CHARLESTON -
Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who is considered one of the front runners in the 2012 Republican presidential primary, is the "right person" for the job, West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Mike Stuart said April 9.
Stuart cited Romney's experience in the private sector, his leadership and understanding of economic challenges as reasons for the endorsement. These qualities, Stuart said, would help Romney "reverse the devastating economic turmoil that has embroiled our nation under the failed policies of President Obama"
"America is in serious need of new leadership to restore confidence that government can work," Stuart said. "Barack Obama is taking our nation down a path of certain destruction. Government spending is out of control while millions of Americans are looking for jobs. Mitt Romney understands how to read and manage a budget and he will create a climate in which our economy will thrive and Americans can get back to work."
The party's endorsement comes nearly two weeks after Stuart announced his resignation as party chairman. Stuart, who has been head of the party since 2010, filed papers in January to run as a delegate to the Republican National Convention, scheduled for August. Stuart filed as uncommitted, but his wife's filing shows she is committed to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
One reason Stuart has decided to endorse Romney is the candidate's understanding of domestic energy, an issue important to many West Virginians.
"Mitt Romney understands the importance of coal, natural gas and domestic energy production and his policies will ensure new jobs and economic certainty for West Virginia's coal and natural gas industries," Stuart said. "Alternatively, President Obama and his fellow Democrats have waged an open and obvious war on coal since his election in 2008. Obama's policies compromise our nation's national security and the economic security of every West Virginian and every American. On the issue of national energy policy alone, Mitt Romney should be the next President of the United States."
Romney announced a West Virginia steering committee in December. On his campaign website, Romney said domestic energy is a "critical priority for our economic recovery."
"I am honored to have the support of so many West Virginia leaders," Romney said in a news release published on his campaign website. "While every state's economy is suffering under President Obama, West Virginia's is one of the few under active attack by Obama. As president, I will make domestic energy production a critical priority for our economic recovery. West Virginia's coal resources are a tremendous asset to the state and to the nation and I will encourage their development."
Members of the West Virginia Steering Committee include Bill Phillips, chief of staff to former Gov. Cecil Underwood; state Sen. Donna Boley, R-Pleasants; Delegate Bob Ashley, R-Roane; Thomas O'Neil, vice chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party; Wendy McCuskey, state director of Romney's 2008 presidential campaign; and Donna Gonsey, Republican National Committeewoman.
Boley said in announcing her support for Romney that he understands the economy and challenges the economy poses to the private sector.
"President Obama's attempts to restart our economy for the last three years have failed," Boley said. "His liberal, over-reaching policies are simply not working. We need a conservative, experienced leader who understands how the economy works and has actually created jobs. As Governor, Mitt Romney balanced the budget without raising taxes. He spent 25 years in the private sector turning around failing businesses and successfully turned around the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. I am proud and excited to support Mitt Romney for President."
Romney's Republican challengers include Gingrich, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas., and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Penn. West Virginia's primary will be May 8.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVNS. All Rights Reserved.
