source: Boston Globe
Mitt Romney declines to answer whether he will release his tax returns
12/30/2011 10:43 PM
MERRIMACK, N.H. - More than 200 people crammed inside the Merrimack VFW Post 8641 and another 150 waited outside Friday night to catch a glimpse and listen to the Republican frontrunner, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Romney, who was accompanied by two of his sons, Matthew and Craig, was introduced by US Senator Kelly Ayotte. “He has, understands, he appreciates the American Dream,” she told the roaring crowd.
In a wide-ranging 30-minute speech Romney professed his love for the United States, reciting lyrics from “America the Beautiful,” while also stressing smaller government and less regulation. During the question and answer period, he said he would not rule out a military option against Iran, which is believed to be building a nuclear weapon. He also said he would eliminate the Affordable Care Act, which would extend health insurance to more than 30 million Americans. “Our first 100 days we’ll get rid of Obamacare,” said Romney.
Following his speech, Romney did not answer when asked if he planned to release his tax returns. On Thursday, his son Matthew alluded to a New Hampshire audience that the presidential candidate might release his tax returns if President Obama released his academic grades and birth certificate. Matthew Romney later said he was repeating a joke, and apologized.
Obama released his short-form birth certificate in 2008, and his long-form birth certificate in 2011.
In an interview, Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said Romney had not questioned Obama’s birth certificate nor had he called for the president to release his college grades. He also said Romney might address the issue of releasing his tax returns in the future. “It’s an issue he’ll discuss if he becomes the Republican nominee,” said Williams.
Nancy Poltack, a Merrimack retiree, said she had met Romney twice before and called him the most moderate of all the Republican candidates. “The other candidates I think are a little too radical perhaps, decisive,” she said.
Larry Tighe, a Mont Vernon cabinetmaker, also said he planned to vote for Romney because he stood out from the rest of the Republican candidates. “He’s very presidential, he’s sure of himself, “ said Tighe.
Romney is scheduled to appear at a Hampton, N.H., breakfast tomorrow before returning to Iowa for two afternoon speaking appearances later in the day.
Mitt Romney declines to answer whether he will release his tax returns
12/30/2011 10:43 PM
MERRIMACK, N.H. - More than 200 people crammed inside the Merrimack VFW Post 8641 and another 150 waited outside Friday night to catch a glimpse and listen to the Republican frontrunner, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Romney, who was accompanied by two of his sons, Matthew and Craig, was introduced by US Senator Kelly Ayotte. “He has, understands, he appreciates the American Dream,” she told the roaring crowd.
In a wide-ranging 30-minute speech Romney professed his love for the United States, reciting lyrics from “America the Beautiful,” while also stressing smaller government and less regulation. During the question and answer period, he said he would not rule out a military option against Iran, which is believed to be building a nuclear weapon. He also said he would eliminate the Affordable Care Act, which would extend health insurance to more than 30 million Americans. “Our first 100 days we’ll get rid of Obamacare,” said Romney.
Following his speech, Romney did not answer when asked if he planned to release his tax returns. On Thursday, his son Matthew alluded to a New Hampshire audience that the presidential candidate might release his tax returns if President Obama released his academic grades and birth certificate. Matthew Romney later said he was repeating a joke, and apologized.
Obama released his short-form birth certificate in 2008, and his long-form birth certificate in 2011.
In an interview, Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said Romney had not questioned Obama’s birth certificate nor had he called for the president to release his college grades. He also said Romney might address the issue of releasing his tax returns in the future. “It’s an issue he’ll discuss if he becomes the Republican nominee,” said Williams.
Nancy Poltack, a Merrimack retiree, said she had met Romney twice before and called him the most moderate of all the Republican candidates. “The other candidates I think are a little too radical perhaps, decisive,” she said.
Larry Tighe, a Mont Vernon cabinetmaker, also said he planned to vote for Romney because he stood out from the rest of the Republican candidates. “He’s very presidential, he’s sure of himself, “ said Tighe.
Romney is scheduled to appear at a Hampton, N.H., breakfast tomorrow before returning to Iowa for two afternoon speaking appearances later in the day.
