Onetime hopeful urges volunteers to amp up efforts for McCain
November 3, 2008
By Steve Eder, toledoBlade.com
At one time, Mitt Romney hoped these would be the closing days of his own campaign for president.
But instead, Mr. Romney, a onetime hopeful for the Republican presidential nomination, was in Toledo last night chastising Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama for lacking experience while rallying GOP volunteers to amp up their efforts in the final hours to elect John McCain - the man who beat him in the Republican primary.
"To see so many smiling and enthusiastic people - I'd almost think you are here to see me, but I know better," Mr. Romney told the crowd of more than 150 after a warm reception at the GOP's Lucas County Victory Office.
Mr. Romney, a Michigan native and former Massachusetts governor, ended his bid for the Republican nomination for president in February after a string of wins by Mr. McCain in key primaries.
Although Mr. Romney bowed out of the Republican race before Ohio's March 4 primary, he still received 36,021 votes in Ohio.
Mr. Romney said last night that he is fearful an Obama presidency will cause the United States to take a "sharp left turn," following European nations, which he said have suffered with sagging economies and lackluster job growth.
"What you'll see in John McCain and Sarah Palin is a team to create jobs," Mr. Romney said.
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Asked if he expects to seek his party's nomination in 2012, Mr. Romney shook his head.
"I'll tell you who is running for election in 2012 and that will be John McCain's re-election bid," Mr. Romney said.
Mr. Romney also said he has no interest in a position in Mr. McCain's administration, should he be elected president tomorrow. "I'd rather be on the outside fighting for what I think is right," he said.
