I worked on Romney’s gubernatorial campaign in 2002.
Before joining, I didn’t know anyone on the campaign. I don't remember thinking that I was a Republican, or a Democrat. I was inspired by this businessman who had almost beaten THE Ted Kennedy for the MA Senate seat and had recently turned around the Salt Lake Olympics and I wanted to get into politics.
Romney was running against a field of Democratic candidates, almost all from government, after the primary he ran against the then-State Treasurer. He was the only Republican candidate.
I quit my job and walked in the campaign. I was so nervous, I got drunk the night before and was still hung-over that day. I had at least 3 months of rent in the bank and figured if he won, great. If he lost, I’d find another job. Either way, I’d learn about politics. I was 1 year out of college.
The campaign was in a vacant office building by the Alewife T station. Easy for people to get to via public transport or driving, and easy for Romney to get to from his home in Belmont.
I went up to the desk and said I could volunteer full-time. The lady sitting there was friendly and we discovered we had grown up in Michigan (people from Michigan always do this). I was handed off to the head of the Boston field team.
This guy was what we in MA lovingly call a “townie.” It used to mean you were from Charlestown. Today it means thick Baahstan accent, usually Irish Catholic, a little rough around the edges and lots of swearing. He asked me if I had a car, I said yes, he said, fucking great! Go deliver yard signs! He failed to ask if I knew my way around Boston and I didn't mention I didn't.
I managed to deliver 2 out of 20 yard signs that first day. I did this - with equal success - for a few more days. On and off with phone calls and envelop stuffing.
The campaign was probably 50 people, only a few were paid. It included many people who Romney knew from Bain, other people from Harvard Business School, other seasoned MA Republican politicos. Most people did not know him, like me, they were inspired by who he was and wanted to help. It was a smart group of people.
I met and became friends with the deputy political director, a guy who had started the movement that convinced Mitt to run in the first place (after Mitt’s defeat by Kennedy, he wasn’t too keen to get back into MA politics). My friend was terrific, we’re still close. He was responsible for coalition support; unions, minority groups – constituencies that were organized. He learned I spoke Spanish and was interested in Latino issues so he put me in charge of the Latino coalition. We had several individuals from the Latino community who were Mitt supporters, my job was to work with them to reach out to Latino-speaking communities to get more support.
So that is what I did for the next few months. I wrote Spanish-language campaign literature, attended community events, talked to the key community newspapers, opened two field offices in Latino cities, even marched in parades with Romney, speaking Spanish in the megaphone. The Latino Coalition, as we called ourselves, went to Latino communities to do “litdrops;” essentially knock on doors, hand out brochures, and talk about the candidate (if the resident is so inclined, which they usually weren’t). Around October we got the endorsement of the largest Spanish Language newspaper in New English, El Mundo, and the editor referenced me as a big reason for his support, which my boss distributed to everyone who mattered on the campaign. I felt like a big deal.
Volunteers on the campaign were also invited/expected to attend events like debates, rallies, bus tours, and parades. I was on the Advance Team, (or helped them out a few times), the group of people who set up and take down the banners, bunting etc. I learned a lot about event planning (I’m really good at event planning).
I met Mitt maybe once or twice, didn’t interact with him. I got to know him better when I worked in his Administration.
The campaign was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I was young, we worked non-stop, and it felt like the most important thing in the world as campaigns do. I have lifelong friends from the experience. At some point my grandfather sent me a pin that said “Romney” on it. It was from George Romney’s MI gubernatorial race in 1962. Grandpa had saved it. That was pretty cool.
I don't want to editorialize too much, because I don’t think it will add value. People have their minds made up about who they think Romney is and I doubt I can change what anyone thinks. And I don’t want to.
But I'd like to say one thing, no, two:
1) He was a brilliant man and manager. People from all backgrounds and parties loved working for him and gave their best working for him.
2) It is commonly said he did not know how to interact with people who weren’t wealthy. This makes me chuckle, because it’s said by people who clearly have never met him, and it’s not true. He was JUST as awkward with wealthy people. The guy was awkward. It had nothing to do with his background or his wealth. His personality reminds me of my husband’s personality, goofy, a little aloof, can't read social cues, smartest guy in the room, not comfortable in the spotlight and even more uncomfortable with people he doesn’t know. And people attribute these things to them being jerks, privileged, too educated or whatever reason except what was true, they are just socially awkward. To the detriment of Romney’s career, he was also a horrible actor.
My photos from the campaign aren’t digital (and I have no idea where they are). I only have this one. I’m with the Consulate of Mexico at a Consulate event. I never took a photo with Romney even though there were opportunities to. Wasn't my thing.
Not for reproduction.
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