Romney to get Secret Service protection

By: Sarah B. Boxer
Topics: Campaign 2012

former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, sings "America the Beautiful"

(Credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

TAMPA, Florida -- Mitt Romney will be getting secret service by Thursday, CBS News and National Journal have confirmed.

Romney's security has been stepped up over the last few weeks, particularly in Florida. In just the last two days, there has been a bomb sniffing dog and SWAT agent on hand at events.

It is rumored that the campaign had been in talks with the Secret Service for some time to receive further protection, but a particularly rowdy crowd on New Hampshire's primary day, January 10, may have expedited the decision. There, a large mob surrounded Mitt and Ann Romney as they headed to a polling station in Manchester.

Until this point, Romney's security has been somewhat sparse. He has rarely had more than one security guard with him at events.

Herman Cain was the only other candidate in the 2012 election to receive secret service. Technically, such protection is not necessarily a given for presidential candidates until they win their party's nomination.

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Sarah B. Boxer
Sarah B. Boxer covers politics for CBS News.
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by noloyalisti February 1, 2012 4:57 PM EST: Robmee has no plans and does not care about anyone else in America. Why should we vote for this boring, greasy slimewad for ANYTHING? He is everything that has gone wrong with the Republicon Top 1% Corporation of America.; Reply to this comment


by Jhihmoac February 1, 2012 9:55 AM EST: He's not the president...He should still pay for his security/protection...; Reply to this comment


by Smokey75 February 1, 2012 9:50 AM EST: by Jaylah54 February 1, 2012 1:47 AM EST
Totally agree 100%!
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i didn't hear any of the left loonbs complaining in 08 when Obama and Hillary got Secret Service protection.; Reply to this comment


by bobnjersey February 1, 2012 9:33 AM EST: [It is rumored that the campaign had been in talks with the Secret Service for some time to receive further protection, but a particularly rowdy crowd on New Hampshire's primary day, January 10, may have expedited the decision. There, a large mob surrounded Mitt and Ann Romney as they headed to a polling station in Manchester.]
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has anyone checked his birth certificate yet?

he is of an 'alternate' religion ... and his family is from mexico.

let's get 'the donald' on this right away ... he'll get to the bottom of it ... since he has a knack for 'the bottom' of things.; Reply to this comment


by AOCGUY February 1, 2012 9:04 AM EST: I can't imagine any "thinking" American wishing a repeat of the attempted assassination of candidate George Wallace or the assassination of candidate Robert Kennedy. When the Secret Service determines that there is credible evidence (as they apparant have) that there may a threat to the safety of any American seeking the Presidency then it is more than appropriate to offer and provide protection. And it is immaterial whether that candidate has the financial means to pay for protection or not.; Reply to this comment

by royalstar05 February 1, 2012 8:52 AM EST

Screw the taxpayers out of more money. Especially more money on a guy that can't win in Nov. The guy should have to get his own security. Christ sake he's worth over 250 million , i think he can afford it.

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by Smokey75 February 1, 2012 9:47 AM EST: Obama is a multi millionaire should he pay for his own protection and travel also?


by ladyang February 1, 2012 5:25 AM EST: So much for controlling gov't spending!!!!!; Reply to this comment

by nygal28 February 1, 2012 5:10 AM EST

Yes, just bilk the taxpayers for anything your heart desires.

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by Rafterman11 February 1, 2012 5:55 AM EST: Protecting presidential candidates is not "bilking" the taxpayers. Besides, the guys protecting him get paid whether they are protecting someone or not. Protecting Romney or anyone else has zero affect on taxpayers.


by mctrog007 February 1, 2012 12:26 PM EST: wrong, they have to have transportation, housing, food and other things when on the job that they don't have to have when just waiting to be called.


by Jaylah54 February 1, 2012 1:47 AM EST: Do people really hate him that much?; Reply to this comment


by pohd1 February 1, 2012 1:43 AM EST: Considering some of the problem crowds over the past month from occupy people and others from the left he should he protection. Better safe than sorry. As to his wealth that's should not matter being the front runner and looks like the nominee he should get protection just like all others as Obama received in 2008.; Reply to this comment