Five Brothers: The Romney Campaign Blog

A Nor'easter in New Hampshire

This past Sunday I made a trip with my dad to Sunapee, New Hampshire to attend the annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Despite the Nor’easter storms, which are not unusual in New England but are this late in the year, there was a great turn out to listen to him speak. The conditions actually got really bad and the snow began to accumulate rather quickly. With well over an hour of driving still remaining, I was surprised my dad did not want to cancel.

We saw spinouts along the way, so we were not surprised to see tracks ahead of us at one point that veered into oncoming traffic. We slowed down and then noticed that there was a giant tree branch blocking the lane. We saw a couple of guys in a pickup just ahead of us get out and push the limb out of the road. Later that evening, my dad mentioned this in his speech. He correctly pointed out that this was typical of people in New Hampshire – they aren’t always looking for the government or someone else to solve their problems, but chipping in and taking responsibility for their community.

It was a treat for me to get to meet two phenomenal US senators, John Sununu and Greg Judd. It was also fun to go back to Sunapee where my mom and dad had taken me and my brothers so many times when we were learning to ski in our early years.

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Posted at 2007-04-18 12:37:54 by Matt Romney  |  Comments [0]

Responding to a comment

Melstrom writes, "I'm just curious, don't answer if you don't feel like it, but being Mormon, does Romney campaign on Sunday?"

We went to church every Sunday growing up. Everyone in my family continues to go to church every week when possible. Traveling and campaigning can take a toll in church attendance, especially on my dad, but we all strive to be there every Sunday.

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Posted at 2007-04-18 12:09:37 by Craig Romney  |  Comments [0]

On the Virginia Tech Tragedy

I have to admit that I find it very difficult to write an entry to a political blog so soon after such a horrific national tragedy at Virginia Tech. I thought about what subject I could possibly write about that wouldn't seem to trivialize those events. It occurred to me that since I spent Monday with my Dad and was there when he learned about the tragedy, that I would share his reaction to the event with you.

We were together in New Hampshire with my Mom and all my brothers, our wives, and all the cousins (more on why we were there together in a later blog) when my Dad learned of the news. We switched on the TV and watched in horror with the rest of the nation as the reports came in of how the day had unfolded and of the rising casualties. A few of the older grandchildren were there and had questions about what this all meant and how something like this could happen, questions that were difficult to answer. We talked for some time about the heart ache that so many families would be feeling across America as a result of this brutal, senseless act by one individual. We were saddened by their loss, and shocked by the increasing brutality on display across the globe.

It's unlikely that this wound will ever fully heal for all the families involved. In the meantime our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the tragedy.

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Posted at 2007-04-18 08:53:39 by Tagg Romney  |  Comments [0]

Responding to another comment

On my introduction post, Mike asks "What do you think about the flip-flop charge?"

Honestly, it doesn't bother me when the press tries labeling him as something that is untrue.  You can't be too sensitive to stuff like this.  I greatly respect my Dad for changing his position on the issue of choice.  He readily admits that he was wrong before.  I think it takes courage to admit that you were wrong so publicly.  Some have tried to twist earlier statements to make it seem that he has shifted his views on other topics as well, but the reality is that he has been remarkably consistent.  His core values and principles have always and will always be strong and unchanging.

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Posted at 2007-04-13 06:40:51 by Matt Romney  |  Comments [24]

Responding to a couple of comments

Brandon Hinds writes, "Hello Craig. I know the focus is primarily on fundraising right now, but I would like to work with the campaign on grassroots campaigning in Texas primarily. I have built an organization here in Texas and would love to begin to equip my volunteers with bumperstickers, posters, t-shirts, ect. What can I do, what should I do to help?"

We are always looking for volunteers on the grassroots level. You can get involved by emailing info@mittromney.com

My wife, Mary, and I have also helped to organize called Students for Mitt in which full-time college students earn a 10% commission on all of the money that they raise for my dad's campaign. It is a great way to take the edge off a little while balancing school and it enables students to play a vital role in the outcome of the campaign. You can learn more and sign up at studentsformitt.com

Nate Gunderson writes, "I've seen your video introduction in the En Espanol section of the official site. You have an excellent accent and pronunciation I assume from serving an LDS mission in a Spanish speaking country. If so, where did you go?"

Thank you for your compliment on my Spanish. I served an LDS mission in Santiago, Chile from 2000-2002. I've tried to keep it up by staying in touch with friends from Chile. I've also had a lot of opportunities to practice living in New York City. Hopefully I can help spread my dad's message to the Hispanic community in their own tongue.

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Posted at 2007-04-13 03:23:40 by Craig Romney  |  Comments [2]

On the Road with Allie

I have been spending most of my time on the road for my Dad. I typically visit Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, with occasional trips to other spots (California, DC, Florida, Michigan).

The local teams do a great job scheduling my days for me when I am in their states to get me to meet as many Republican activists as possible. I do my best to encourage them to join Team Romney and answer any questions they have. The days are long but very rewarding--it's helping us get his name out there, sign up activists, and add willing fundraisers to the team.

Last week I got a real treat when my wife agreed to allow my oldest child, Allie, to accompany me to New Hampshire. It was a school day but Jen agreed that giving her occasional exposure to the campaign would be educational for her. To help convince Mom to let her go, Allie did have to agree to write a report on the experience, which I will post when she finishes!

I have included a photo of our time together up in New Hampshire, where my Dad held his first "Ask Mitt Anything" event. In addition to traveling with my Dad, we split off on our own to do a few events as well, and Allie was the star attraction. When we got home late that evening, she was pretty tired and seemed relieved to be going to school the next day. Meeting so many people is a lot of fun, but can also be draining. She commented that she didn't know how in the world Papa (what she calls my Dad) kept that pace day after day with barely any breaks.

This week was crazy--I have been in 6 states in 5 days (NH, MA, SC, Florida, and DC, which I know technically isn't a state) and slept in 5 different beds. I'll share my thoughts on a few interesting meetings I had next week, including the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast that I attended today.

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Posted at 2007-04-13 02:49:04 by Tagg Romney  |  Comments [7]

On the Road at the Bush Presidential Library in College Station, TX

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Posted at 2007-04-13 09:48:22 by Josh Romney  |  Comments [3]

Welcome to Five Brothers

It's with a great deal of both excitement and anxiety that we launch our "5 Brothers” Blog.  We've talked about doing it for the past few months as a way to share ideas with each other and to let our friends take an inside peek into what we are up to.  We hope you enjoy it, and encourage you to post your thoughts.

 As a way of introduction, the five of us will be taking turns posting messages, sharing personal videos and photos we take on the campaign trail, updating you on campaign stories and giving you an insider's view to what's going on in the family.

 The style of the blog will be fairly informal.  Some of us will post a lot more regularly than the others, as three of us are working full time on the campaign while the other two are only able to help part-time.  We are all married, so you might hear from our wives (maybe even our children) occasionally.  We also hope our Mom and Dad will find some time between events to post.

 We will do our best to summarize some of our favorite articles from the MSM, and particularly other blogs and YouTube videos in a section called "Daily Highlights."

Below you will find a brief introduction on each of us.  Our first post will be tomorrow, so check back regularly!

– Tagg, Matt, Josh, Ben and Craig

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Posted at 2007-04-12 08:15:20 by Tagg Romney  |  Comments [10]

An Introduction Video from Tagg

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Posted at 2007-04-12 07:51:10 by Tagg Romney  |  Comments [6]

An Introduction from Josh

Hello, this is Josh Romney, the middle child in the Romney family.  I live in Salt Lake City with my wife and three children, Grace (4), Wyatt (2) and Owen (5 mo.).   

I'm currently working as a real estate developer, but seem to be spending more and more of my time working on my dad's campaign, it's just too hard to stay away.  I recently started working for myself so I am able to take a lot of time off without getting into too much trouble.

I am a recent graduate of Harvard Business School and before that of Brigham Young University, where I majored in English.

So far I've had some interesting trips on behalf of my dad to many of the early primary states and have had the chance to get a taste of the local cultures, literally.  I would not recommend eating the collard greens when you're in the south, but the fried green tomatoes and the shrimp and grits are pretty tasty.  I'm looking forward to visiting all 99 counties in Iowa this summer and catching up with some of you on the road.

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Posted at 2007-04-12 06:36:05 by Josh Romney  |  Comments [12]

An Introduction from Ben

Hi, this is Ben Romney, the fourth of the five Romney boys.  I'm kind of the oddball of the family, as I'm the only one with blond hair, and the only one who is going into medicine. I also happen to be the least inclined to politics of the brothers.  Sure, I'll follow what's going on, but I'm not naturally inclined to business or politics really.  

I'm in my third year of medical school now, at Tufts University in Boston, and I really enjoy medical school, even though it can be quite demanding at times.  I'm married to Andelyne, who is an amazing woman, and a great support to me.  We don't have any kids yet, though we do have a dog (Kingsley), who almost gets the attention of a child; my parents call him their grand-dog.

Due to time constraints with medical school, my involvement with my dad's campaign is going to be somewhat limited compared to my brothers, but I do support my dad 100 percent and can’t wait to help where I can.  I know my father as a man of integrity and sound judgment.  He's also somebody who can organize people and bring about change, for good, wherever he goes.  I honestly believe that my dad can be the best president our country has seen in a very long time.  I don't mean that to be an offense to our previous presidents; I just believe my dad to be a great leader, and exactly what this country needs.

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Posted at 2007-04-12 08:01:55 by Ben Romney  |  Comments [9]

An Introduction from Craig

My name is Craig Romney. I am the youngest of Mitt's 5 sons. I live in New York City with my son and wife where I work as a music producer at an ad agency. I'm planning on being very involved in the campaign. As of yet, I have been balancing work, the campaign, and family life.

I've had the opportunity to travel to New Hampshire, Michigan, South Carolina (twice), and New Orleans on behalf of the campaign. I've had a blast meeting the people and trying new food on the road. Thanks for reading. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

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Posted at 2007-04-12 07:32:28 by Craig Romney  |  Comments [9]

An Introduction from Matt

Hey, this is Matt. I’m number 2 on the pecking order. I live in San Diego with my wife, Laurie, and 3 kids – 6-year-old twins, Nick and Chloe, and Mia who is 2.5. My family is a great blessing to me. After being born and raised in Boston and then living in Seattle for a couple of years, the weather in San Diego is a very welcome change. I work at a real estate company; we buy, sell, manage and develop commercial properties.

I must admit that I’m having a hard time balancing my personal life and work now that the campaign is in full swing. I help to raise money for my dad’s campaign as well as doing as many events for him as my schedule will permit. So far I’ve traveled to SC, MI, IA, AK, UT and MA. I’ve also represented my dad at several events here in CA including the Republican Convention in Sacramento and various Lincoln Club, Young Republican, New Majority, Republican Women’s Federated and Generation Next get togethers. I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet people out on the trail. I am so humbled by the time and energy they’re contributing to my dad’s efforts. Everywhere I go, I hear the same theme repeated: Mitt Romney is the best person to bring change to Washington; he’s bright, capable, honest, articulate and an unparalleled problem-solver. Obviously I agree, but I’m very hopeful that Americans get a good chance to hear from my dad and see for themselves.

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Posted at 2007-04-12 05:54:48 by Matt Romney  |  Comments [9]