 5/27/05)
Republican Strategist Keith Appell Said Romney Airing Pro-Choice Views After Abortion “Epiphany”
Begs Question: “How Many Epiphanies Have You Had?” “If he was still taking actions that appear to reflect
his old, ‘pro-choice’ views after November 2004, it raises an important question for Republicans, Appell said. ‘It’s
part of Romney’s challenge: How many epiphanies have you had?’ he said.” (Rick Klein and Jake Tapper, “Romney’s Pro-
Life Conversion: Myth Or Reality?” ABC News, 6/14/07)
Before His Recent Conversion, Romney Had Long Pro-Choice Public Record
March 2005: Romney Considered Abortion-Rights Supporter By Pro-Life Groups – Aide Claimed His
Position Had Not Changed. “Marie Sturgis, legislative director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, said she
hasn’t detected any change in Romney stance. The group considers Romney to be an abortion-rights supporter,
as do national antiabortion groups such as the Family Research Council. … [Romney aide Eric] Fehrnstrom said
the governor’s position has not changed on either sex education or abortion.” (Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade
Omitted From Proclamation,” The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)
Romney In 2002 NARAL Questionnaire: “I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose. This choice is a
deeply personal one … Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the
government’s.” (Stephanie Ebbert, “Clarity Sought On Romney’s Abortion Stance,” The Boston Globe, 7/3/05)
Romney: “[A]s Governor of the Commonwealth, I will protect the right of a woman to choose under the law of
the country and the laws of the Commonwealth.” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)
  Romney: “I do not take the position of a pro-life candidate. I’m in favor of preserving and protecting a
woman’s right to choose. … It’s an issue that’s important. I’ve established my view very clearly.” (Mitt Romney,
Gubernatorial Candidates Debate, Boston, MA, 10/29/02)
“On A Questionnaire Planned Parenthood Gave To The Gubernatorial Candidates In 2002, Romney
Answered ‘Yes’ To The Question, ‘Do You Support The Substance Of The Supreme Court Decision In Roe
V. Wade?’” (Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted From Proclamation,” The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)
In 2002, “Romney Also Professed Support For State Funding Of Abortion Services For Low-Income
Women, [Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Erin] Rowland Said.” (Scott S. Greenberger, “Roe V. Wade Omitted From
Proclamation,” The Boston Globe, 3/25/05)
Romney in 2002: “This state does provide Medicaid funding for abortions, and that’s something which I
would keep in place.” (“Changing Statements On The Right To Choose,” The Boston Globe, 324/02)
In 1999, Romney Said “We Have Choice. Whether You Are Pro Or Against Abortion Is Irrelevant.”
ROMNEY: “We have choice. Whether you are pro or against abortion is irrelevant. The question is what is the
choice. I am in favor of the women of America having the opportunity to make the right choice by providing
support and care for those who want to take the child to full term and put it up for adoption. And providing
information and counseling to people trying to make that decision.” (Glen Warchol, “This Is The Place, But Politics May Lead
Romneys Elsewhere,” The Salt Lake Tribune, 2/14/99)
In 1994, Romney Claimed He Had Been Pro-Choice For Nearly 25 Years. “I believe that abortion should be
safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US
17
Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support
it.” (Joan Vennochi, “Romney’s Revolving World,” The Boston Globe, 3/2/06)
Romney Campaign Accused Ted Kennedy Of Flip-Flopping On Abortion, Saying “Mitt Has Always
Been Consistent In His Pro-Choice Position.” “Citing a 1971 letter written by Kennedy, [Romney campaign
consultant Charles] Manning responded, ‘I think the reason they don’t trust Ted Kennedy is that he flipflopped
on abortion. He was pro-life before Roe v. Wade and now he’s changed. Mitt has always been
consistent in his pro-choice position and that’s why the group respects him.’” (Bruce Mohl, “Mass. Antiabortion Group
Backs Romney,” The Boston Globe, 9/8/94)
Romney In 1994: “I Think It’s Important That People See Me Not As A Pro-Life Candidate.” “Republican
U.S. Senate hopeful W. Mitt Romney further distanced himself from anti-abortion forces at the start of the GOP
state convention in Springfield, saying he does not want to be labeled a ‘pro-life’ candidate. Anti-abortion
delegates are expected to caucus before today’s convention vote, but Romney said he will not meet with them.
‘I’m not seeking their endorsement,’ said Romney, who remains the clear favorite to win the party’s endorsement
today. ‘I think it’s important that people see me not as a pro-life candidate.’” (Joe Battenfeld, “Romney Assumes Role Of
Favorite,” Boston Herald, 5/14/94)
Romney Also Backed RU-486 Access During His ‘94 Race. “GOP Senate hopeful W. Mitt Romney, who has
been accused of waffling on abortion, came down more firmly in the abortion rights camp yesterday, voicing
support for the RU-486 ‘morning after’ abortion pill and a bill to ensure clinic access.” (Andrew Miga, “Romney Leans
Toward Abort Rights Camp,” Boston Herald, 5/19/94)
“[Romney] Has Won Praise From Abortion Rights Groups … For Endorsing The Legalization Of RU-
486, The Abortion-Inducing Drug Used In Europe.” (Scot Lehigh, “Romney Admits Advice Against Abortion,” The Boston
Globe, 10/20/94)
Romney, On RU-486: “I think it would be a positive thing to have women have the choice of taking the
morning-after pill … I would favor having it available.” (Andrew Miga, “Romney Leans Toward Abort Rights Camp,” Boston
Herald, 5/19/94)
In 2002, Romney Filled Out Questionnaires Supporting Abortion Rights, State Funding For Abortions And
Was Endorsed By Pro-Choice Groups
Romney Professed Support For Roe v. Wade, Public Funding Of Abortions. “On a questionnaire Planned
Parenthood gave to the gubernatorial candidates in 2002, Romney answered ‘yes’ to the question, ‘do you
support the substance of the supreme court decision in Roe v. Wade?’ Romney

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