As first noted by the Politico's Mike Allen, Mitt Romney's new PAC is launching on the weekend that vice presidential speculation reaches a low grade fever pitch -- maybe, oh, 99.2 degrees. The PAC is called "Free and Strong America." The PAC is designed to be a vehicle for Romney's future political aspirations as well as -- or nominally, if you prefer, a way to support Republican candidates across the country. The name is taken from Romney's speech on religion in College Station, TX last year.
On the site, Romney is introduced this way: "Widely recognized for his leadership and accomplishments as a public servant and in private enterprise, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney currently serves as the Honorary Chairman of Free and Strong America PAC." A list of Romney's executive and business accomplishments follow.
Make no mistake: the candidates Romney's PAC is supporting are all solid conservatives, ranging from Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) to Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL). Most of them supported Romney's presidential bid, although some, like Bachmann, are running competitive races in states Romney won during the primary campaign.
Eric Fehrnstrom, an advisor to the PAC and Romney's longtime spokesperson, said that the PAC was registered with the FEC a few weeks ago and that fundraising "began in earnest" the second week of May. Peter Flaherty, a Romney deputy campaign and his liaison to religious conservatives (back when Romney needed a liaison to religious conservatives) will serve as executive director. Rob Cole will be political director. Beth Myers, Romney's former campaign manager, will be a senior adviser. Others who will be informally helping Romney find his post-campaign voice are Ex-Rep. Vin Weber, attorney James Bopp, counsel Ben Ginsberg, Freedom's Watch CEO Carl Forti, and spokespeople Kevin Madden and Matt Rhoades.
The official press release is after the jump.
ROMNEY FORMS ‘FREE AND STRONG AMERICA PAC’ TO HELP ELECT CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS
BOSTON. . . A new federal political action committee chaired by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney made its debut today with the mission of helping to elect conservative Republicans around the country.
Free and Strong America PAC will support officeholders and candidates who are dedicated to advancing social, fiscal and foreign policies that will strengthen America at this critical time in the nation’s history. The guiding focus will be on the core principles that have built and nurtured America since its founding – uncompromised military strength, a belief in the power of free markets and that a competitive America is one where taxes are low and government is small, an emphasis on strong families and a federalist approach to government that leaves decision-making as close to the people as possible.
“America is at a crossroads. If we are to remain a leader in the world, we must be prepared to tackle the numerous challenges ahead of us with the same innovation and spirit that has made us the envy of the world. Together with the candidates we support, and the help of the American people, we can embrace solutions that will create a strong economy, strong families and a strong military,” Romney said.
The PAC will support candidates running for all levels of office in the current 2008 cycle, starting at the top of the ticket with Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Targeted races will be added to the PAC website at www.FreeStrongAmerica.com on an ongoing basis. In the first week, featured congressional candidates include U.S. Rep. Dean F. Andal of California, Keith Fimian of Virginia, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney of Florida, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack of Florida and U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg of Michigan.
Headquartered in Boston, Free and Strong America PAC will be led by executive director Peter Flaherty, a former deputy chief of staff to Governor Romney and a deputy campaign manager in the Romney presidential campaign.
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