Mitt Romney
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Born: 03/27/47
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Key Campaign Platform
- Ethics: Saying it's time to clean up the ethics in Washington, Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney today said he is proposing to strip pension benefits of any elected official or federal government employee who is convicted of a felony for violating the public trust." (Rod Boshart, "Romney: Time To Shore Up Ethics," Cedar Rapids Gazette, 8/2/07)
- Iraq: "I think the surge is the best course we have at this stage. We're seeing some positive reports coming from the Brookings Institution. We're going to see a report from General Petraeus soon. I think it's the best shot we have to see stability in Iraq and I certainly hope it's successful." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 8/6/07)
- Economy: "If the economy is growing quickly, then we generate all sorts of new revenue. And the best way to keep the economy rolling is to keep our taxes down. That's why I proposed middle income Americans ought to pay no taxes on their savings. Invest in the future of the economy. Growth helps us provide the revenue that we need." (ABC, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Des Moines, IA, 8/5/07)
U.S.-India Relations
- Governor Romney said in 2005 that although outsourcing to countries like India is a problem, "we'll see new opportunities created selling products there. We'll have a net increase in economic activity, just as we did with free trade."
Notable Achievements
- Signed legislation that required all Massachusetts residents to have health insurance, and earmarked $800 million to compensate or reimburse hospital expenses related to treated uninsured patients.
- Instituted the John and Abigail Adams Scholarships to reward the top 25 per cent of Massachusetts high school students with a four-year tuition fee to the state's universities or colleges.
- Managed to wipe out the state's deficit of $3 billion and achieved a surplus of $500 million in 2005
