Romney visits Mich., shows support for former rival

Former presidential contender Mitt Romney visited Michigan on Monday to celebrate the opening of Sen. John McCain’s regional campaign headquarters in Farmington Hills, furthering speculation that the former Massachusetts governor is a contender for the Republican vice presidential nomination.

Mitt Romney

McCain

“He’s certainly expressed willingness to be on the ticket more than most people,” said Matthew Grossmann, an MSU assistant political science professor. “He’s been out there willing to stump for McCain and prove his loyalty.”

Romney, a Michigan native who defeated McCain in the state’s January primary before dropping out of the presidential race in February, has been listed among the favorites of McCain’s potential vice presidential prospects. Political experts have said his fundraising ability and economic know-how could both prove helpful to McCain, who lacks campaign funding and economic background.

“He brings to the table a lot of stuff that McCain doesn’t have,” said Leo Madarang, former chairman of MSU Students for Mitt Romney. “Obama has been defeating McCain in fundraising, so that will be a push for Senator McCain if Romney is his vice president.”

In addition to his ability to fill in for McCain’s weaknesses, Romney’s popularity in Michigan could help McCain attract voters in a state that has voted for a Democrat in the last four elections, but is predicted to be a swing state in November, said Bill Nowling, spokesman for the Michigan Republican Party.

Romney grew up in Bloomfield Hills and is the son of former Michigan Governor George Romney. His brother, Scott Romney, of Birmingham, is a member of MSU’s Board of Trustees.

Romney’s recent public support of McCain is a sharp contrast from only months ago, when he was one of McCain’s biggest critics. Grossmann said this change of heart could be an indicator of Romney’s attempt to align himself with the McCain camp.

“He really didn’t get along with McCain,” Grossmann said. “It’s definitely looking like they’ve been doing quite a bit together, and that he’s doing the ‘get along, go along’ routine.”

Whether or not Romney becomes the eventual Republican vice presidential nominee, his support will help the McCain campaign’s chances in Michigan, Madarang said.

With Michigan’s predicted importance in the November election, both Republican and Democratic campaign workers are focusing on establishing an infrastructure here, Nowling said.

Visits from McCain and Sen. Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, in the past week have highlighted the candidates’ renewed attention to Michigan.

“Clearly Michigan is on everyone’s radar screen,” Nowling said.