Acting Gov. Jane Swift ended her bid for governor yesterday, shortly before expected candidate Mitt Romney officially kicked off his challenge to Swift for the Republican gubernatorial ticket.
In an address at the State House yesterday, Swift cleared the way for an uncontested run for Romney, who is coming off a successful performance as president of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Committee. Romney made his campaign official yesterday at a conference in front of his home in Belmont.
While choking back tears, Swift said she has decided to end her bid for governor to make way for Romney, who has trounced Swift in early public support polls.
“I believe that this is in the best interest of our state, as it will allow the Republican Party’s best chances of holding the governor’s office in November,” Swift said.
Swift said she would continue to perform her duties in full until a successor is elected, placing emphasis on the urgency of the state’s budgetary difficulties.
“My motivation has always been to provide the people of Massachusetts with opportunity: opportunity for an excellent education, opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned money and opportunity to live in safe and secure neighborhoods,” she said. “I’ll continue to work hard in the coming months to keep those priorities at the forefront as we deal with this fiscal crisis.”
The governor spoke fondly of the job she is leaving.
“Serving as governor of this great commonwealth has been an honor and a privilege, and one for which I’ll always be grateful,” she said. “I want to thank the people of Massachusetts for their support and their goodwill throughout my entire time over the last 12 years in public office.”
Romney said Swift first informed him of her decision yesterday morning, shortly before she made her choice official. He said he and Swift had not spoken on the matter prior to that conversation.
“I haven’t wanted in any way to direct her as to the decision she would make, but I very much appreciate her support,” he said. “In my view, Gov. Swift deserves the thanks and praise of the people of Massachusetts.”
After Swift’s announcement, Romney was forced to scale back his own conference, which was to be held at a Boston hotel and feature a crowd of supporters. Romney, instead, stood with his family before their Belmont home to announce his intention to extend the Republicans’ 12-year stronghold on the governor’s office.
“I’m going to work very hard — I mean tirelessly — not just to win an election, but I’m going to work over the next four years to do everything I possibly can to ensure that the people of Massachusetts share in the great resources that this commonwealth has,” he said.
Romney said he has not yet made a decision on a running mate, but intends to speak with former GOP State Chairman Jim Rappaport and Patrick Guerriero, the former state representative chosen by Swift to run as lieutenant governor.
Following his speech, Romney was asked about his stance on abortion, a crucial issue for a Republican candidate in a heavily Democratic state.
“On a personal basis, I don’t favor abortion,” Romney replied. “However, as governor of Massachusetts, I will protect the laws of the country and the Commonwealth.”
Questions were also directed to Romney’s wife, Ann. Ann Romney was diagnosed three years ago with multiple sclerosis, and it was speculated her health might keep Romney from entering the race.
“Right now, I’m feeling great; I feel healthy,” Ann Romney said. “I never want to get in the way of my husband’s chances.
“I think he’s going to win it.”
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