Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 14:28, 15 August 2012

It has been suggested that Mitt Romney's tax returns be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2012.

Mitt Romney for President 2012
Campaign	U.S. presidential election, 2012
Candidate	Mitt Romney (President) Former Governor of Massachusetts 2003–2007 Paul Ryan (Vice President) U.S. Congressman 1999-present
Affiliation	Republican Party
Headquarters	585 Commercial Street Boston, Massachusetts
Key people	Matt Rhoades (Manager) Beth Myers, Peter Flaherty and Eric Fehrnstrom (Advisors) Stuart Stevens (Strategist) Ashley O'Connor (Director of Advertising) Rich Beeson (Political Director) Gail Gitcho (Communications Director) Andrea Saul (Press secretary) Spencer Zwick (Finance chair) Lindsay Hayes (Speech writer) Gabriel Schoenfeld (Op-ed ghostwriter)
Receipts	US$153,145,358 (2012-6-31)
Slogan	Believe in America
Website
Mitt Romney 2012

This article is part of a series about Mitt Romney
Political positions Electoral history Business career Salt Lake Organizing Committee Public image Governor of Massachusetts Governorship 2002 election Health care reform Presidential campaigns 2008 Primaries Convention 2012 Primaries Convention Debates "Binders full of women" Election Endorsements Planned presidential transition U.S. Senator from Utah 2018 United States Senate election in Utah Turnaround No Apology Anti-Trump speech
v t e

This article is part of a series about Paul Ryan
Political positions Electoral history Vice presidential campaigns 2012 selection convention election Speaker of the House 2015 election 2017 re-election The Path to Prosperity A Better Way
v t e

2012 U.S. presidential election
Timeline General election debates Electors Polling nationwide statewide Parties
Democratic Party
Candidates Primaries Results Nominee Convention
Republican Party
Prelude Candidates Debates and forums Primaries National polling Statewide polling Straw polls Results Nominee VP candidate selection Convention Endorsements
Minor parties
Libertarian Party candidates primaries nominee convention Green Party primaries nominee convention Constitution Party nominee convention Justice Party nominee Americans Elect All candidates
Related races
House Senate Governors Vice President Democratic Republican
← 2008 2012 2016 →
v t e

The Mitt Romney presidential campaign of 2012 began when Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts, launched his second candidacy for the presidency of the United States in a bid to win the 2012 presidential election. His candidacy was formally announced on June 2, 2011 in Stratham, New Hampshire. His running mate for vice president is Paul Ryan, the U.S. Congressman for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district, announced on August 11, 2012 in Norfolk, Virginia.

He filed his organization with the Federal Elections Commission as an exploratory committee, and announced the organization in a video message on April 11, 2011. He became the party's presumptive nominee with his victory in the Texas primary on May 29, 2012.

Background

After the 2008 election, Romney built a strategy for the 2012 presidential campaign and saved PAC money to underwrite salaries and consulting fees for his existing political staff and to build up a political infrastructure for what might become a $1 billion campaign three years hence. He also had a nationwide network of former staff and supporters eager for him to run again. He continued to give speeches and raise campaign funds on behalf of fellow Republicans.

Romney finished first in the CPAC straw poll in 2009 and second in 2010 and 2011, won the Southern Republican Leadership Conference straw poll in 2010, and won the New Hampshire Straw Poll in 2011.

Romney released his 2010 tax return in early January 2012, along with a partial 2011 return which he promised to release in whole upon its completion. During the presidential campaign, he decided not to disclose additional returns citing the matter as a distraction from more important issues.

Campaign formation

Exploratory committee

Before a slower start to the presidential campaign by all contenders than four years previous, on April 11, 2011, Mitt Romney announced by means of a video recorded that day at an athletics field at the University of New Hampshire that he had formed an exploratory committee as a first step for a potential run for a Republican presidential campaign, saying, "It is time that we put America back on a course of greatness, with a growing economy, good jobs and fiscal discipline in Washington."

Formal announcement

Romney formally announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination at an outdoor gathering in Stratham, New Hampshire, on June 2, 2011. In his announcement speech, he pledged to make the U.S. economy the main focus of his campaign, saying "My number one job will be to see that America is number one in job creation."

Fundraising

On May 16, 2011, the Romney campaign announced that it had raised $10.25 million "in connection with today's call day fundraiser in Nevada." This was hailed in the media as "an impressive one day total." Thereafter, however, the Los Angeles Times reported that "the amount actually represented pledges gathered earlier and tallied that day, not just funds actually taken in by the campaign." Later, it was discovered that Romney had actually raised $2.403 million on May 16, about a quarter of the claimed amount.

For the entire second quarter, the campaign expected to raise only about $20 million, less than the $44 million raised in that period in 2007 but still more than any of the other Republican candidates. By the end of June, Romney's campaign raised $18.5 million, which was $14 million more than U.S. Representative Ron Paul, who came 2nd in funding amongst Republican candidates.

By the end of March 2012, Romney had raised $88 million, far more than his nearest Republican rival, Ron Paul ($36 million). President Barack Obama had raised $197 million, more than twice as much as Romney, and the Obama campaign had nearly 10 times as much cash on hand (over $100 million compared to Romney's $10 million). Most (56%) of Romney's contributions from individual donors were at the $2,500 legal limit, while most (53%) of Obama's were less than $200.

Romney is also supported by the Super PAC called Restore Our Future. As of the end of February 2012, Restore Our Future had raised over $43 million.

Campaign staff and policy team

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2012)

• Campaign Manager, Matt Rhoades. An American political consultant and strategist for the Republican National Committee. Previously, Rhoades was a vice president of DCI Group and before this communications director of Romney's '08 campaign.
• Chief of Staff to the Executive Director, Kelli Harrison
• Advisers, Beth Myers, Peter Flaherty and Eric Fehrnstrom
• Strategists, Stewart Stevens and Russ Schriefer. Founding partners and principals at the Stevens & Schriefer Group (SSG). Previously they were media consultants on Romney's 2007-08 campaign, and part of the media team on Bush-Cheney '04 and on Bush's 2000 campaign.
• Political Director, Rich Beeson. Partner at FLS Direct and previously the RNC director for the 2008 election cycle.
• Communications Director Gail Gitcho. Former communications director to Scott Brown and national press secretary for the RNC.
• Digital Director Zac Moffatt. Former co-founder and partner of Targeted Victory, a Republican digital strategic consulting firm.
• Policy Director, Lanhee Chen. A visit scholar at the University of California's Institute of Governmental Studies. Previously deputy campaign manager and policy director on California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner's campaign for governor, 2009–10, Chief domestic policy adviser during Romney's 2007-08 campaign for president, and senior counselor to the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Media issues

Advertising

In his previous campaign, Romney had begun television advertising in March 2007. In the 2012 cycle, however, his first advertisement did not air until November 2011. The 60-second spot, which was broadcast in New Hampshire, was widely criticized for using a quotation from Obama out of context. It included a clip of Obama apparently saying, "If we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose." It did not disclose that Obama, speaking in the 2008 campaign, had been quoting an email from an aide to his opponent, John McCain, which concerned McCain's campaign strategy, not Obama's. The Romney campaign defended the ad. According to The Boston Globe, "Romney aides even said they were proud of the reaction and suggested that the ad was deliberately misleading to garner attention."

Dog incident

In 2007, the Boston Globe reported that, in 1983, Romney transported his pet dog Seamus on the roof of their automobile. Newt Gingrich aired an anti-Romney attack ad that featured the story, while Rick Santorum stated it was relevant as an issue of character.

Etch A Sketch

Eric Fehrnstrom, a top aide to Romney, was asked by comedian and political commentator John Fugelsang on CNN how their campaigning would change if and when Romney wins the Republican nomination. He answered it would be like an Etch A Sketch to shake-up and start over. Immediately, Santorum and Gingrich took the opportunity to say Romney flips and is not a true Conservative. Each held up an Etch-A-Sketch toy as a visual aid to their audiences. Ron Paul got into the act by creating a short ad saying this is petty when we have “$15 trillion in debt, 12 million unemployed, and USA at war.”

Mitt Romney explained the words of his advisor by saying, "A general election campaign takes on a different profile. The issues I'm running on will be exactly the same. ... I was a conservative Republican governor, and I’ll be running as a conservative Republican nominee."‬ A poll by Pew Research Center taken in the days after the event found that a majority of voters were unaware that the comment had even been said, with a plurality of those that had heard of it saying that it had no effect on their opinion of Romney.

Tax returns

Due to pressure from political rivals during the Republican primary campaign, Romney released his 2010 tax return in early January 2012, along with a partial 2011 return which he promised to release in its entirety when completed. During the presidential campaign, he declined to disclose additional returns citing the matter as a distraction from more important issues, despite calls to do so by Democrats and several notable Republicans.

CPAC Straw Poll

Romney won the 2012 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Straw Poll in February with 38% of the vote. The poll is traditionally considered an important barometer of the sentiments of conservative activists. The New York Times wrote that the Romney campaign was busing in students from along the East Coast to support Romney. Rick Santorum finished second in the straw poll with 31%. Politico reported that like many of the other campaigns, the Romney campaign bought CPAC registration tickets to the conference.

Caucus and primary results

Iowa caucuses

Initially, Romney was declared the winner of the 2012 Iowa Republican caucuses, surpassing rival candidate Rick Santorum by eight votes. Upon official vote count, Santorum was found to have obtained thirty-four more votes than Romney and was declared the winner. Former Iowa Republican Chairman Richard Schwarm stated, "I think people realize it's a tie." The day final results were announced, "Governor Romney called Senator Santorum to congratulate him on the Iowa results," said Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul.

New Hampshire primary

The weekend ahead of the New Hampshire primary on January 10, Romney participated in two debates, which Reuters said Romney "weathered well." Newt Gingrich attacked Romney with allegations that he had destroyed companies and fired workers while working for Bain Capital. Romney won the New Hampshire primary with 39.3 percent of the vote.

South Carolina primary

The South Carolina Republican primary was scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2012. Several polls showed Romney having a slight lead over Gingrich in South Carolina. Gingrich continued to criticize Romney for causing job losses, Rick Perry referred to Romney's role at Bain Capital as 'vulture capitalism', and Sarah Palin stated that Romney needed to prove that Bain actually created 100,000 jobs as Romney has claimed. The negative advertising campaign was mainly sponsored by "Winning Our Future", the super PAC that supports Gingrich. During debates in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, Romney came in second place in the primary with 28% of the vote, behind Newt Gingrich with 40% of the vote, but ahead of Rick Santorum (17%) and Ron Paul (13%).

Florida primary

Polls taken immediately after the South Carolina primary showed Newt Gingrich in the lead but polls released a few days later placed Romney in first place. At least 200,000 Floridians voted via absentee ballots or early voting, a factor thought to favor Romney who aggressively campaigned in Florida in early January. Romney participated in both of the four-man debates that were held on Monday, January 23 and Thursday, January 26.

Romney released tax returns for 2010 and estimates for 2011. He showed income over that period of $42.5 million. His effective tax rate for 2010 was 13.9 percent, and he estimated that it would be 15.4 percent for 2011. About $13 million of his income was in "carried interest" and hence eligible for favorable tax treatment under a provision that Democrats have sought to end. It was also disclosed that Romney had investments in the Cayman Islands and had had a Swiss bank account until it was closed in 2010.

On January 31 Romney won the 2012 Florida primary with 46% of the vote.

Nevada caucuses

The Nevada Republican caucuses were held on Saturday, February 4. Less than 33,000 Republicans took part in the Nevada caucuses, which proportionally awards 28 Republican delegates. Romney won 50% of the caucus-goers, followed by Gingrich at 21%, Paul at 19%, and Santorum at 10%. Romney won 14 delegates, whereas Gingrich, Paul, and Santorum were awarded 6, 5, and 3 delegates respectively.

Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri

Rival candidate Rick Santorum surprised observers by winning all the three of the states holding votes on February 7. Romney lost to the former Pennsylvania Senator by 5 points in the Colorado caucus, finished third with 17% behind Ron Paul and Santorum in the Minnesota caucuses, and, in a contest that did not actually award any delegates and did not include Newt Gingrich on the ballot, lost the Missouri primary to Santorum by a 30 point margin.

Maine

Romney was initially declared the narrow winner of the Maine Caucus, but the results are now subject to a recount after several counties were not counted.

Michigan and Arizona

Michigan and Arizona held their Presidential primaries on Tuesday, February 28, and allocated 29 and 30 Republican delegates, respectively. CNN moderated a Republican primary debate in Mesa, Arizona on February 22, 2012. The Arizona Republican primary is ‘winner-take-all’ and the Michigan Republican delegate results are allocated proportionately among the candidates by voting district.

Washington state

The state of Washington held their caucuses on Saturday, March 3, with Mitt Romney gaining momentum going into 'Super Tuesday'. Later, Washington held their state GOP convention June 2, 2012 giving Romney at least 34 delegates for the Republican National Convention.

Super Tuesday

The largest number of states in the Republican Primary race voted on March 6, 2012, with Romney winning six states (Alaska, Idaho, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia); Santorum winning three states (North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee); and Gingrich winning Georgia.

Presumptive presidential nominee

By April 2012, in the absence of viable alternatives to Romney for the Republican nomination, polls showed Romney gaining on Obama's earlier double-digit lead in a hypothetical head-to-head general election contest. However, polls (both nationally and in battleground states like Florida and Ohio) also showed that for most of those who said they would vote for Romney, the primary motivator was hostility toward Obama rather than affirmative support for Romney. On April 25, 2012, the Republican National Committee (RNC) declared Romney the party's presumptive nominee. On May 29, Texas held their 2012 Republican primaries, which Romney won. The subsequent accumulation of the state's 155 delegates was enough to secure Romney the party's nomination.

General election campaign

Bain Capital

Romney's record at Bain Capital and Bain's investments are a prominent issue, with Romney arguing his tenure at Bain demonstrated management and leadership skills that created thousands of jobs. Political opponents have argued that under Romney, some investments at Bain increased investor profits at the expense of middle-class workers who were laid off. Romney took a leave of absence from Bain Capital in February 1999 to manage the Salt Lake City Olympics. Romney remained named on company documents while reorganization of Bain and according to SEC filings, he continued to be the "sole shareholder, sole director, Chief Executive Officer and President" of Bain for 3 additional years. This discrepancy was reported by The Boston Globe in July 2012 and used by Obama and his campaign in its ads that Romney was responsible for the activities of Bain Capital during that period, from 1999 to 2002. According to Bain, Romney played no active role despite his name being on the required filings. FactCheck.org examined the issue and reported that Romney did leave Bain in 1999. A report by Glenn Kessler of The Washington Post reported that there is little or no basis for the assertions by an Obama campaign staffer of criminal charges or civil liability with respect to the SEC filings. Romney's campaign cried foul and Romney personally demanded an apology which was refused by the Obama campaign.

In June 2012, former President Bill Clinton said that Romney, in having served as governor and having had a "sterling business career," met the basic qualifications to perform the essential functions of the presidency. Clinton also warned that Romney's economic proposals were "wrong-headed" and that a Romney presidency would be "calamitous" for the country and the world.

International trip

In July 2012, Romney undertook an international trip as the presumptive nominee of the Republican party, visiting the United Kingdom, Israel, and Poland to meet heads of state, and also to raise funds.

In London, he was criticized by the British press across the political spectrum for his comments referring to "disconcerting stories" regarding security issues and readiness of the London 2012 Olympic Games, which were widely seen as a diplomatic blunder. British Prime Minister David Cameron said:

We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest most active bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere. I visited Naypyidaw recently, in Burma, they've got six-lane highways and no cars on them. This is a busy, bustling city so inevitably you're going to have challenges.

The British press seized upon the "middle of nowhere" remark, construing it as an allusion to Utah where Romney had managed the Olympics in 2002. Cameron's aides denied this.

In Jerusalem, Romney discussed the possibility of a military strike against Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. He also discussed foreign policy regarding Iran with Israeli opposition Leader Shaul Mofaz. Romney said that the U.S. has a "solemn duty" to prevent Iran from harming Israel. He made no public promise that he would attack Iran's nuclear facilities if elected, but he reiterated that no option should be off the table in seeking to end Iran's nuclear program, although he hoped that diplomatic measures and economic sanctions would be successful. Romney called Jerusalem the capital of Israel, and later said that he would plan to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but would decide the timing of the move in consultation with the government of Israel. The Palestinian Authority and other Palestinian organizations denounced Romney's remarks about the political status of Jerusalem, which they hope will become the capital of a future Palestinian state, as well as Romney's refusal to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (he met instead with PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad). Some Palestinian leaders were also offended by remarks Romney made during a fundraiser, when he suggested that cultural differences and "the hand of providence" help explain why Israelis are more economically successful than Palestinians, and why similar economic disparities exist between other neighbors, such as the United States and Mexico, or Chile and Ecuador. A senior aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the remarks racist, as did American political scientist Angelo Falcón, president of the National Institute of Latino Policy. The Embassy of Mexico in the United States also rejected Romney's comments, noting that Mexico currently has a higher economic growth rate and lower inflation than the United States. Romney later denied that his comments had been directed against "Palestinian culture or the decisions made in their economy."

In Warsaw, Romney called Poland a model of small government and free enterprise whose example other states should emulate. He praised Poland for rejecting "the false promise of a government-dominated economy" and for seeking to "stimulate innovation, attract investment, expand trade, and live within its means." Romney also thanked the Polish people for supporting the U.S. in many conflicts. Romney briefly mentioned Russia, listing the country alongside Syria, Venezuela and Belarus, as examples of countries where "the desire to be free is met with brutal oppression". When American journalists tried to question Romney during a visit to Warsaw's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his campaign spokesman told journalists: "Kiss my ass. This is a holy site for the Polish people," and told a reporter to "shove it". The spokesman later apologized for the outburst. In Gdansk, Solidarność co-founder and former Polish President Lech Walesa endorsed Romney for president, but Solidarność's current leadership distanced itself from the event and criticized Romney as hostile to unions and labor rights.

According to analysis of 21 major news stories by the Media Research Center, a conservative content analysis organization, coverage of the trip by ABC, CBS, and NBC was primarily negative.

Vice-presidential selection

On August 11, 2012, the Romney campaign announced the manifest class warrior Paul Ryan as his choice for vice president, after which Romney and Ryan made a joint appearance at a campaign rally in Norfolk, Virginia.

See also

• Nationwide opinion polling for the United States presidential election, 2012
• List of Mitt Romney presidential campaign endorsements, 2012
• Endorsements for the Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012
• Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2008
• Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012
• Republican Party vice presidential candidates, 2012
• Results of the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries
• United States presidential election

References

1. ^ Romney picks Paul Ryan as vice presidential running mate - First Read
2. "Matt Rhoades". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
3. "Beth Myers". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
4. "Peter Flaherty". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
5. "Eric Fehrnstrom". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
6. "Gail Gitcho". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
7. "Andrea Saul". Who Runs Gov. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
8. "Talent and Organization – Building Towards 2012". P2012.org. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
9. "Romney Key Staff and Advisers". Politico. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
10. "Mitt Romney's inner circle". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
11. ^ Conroy, Scott (2012-02-04). "Hit or Miss, Romney Takes Ownership of His Speeches". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved 2012-03-09.
12. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/us/politics/mitt-romney-names-paul-ryan-as-his-running-mate.html?pagewanted=all
13. Phillips, Frank (December 8, 2008). "Romney paves way for possible '12 run". The Boston Globe.
14. Martin, Jonathan (June 29, 2009). "Mitt Romney's team awaits 2012". Politico. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
15. Cannon, Carl M. (June 2, 2009). "Mitt's Makeover: Channeling Reagan for 2012 Run". Politics Daily.
16. "Romney picked as 2012 GOP front-runner". CNN. February 28, 2009.
17. "Ron Paul Wins Presidential Straw Poll at CPAC". Fox News. February 20, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
18. "Ron Paul Wins Presidential Straw Poll at CPAC – Again". Fox News. February 12, 2011.
19. "Mitt Romney Wins Presidential Straw Poll at Republican Leadership Conference". Fox News. Associated Press. April 10, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
20. "Romney Wins New Hampshire Republican Straw Poll". Fox News. January 22, 2011.
21. ^ Holland, Steve; Dixon, Kim (January 25, 2012). "Romney returns show low tax rate; questions linger". Reuters. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
22. ^ "Romney booed over tax returns". Fox Nation. Janary 19, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
23. Michael D. Shear; Trip Gabriel (July 18, 2012). "Romney Steadfast in the Face of Growing Calls to Release More Tax Returns". The New York Times. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
24. "Romney takes first official step towards running for president". CNN. April 11, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
25. Elliott, Philip; Ramer, Holly "Romney opens presidential bid challenging Obama", Seattle Times. June 2, 2011.
26. "Romney Announces Bid For Presidency", NPR. June 2, 2011.
27. "Mitt Romney kicks off 2012 presidential bid", USA Today, June 2, 2011.
28. "Romney for President Exploratory Committee Raises $10.25 Million for Nevada Call Day". Romney for President. May 16, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
29. Friedersdorf, Conor (May 17, 2011). "Mitt Romney's $10 Million Day". The Atlantic. Retrieved July 2, 2011Template:Inconsistent citations{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
30. Legum, Judd (July 1, 2011). "FACT CHECK: Romney Campaign Did Not Raise $10 Million In One Day". Think Progress. Retrieved July 2, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
31. ^ Hamburger, Tom (June 30, 2011). "As filing deadline approaches, presidential campaigns see slow returns". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 2, 2011Template:Inconsistent citations{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
32. "Contributions For Romney For President Inc". Query.nictusa.com. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
33. Constantinople (July 18, 2011). "Exclusive: Romney Only Raised $2 Million on Day He Claimed He Raised $10 Million (UPDATED)". metaWarRoom. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
34. Kathleen Ronayne (July 7, 2011). "Presidential Fund-Raising for GOP Hopefuls Off to Slower Start Than Four Years Ago". OpenSecrets. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
35. ^ Carmi, Evan. "The 2012 Money Race: Compare the Candidates". New York Times. Retrieved 2012-04-22. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
36. Confessore, Nicholas (2012-05-02). "Obama's Not-So-Hot Date With Wall Street". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 2012-05-03.
37. ^ Romney for President, Inc.- Organization, 2011-12 Primary Edition
38. Steinhauser, Paul (November 22, 2011). "Democrats say new Romney ad distorts Obama's words". CNN. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
39. Levenson, Michael (November 27, 2011). "Deceptive campaign ads hint at year of mudslinging". The Boston Globe. pp. A1. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
40. James Oliphant (January 12, 2012). "New anti-Romney ad by Gingrich goes to the dog". Los Angeles Times.
41. Kasie Hunt (January 14, 2012). "Attacks on Romney getting personal". Associated Press.
42. Amy Bingham (March 19, 2012). "Santorum team doggedly resurrects Romney's Seamus tale". ABC News.
43. "New Ron Paul Ad: Etch A Sketch". RonPaul.com. March 23, 2012.
44. Justin Sink (March 3, 2012). "Romney says Etch A Sketch comments misinterpreted, will run 'as a conservative'". Capitol Hill Publishing Corp.
45. "Trayvon Martin Killing Is Public's Top News Story". Pew Research Center. 27 March 2012.
46. Michael D. Shear; Trip Gabriel (July 18, 2012). "Romney Steadfast in the Face of Growing Calls to Release More Tax Returns". The New York Times. Retrieved July 19, 2012. In the political environment that exists today, the opposition research of the Obama campaign is looking for anything they can use to distract from the failure of the president to reignite our economy, And I'm simply not enthusiastic about giving them hundreds or thousands of more pages to pick through, distort and lie about.
47. Zeleny, Jeff (February 10, 2012). "Romney's Record as Governor Resumes Central Role in Nomination Fight". The New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
48. "Transcript". State of the Union with Candy Crowley. CNN. February 12, 2012. {{cite news}}: Text "February 24, 2012" ignored (help)
49. Martin, Jonathan (February 12, 2012). "Romney worked the CPAC straw poll". Politico. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
50. Zeleny, Jeff (January 3, 2012). "Romney Wins Iowa Caucus by 8 Votes". The New York Times. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
51. Glover, Mike (January 19, 2012). "Santorum edges Romney in belated Iowa GOP count". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
52. "BREAKING: Romney calls Santorum". CNN. January 19, 2012.
53. Steve Holland and Jason McLure, Romney defends business record from Republican rivals Reuters January 9, 2012
54. Williams, Paul (January 11, 2012). "New Hampshire primary results: What they mean for Mitt Romney and Ron Paul". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
55. King Jr, Neil; O'Connor, Patrick (January 10, 2012). "Romney Wins New Hampshire Primary". Wall Street Journal.
56. "Election 2012 – South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
57. What Romney's money says to voters March 22, 2012
58. Real Debate Behind the Media Circus March 30, 2012
59. "Romney, Gingrich tangle over ads in South Carolina". Fox News. January 13, 2012.
60. "Sarah Palin:Mitt Romney needs Bain show & tell".
61. Gillum, Jack. "Big change in '12: Big GOP money from 'super PACs'". Associated Press. CBS News. January 9, 2012.
62. "The Republican candidates and their 'super PAC' benefactors". The Washington Post. January 16, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2012.
63. "South Carolina poll: Gingrich triumphs over Romney". BBC News. January 22, 2012.
64. Nate Silver (January 23, 2012). "New Florida Polls Show Big Swing to Gingrich". New York Times.
65. Silver, Nate. Polls Suggest Gingrich’s Support May Have Peaked, New York Times, January 25, 2012.
66. Marc Caputo (January 21, 2012). "Nearly 200,000 Republicans have voted early, by mail". Miami Herald.
67. "2012 Primary Debate Schedule".
68. Emily Friedman (January 19, 2012). "Mitt Romney Says He'll 'Probably' Release Multiple Years of Tax Returns". ABC News.
69. Holland, Steve (January 24, 2012). "Romney returns show low tax rate; questions linger". Reuters. Retrieved January 27, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
70. Isikoff, Michael (January 26, 2012). "Romney revising disclosures for overseas accounts". MSNBC. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
71. "Romney wins Florida primary prize, Gingrich pledges drawn-out battle". Fox News. February 1, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
72. Shira Schoenberg (February 6, 2012). "Final Nevada results give Mitt Romney half of the vote". Boston Globe.
73. Steve Holland (February 8, 2012), "Three-state sweep revives Santorum's White House hopes" Reuters
74. "Maine Republicans to recount votes that gave Romney a win." Reuters. February 17, 2012.
75. "2012 Primary Schedule". 2012 Election Central.
76. "GOP Candidates to Appear for Final Debate before Super Tuesday". CNN. February 23, 2012.
77. "Arizona Republican". 2012 Presidential Primaries, Caucuses, and Conventions. The Green Papers. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
78. "Michigan Republican Presidential Nominating Process". thegreenpapers.com.
79. "Washington state Republican". Thegreenpapers.com. Retrieved 2012-03-09.
80. "3 GOP hopefuls each claim Super Tuesday wins". Fox News Network. March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2012.
81. ^ Memoli, Michael A. (2012-04-20). "5 Things the Early Polls Tell Us about the Obama-Romney Matchup". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
82. Koszczuk, Jackie (2012-04-19). "Battleground Poll: Obama Leads Romney in Florida, Ohio". National Journal. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
83. Shear, Michael D. (April 25, 2012) "Republican National Committee Backs Romney", The New York Times. Retrieved May 2, 2012
84. Ashley Parker (May 24, 2012). "Both Campaigns Seize on Romney's Years at Bain". The New York Times. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
85. Dwyer, Devin (May 14, 2012). "Obama ad attacks Romney Bain Capital record". ABC News. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
86. Bain Capital Fund VI, L.P. (February 20, 2001). "SCHEDULE 13D (Rule 13d-101)". Securities and Exchange Commission. Retrieved July 14, 2012. Bain Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Bain Capital"), is the sole managing partner of the BCIP entities. Mr. W. Mitt Romney is the sole shareholder, sole director, Chief Executive Officer and President of Bain Capital and thus is the controlling person of Bain Capital.
87. Callum Borchers; Christopher Rowland (July 12, 2012). "Mitt Romney stayed at Bain 3 years longer than he stated: Firm's 2002 filings identify him as CEO, though he said he left in 1999". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
88. "Why Mitt Romney's end date at his buyout firm matters: http://OFA.BO/G1cLwJ" (Tweet). Barack Obama. July 13, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
89. ^ Michael D. Shear (July 13, 2012). "Romney Seeks Obama Apology for Bain Attacks". The New York Times. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
90. Cherkis, Jason (July 12, 2012). "Mitt Romney's Own 2002 Testimony Undermines Bain Departure Claim". Huffington Post. Retrieved July 14, 2012. "Mitt Romney left Bain Capital in February 1999 to run the Olympics and has had absolutely no involvement with the management or investment activities of the firm or with any of its portfolio companies since the day of his departure," the statement reads. "Due to the sudden nature of Mr. Romney's departure, he remained the sole stockholder for a time while formal ownership was being documented and transferred to the group of partners who took over management of the firm in 1999. Accordingly, Romney was reported as having fulfilled legal and financial capacities on SEC filings during this period."
91. Elspeth Reeve (July 12, 2012). "Why Romney's Quit Date at Bain Matters". Atlantic Wire. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
92. FactCheck.org : Romney’s Bain Years: New Evidence, Same Conclusion
93. ^ Glenn Kessler (July 12, 2012). "Mitt Romney and his departure from Bain" (blog by expert). The Washington Post. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
94. "Mitt Romney Defends Bain Record: GOP presidential candidate combats allegations about record at Bain Capital" (Video of interview of subject). ABC News. July 13, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
95. Michael D. Shear (July 14, 2012). "No Apologies: Obama Campaign Continues Attacks on Romney". The New York Times. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
96. Bailey, Holly (June 1, 2012).Bill Clinton criticizes Obama's Bain attacks, praises Romney's ‘sterling business career'.ABC News
97. Trinko, Katrina (June 1, 2012).Clinton: Romney had a Sterling Business Career. National Review.
98. Foster, Peter (June 5, 2012). "Bill Clinton says Mitt Romney as president would be 'calamitous'". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
99. Haberman, Maggie (June 5, 2012). "Bill Clinton: Mitt Romney White House would be 'calamitous'". Politico. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
100. Dunkley, Jamie (July 26, 2012). "US financiers to meet in London for Mitt Romney fundraiser". The Telegraph. {{cite news}}: Text "accessed August 7, 2012" ignored (help)
101. Mitt Romney to meet David Cameron during London visit | ITV News
102. Sanchez, Raf; Irvine, Chris (July 26, 2012). "Mitt Romney in London: as it happened". The Telegraph. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |accessed= ignored (help)
103. Press, Associated (July 31, 2012). "Romney hails US-Polish ties during visit to Warsaw". The Guardian. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |accessed= ignored (help)
104. Condon, Stephanie (July 26, 2012). "British papers blast Mitt Romney". CBS News. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
105. Nicholas Watt, Hélène Mulholland and Owen Gibson (July 27, 2012). "Mitt Romney's Olympics blunder stuns No 10 and hands gift to Obama". The Guardian. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
106. Jones, Steve (July 27, 2012). "Romney Drops The Torch In London: Policy Trip Becomes Diplomatic Obstacle". about.com (The New York Times). Retrieved August 2, 2012.
107. ^ Jan Crawford, “Gaffe Olympics: Romney rankles Brits, Cameron also offends”, CBS News (July 26, 2012).
108. David Stringer. "Romney stirs Olympic tiff as European tour begins", Associated Press (July 26, 2012): "His aides said that was not intended as a jibe at Romney or Salt Lake City."
109. Keinon, Herb (July 29, 2012). "Iran talk dominates Romney agenda in Jersualem". The Jerusalem Post.
110. Hunt, Kasie (July 29, 2012). "Mitt Romney: United States Has 'Solemn Duty' To Block Nuclear Iran". Huffington Post.
111. ^ Lazaroff, Tovah, and Keinon, Herb (July 29, 2012). "Romney: Deeply moving to be in Jerusalem, Israel's capital". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved July 31, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
112. Kessler, Glen (July 31, 2012). "Romney's pledge to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
113. Liptak, Kevin (July 29, 2012). "Romney says Jerusalem is Israel's capital, vows to move embassy". CNN. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
114. Abu Toameh, Khaled (July 30, 2012). "Palestinian groups slam Romney remark on J'lem". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
115. Romney, Mitt (July 31, 2012). "Culture does matter". National Review Online.
116. Bloomfield, Adrian; Day, Matthew; Swaine, Jon (July 30, 2012). "Mitt Romney: Israelis richer than Palestinians because of 'hand of providence'". The Telegraph.
117. ^ Sherwood, Harriet (July 30, 2012). "Mitt Romney 'providence' comments in Israel outrage Palestinians". The Guardian. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
118. ^ "Text of Romney's Remarks About Culture and Israel". ABC News. Associated Press. August 1, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
119. Mitt Romney creates fresh divisions on Israel tour with ‘racist’ economic remarks, National Post, July 30, 2012, retrieved 2012-08-02
120. "Embajada de México rechaza comentarios de Romney". El Universal (in Spanish). 1 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
121. Sabaté, Albert (August 3, 2012). "Mexican officials react after Romney disses Mexico's economy". Univision News.
122. Romney's Racist Reference To Palestinian Culture, FactCheck.org, July 31, 2012, retrieved 2012-08-01
123. CBS News Political Hotsheet, retrieved 2012-06-01
124. "Mitt Romney Praises Poland's 'Economic Liberty'". The Huffington Post. Associated Press. July 31, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
125. In Poland, Romney heralds economic freedom - CNN.com
126. "Romney wraps up overseas tour amid tensions with media". BBC. July 31, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
127. "Mitt Romney aide in new 'kiss my ass' gaffe". The Telegraph. July 31, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2012.
128. Reston, Maeve, and Mehta, Seema (July 31, 2012). "Mitt Romney recovers footing in Poland". LA Times. Retrieved July 31, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
129. Parker, Ashley (July 31, 2012). "Romney Lauds Poland as an Economic Model". The New York Times. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
130. Hunt, Kasie (AP) (July 31, 2012). "In Poland, Romney Gets Endorsed by Lech Walesa". ABCnews. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
131. "Media Research Center: TV Network News Coverage Biased Against Romney". newsmax.com. 03 Aug 2012. Retrieved 2012-08-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
132. Zeleny, Jeff; Rutenberg, Jim (August 11, 2012). "Romney Adds Ryan to G.O.P. Ticket". The New York Times.

External links

• Mitt Romney 2012 official campaign website
• Mitt Romney on Facebook
• Mitt Romney on Twitter
• Republican Primary 17-poll average from The Wall Street Journal
• Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
• Template:GovLinks
• Campaign Contributions made by Mitt Romney at NewsMeat
• Press releases as Governor of Massachusetts 2003–2007
• "The Making of Mitt Romney". The Boston Globe. 2007.
• Mooney, Brian C. (May 30, 2011). "Romney and health care: In the thick of history". The Boston Globe.
• Mitt Romney; et al. (September 1, 2011). "Believe in America: Mitt Romney's Plan for Jobs and Economic Growth" (Document). Romney for President, IncTemplate:Inconsistent citations {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |asin= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |author-separator= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)CS1 maint: postscript (link)
• Robert Draper (November 30, 2011). "Building a Better Mitt Romney-Bot". The New York Times.

v t e Mitt Romney
U.S. Senator from Utah (2019–present) 70th Governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007)
Politics	1994 senatorial election 2002 gubernatorial election Governor of Massachusetts health care reform 2008 presidential campaign 2012 presidential campaign vice presidential candidate selection 2012 Republican National Convention 2012 U.S. presidential election "Binders full of women" "Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney" Mitt 2016 anti-Trump speech 2018 senatorial election Political positions Electoral history Public image
Business	Bain & Company Bain Capital
Olympics	Salt Lake Organizing Committee
Bibliography	Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games No Apology: The Case for American Greatness
Family	Ann Romney (spouse) Tagg Romney (eldest son) George W. Romney (father) Lenore Romney (mother) Gaskell Romney (grandfather) Harold A. Lafount (grandfather) Miles Park Romney (great-grandfather) Milton Romney (cousin) Ronna Romney McDaniel (niece)
Category Conservatism portal

• Articles to be merged from August 2012
• Campaigns in the United States presidential election, 2012
• Mitt Romney