Favorite Son......Mitt Romney Backed by Michigan Newspaper

Romney is best GOP choice in primary
EDITORIAL
The Oakland Press

"We urge Republican Party faithfuls to stand up and vote for Mitt Romney.

".....His father, George, was an outstanding governor for Michigan from 1963-69. The fact that he was a Mormon didn't hinder his performance as the state's leader, and we doubt that Mitt's faith will have any negative effect also.

"......Meanwhile, Mitt Romney certainly has the credentials to run the country. He is a former Massachusetts governor who turned that state's economy around and proved to be a more than able leader.

"......His ties to Michigan and Oakland County are obvious.

".....His interest in Michigan has been strong, probably stronger than any other GOP candidate.

"......He officially entered the 2008 presidential race during a gathering of about 1,200 supporters at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn last summer. Romney, 59, has also appeared before the Detroit Economic Club and at the Republican state convention in Grand Rapids.

"......Oakland County lawmakers endorsing him include state Reps. John Stakoe, RHighland Township; Marty Knollenberg, R-Troy; Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham; James Marleau, R-Lake Orion; John Garfield, R-Rochester Hills; Craig DeRoche, R-Novi; and Fran Amos, RWaterford Township; and state Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi.

"......His backers also include Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson; state House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche, R-Novi; and Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Dennis Cowan.

".....Looking at the obvious, Romney entered the 2008 race with impressive backing in Michigan, and his ties to the state are undeniable. He has firsthand knowledge of the auto industry and its importance to Michigan.

"...Equally critical, Romney knows how to get a state out of debt and, being from Michigan, he certainly has an empathy for the state that the other candidates, both GOP and Democratic, don't have.

".....With Michigan's horrible economy and other problems, we need as much clout in Washington as possible and Romney promises to give us that.

"But there's no doubt whom state Republicans should vote for - Mitt Romney."