Romney rallies for Land at rare public appearance

Home City News Romney rallies for Land at rare public appearance

Livonia, MI -— Mitt Romney brought Michigan’s Senate race into the national eye at a rally for Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land (R-Mich.) here last Thursday.

“This is a person who will make a difference in Washington,” Romney said, “because in Washington, her voice will be one of those that takes us in a very different direction than the president has.”

Romney criticized President Obama for his policies with Russia and arming Syrian rebels, which he said contributed to the formation of ISIS.

“At the beginning of his presidency back in 2008, he went around the world and apologized for America – now it’s time for him to apologize to America,” Romney said, evoking a round of applause.

“But help is on the way,” he added.

Land’s speech, alongside the Republican superstar, was the first of several rare public appearances the would-be senator made this week.

Back in his home state, Romney drew a crowd of more than 300 to build hype for Land, who faces Rep. Gary Peters (D) in Michigan’s U.S. Senate election this November.

The rally was organized by the Michigan Republican Party and emceed by Michigan GOP Chairman Bobby Schostack.

Romney emphasized that a Republican Senate victory in Michigan could mean the end of Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) Senate rule, and allow votes on significant legislation such as the Keystone XL pipeline.

Highlighting Land’s campaign policy points, Romney said Land’s Senate win could contribute to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

“If Terri Lynn Land is elected you’re going to actually see the promise you were given fulfilled: what I mean by that is if you like your health insurance and you like your doctor, you can keep them,” Romney said, causing more cheers.

Dubbed the “invisible candidate” for her reluctance to giving public speeches, Land’s comments Thursday reflected the sparseness of content typical of past public appearances.

“Washington is broken and it’s trying to break Michigan, and we need a senator to put Michigan first,” Land said.

Criticizing Peters’ stances on immigration, roads, and auto industry outsourcing, Land focused her criticism of Peters on women’s issues.

“I’ll tell you what’s a war on women – not being able to keep your doctor when you’re going through a healthcare crisis,” Land said.

Land also chastised her opponent for not supporting the Equal Pay for Equal Work legislation.

“I am not going to be lectured by a man who talks about women’s issues but only pays the women in his office 67 cents on the dollar,” she said to applause.

The rally also featured Attorney General Bill Schuette, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, and the Republican candidates for Michigan congress and state education boards.

For Land, the rally was the first of several public appearances this week.

On Friday, Michigan Public Radio host Rick Pluta’s show, “Michigan Calling,” featured Land in an hour radio spot, covering issues such as foreign policy, spending, education, roads, and medicare. While Land commented extensively on the failings of democratic policy, she failed to outline her own plans for solving the nation’s problem. Land often repeated canned talking points and sidestepped questions.

“I’m a mom – I have two kids,” Land said approximately seven times during the show.

Thus far, there is no sign that Romney’s support or Land’s radio comments will make a difference for her campaign. As of press time, no polling data has been gathered since Friday. A recent Mitchell Research poll reported Peters is leading Land by a margin of 13 percent.

Also, the Washington Post reported the Land-Peters is the nation’s closest race despite the lack of attention it’s been given.