An Open Letter Regarding Governor Mitt Romney (January 11, 2007):
“As you know, Mitt Romney became the governor of our state in 2003. Since that time, we have worked closely with him...
“Some press accounts and bloggers have described Governor Romney in terms we neither have observed nor can we accept. To the contrary, we, who have been fighting here for the values you also hold, are indebted to him and his responsive staff in demonstrating solid social conservative credentials by undertaking the following actions here in Massachusetts:
“Staunchly defended traditional marriage. ...
“Fought for abstinence education. In 2006, under Governor Romney's leadership, Massachusetts' public schools began to offer a classroom program on abstinence from the faith-based Boston group Healthy Futures to middle school students. Promoting the program, Governor Romney stated, "I've never had anyone complain to me that their kids are not learning enough about sex in school. However, a number of people have asked me why it is that we do not speak more about abstinence as a safe and preventative health practice."
“Affirmed the culture of life. Governor Romney has vetoed bills to provide access to the so-called "morning-after pill," which is an abortifacient, as well as a bill providing for expansive, embryo-destroying stem cell research. He vetoed the latter bill in 2005 because he could not "in good conscience allow this bill to become law." ...
“All of this may explain why John J. Miller, the national political reporter of National Review, has written that "a good case can be made that Romney has fought harder for social conservatives than any other governor in America, and it is difficult to imagine his doing so in a more daunting political environment."
“We are aware of the 1994 comments of Senate candidate Romney, which have been the subject of much recent discussion... they do not dovetail with the actions of Governor Romney from 2003 until now - and those actions have positively and demonstrably impacted the social climate of Massachusetts.
“Since well before 2003, we have been laboring in the trenches of Massachusetts, fighting for the family values you and we share. It is difficult work indeed - not for the faint of heart. In this challenging environment, Governor Romney has proven that he shares our values, as well as our determination to protect them.
“For four years, Governor Romney has been right there beside us, providing leadership on key issues - whether it was politically expedient to do so or not. He has stood on principle, and we have benefited greatly from having him with us.
“It is clear that Governor Romney has learned much since 1994 - to the benefit of our movement and our Commonwealth. In fact, the entire nation has benefited from his socially conservative, pro-family actions in office. As we explained earlier, his leadership on the marriage issue helped prevent our nation from being plunged into even worse legal turmoil following the court decision that forced "gay marriage" upon our Commonwealth.
“For that our country ought to be thankful. We certainly are.”
Sincerely,
Rita Covelle
President, Morality in Media Massachusetts
Gerald D. D’Avolio
Former Executive Director, Massachusetts Catholic Conference
Raymond L. Flynn
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
Professor Mary Ann Glendon
Harvard Law School
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See
Kristian Mineau
President, Massachusetts Family Institute
Dr. Roberto Miranda
COPAHNI Fellowship of Hispanic Pastors of New England
James F. Morgan
Chairman, Institute for Family Development
Joseph Reilly
Former Chairman of the Board, Massachusetts Citizens for Life
Thomas A. Shields
Chairman, Coalition for Marriage and Family