Romney on Homeland Security: A Leader I'd Want In Crisis
By jjfuller72 Posted in User Blogs — Comments (10) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
After studying Mitt Romney's experience with Homeland Security (HS), I would argue that Romney's Homeland Security experience and credentials exceed those of any other 2008 presidential hopeful--republican or democrat (rivaled only by the "wild-card" candidate, Rudy Giuliani). His experience is not limited to sitting on committees and being briefed on these issues. He is often the one called upon TO DO the briefing to key committees due to his "on the ground" experience with devising and implementing large-scale security plans. Much of this stems from his great success in leading Salt Lake to a safe and successful Olympic Games in the post-9/11 world as well as subsequent strong disaster management leadership as Gov. of Massachusetts.
Dr. James Carafano a senior research fellow for defense and homeland security at The Heritage Foundation, said in "Olympic Sized-Security" the following: "The 2002 Salt Lake City, Utah, Winter Olympics featured an unprecedented, integrated security and intelligence apparatus organized by Mitt Romney (now governor of Massachusetts). Salt Lake set the standard."
Romney's HS resume is strong and speaks for itself:
He sits on the Department Homeland Security's Advisory Council (a branch of the Executive Branch Cabinet)
He Co-chairs the National Governor's Association Homeland Security Committee. Two of the letters he co-authored in this role can be found here (to the U.S. House) and here (to the U.S. Senate).
He oversaw and implemented the complex HS plans of the Salt Lake Olympics, both before and after 9/11, carrying off the Games without any major security glitches or events. Details of this experience can be found in Romney's book, "Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games" (two chapters: "Securing the Olympic Games" and "September 11").
As Governor of Massachusetts:
- His state recently became one of only 10 states nationwide to receive a the highest grade for disaster preparedness (See CBS story).
- He proactively led Massachusetts through a recent (May 2006) "State of Emergency" due to their worst flooding in 70+ years. Romney's leadership through what the Federal government designated a "Major Disaster Emergency" drew rave reviews both locally and nationally (whole separate blog entry to follow).
- The Massachusetts Avian Flu disaster plan has been held up as a model that the CDC and other officials have praised.
Sentinel HS testimonies/speeches by Romney:
- Testimony to U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs and Homeland Security Committee on May 13th, 2003 titled "Investing in Homeland Security: Challenges Facing State and Local Governments"
- Testimony to U.S. House Select Committee on Homeland Security given on June 17, 2003 titled "First Responders: How States, Localities, and the Federal Government Can Strengthen Their Partnership to Make America Safer."
- Lectured at The Heritage Foundation (conservative think tank group) on Oct 23rd, 2003 giving a talk titled "Grading Progress on Homeland Security: Before and After 9/11"
- Testimony to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on May 4th, 2004 titled "Lessons Learned from Security at Past Olympic Games"
- Lectured and answered questions at The Heritage Foundation on September 14, 2005 titled "Homeland Security: Status of Federal, State and Local Efforts" (no text, but can listen to or watch his presentation.)
Since today is Independence Day the thought came to my mind that many in our world seek to destroy our freedoms. Romney is the candidate who is most qualified to help prevent such attacks on our nation as well as lead us through any crisis that may occur. He is the man I would want as my President should crisis occur.
I can't speak for Jeff, but I have NO affiliation with the Romney camp whatsoever....and I still feel he is the best GOP candidate for 2008.
Even if Jeff happened to be on the Romney payroll (and I do not think he is)...I still feel the EDUCATION on Romney is a good one for us to make up our minds.
It's the education on policy matters and stances that will help us choose in 08. And in Romney's case, it will help because not too MANY people know what he stands for as of yet.
We are just all the better off if there is transparency. It is only a suggestion on my part. I am not trying to pretend to be a host or decision maker.
America may be ready for a Mormon President.
I have no problem with him running, and from what I am hearing and reading, no problem voting for him either.
McCain is at the bottom of the list, Newt is not on it. Giulliani looks good but has a lot of history.
Rommney takes the Mountain West, could be strong in the North, and carries the South. He could actually do well on the West Coast as well.
I've got a great job and blog in my spare time. My wife jokes that blogging for Romney has become my "other full-time job." Fortunately, I don't require tons of sleep.
I've been interested in Romney for years . . . back when he was giving Teddy a run, and especially during SLOC and winning as MA gov as a Mormon Republican. I knew then that he was "one to watch."
I fall in line with him politically. I'm a solid moral and fiscal conservative (but not like a hardcore Freeper). I became a full-on supporter when I deeply investigated his plan for the Mass Healthcare initiative. This strongly interested me as a physician.
I started a blogsite (Iowans for Romney) 2.5 months ago and have since had the chance to meet him here in Iowa. No official affiliation.
I was asked by Romney's Iowa PAC people recently to serve on his PAC's "Iowa Avisory Board" which is just stating that I'm a politically inclined person who is "For Romney" (Actually, most of the other people they asked to sign on are more the political "heavyweights" of local politics, so it was sort of an honor that they would want me on board).
My blogsite that should pop up at the bottom here does have that disclaimer.
And I meant "soar". Because I believe he will :)
I like Romney a lot already, but didn't realize that he had this much experience in this vital area. That will bode well for him come election time.
I happen to agree with you. I was just curious.
I think by keeping the relationships open, it makes one's position that much more compelling.
Good luck in Iowa. As things progress, I maybe talking to you about intros to Texans interestedin Romney.
and not just because at this point, Romney is my guy. This is a well researched and written diary. Nice work!
Don't forget, also, about Romney's suggestion that we wiretap mosques and profile foreign college students.
It is becoming clear the two homeland security heavyweights in the primary are going to be Romney and Giuliani.
I have a question, in light of the issues raised over at Kos with undisclosed relationships:
Are you a fan of Romney, or are you in a professional (paid/volunteer staff/formal relationship) with his campaign. In my opinion, it will take away nothing if you are, but if you are and do not disclose it clearly, it could take away later.
If you have already discussed this, please excuse me.
We have to hold ourselves higher than the Kos Krowd. If we do not, trust me that they will ignore their failings and attack us viciously for any they can declare on us.
As the election season nears, his name recognition will sore. Yes, he is a MORMON. However....his values and views fall in line very closely to a majority of conservatives.
Romney is right. As people hear more about the man and his views...the less his religion will matter.
If Romney takes Iowa and NH, I think he's off to the races.