Former governor Mitt Romney

pulled a blue sheet off an easel last night, revealing a gubernatorial portrait that depicts him wearing a business suit, a slight smile, and what is a first for a State House portrait: a cameo appearance by his wife, Ann.

 

Romney’s official portrait, unveiled with more pomp than the State House has seen in years, shows the one-term governor leaning on a desk, with two items on it: a photo of his wife and a leather binder that has a medical seal representing the state’s landmark healthcare legislation, approved during Romney’s tenure.

 

It is the first time a governor’s wife has been included in a Massachusetts gubernatorial portrait.

 

“Appreciate all of you coming today, and joining with us,’’ Romney said with his trademark folksy tone, to a crowd of about 250 supporters, former staff members, and state lawmakers. “I’m so delighted to spend some time with you. Look forward to shaking everybody’s hands, and look forward someday to doing this again and again and again.’’

 

But Romney, who has been considering another run for the presidency, also had his national ambitions on full display. He granted an exclusive interview with Fox News and greeted attendees as if he had never stopped campaigning, at one point carrying his 8-month-old grandchild around the hallways.

 

“Thanks for being here,’’ he told one person, punctuating it with a loud chuckle.

 

“You’re very, very kind,’’ he said to another.

 

“Got to have stuff for your website,’’ he said after taking a photo with Representative Paul K. Frost, a Republican from Auburn.

 

Much has changed since Romney last roamed the marble hallways of the State House, when he took the ceremonial “lone walk’’ out of the building on Jan. 3, 2007 and immediately launched his bid for the presidency. Republicans are a greater minority on Beacon Hill than ever. Romney ran and lost his bid for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.

 

The ceremony also included a level of planned production not seen at the State House in years. Tabletops had crisp white cloths. Velvet ropes were installed around the audience, and bright lights shined on a stage set up in front of the Grand Staircase. Guests were able to sip white wine, ginger ale, or Heineken and eat from an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and vegetables.

 

“It’s good to be in the building again,’’ Romney said.