Ann Romney Delivers Good News in Midair
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. -- As reporters aboard the Romney campaign plane huddled around the governor to be briefed on his economic stimulus plan, a familiar voice suddenly came over the PA system.
"I have an announcement," the governor's wife Ann said.
Romney didn't want to be interrupted while he was going over the finer points of the $250 billion economic stimulus package he proposed today.
"No. No, no, no, no," Romney said, rising from his seat. "So, uh, not a good time for the PA system."
But Mrs. Romney was undeterred.
"I have an announcement," she repeated. "Fox News has officially called the race in Nevada for Mitt Romney!"
Romney's staffers at the front of the campaign burst into cheers, and the governor's expression softened.
"Oh, that is a good announcement," he said. "Got any more good ones? Keep 'em coming!"
Romney was en route to Jacksonville, after making a morning campaign stop at a caucus site in Las Vegas. He is expected to comment on the South Carolina primary at a rally tonight after the polls close at 7 p.m.
"I could not be more pleased than to hear that Nevada's in my column," Romney said. "And you know, Nevada has 34 delegates, and I want those delegates. That means a lot. We're watching the delegate count pretty closely and want to be able to rack 'em up."
Though Romney has occasionally come to the back of his campaign plane to chat with reporters in the past, this was the first time the governor held an official press conference with the entire traveling press corps in flight.
For the first time since Christmas Day, Romney has no public events scheduled tomorrow, other than media appearances. And how does the former Massachusetts governor plan to spend his afternoon?
"Watch football, for sure — go Pats!" he said.
The undefeated New England Patriots host the San Diego Chargers in tomorrow's AFC Championship game.
"Sorry, San Diego," Romney said. "I know I need some votes in San Diego."