Romney triumphs in Ottawa County straw poll

By: Dawson Bell
Detroit Free Press
Saturday, Jan 12, 2008

"It may not give him much of a boost Tuesday or beyond, but former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney scored a minor victory in the heart of Michigan Republican territory Friday night, winning a straw poll at the Ottawa County Lincoln Day dinner.

"Romney, one of two GOP candidates who addressed the gathering, received 926 votes to 388 for the surging winner of the New Hampshire primary, U.S. Sen. John McCain."

...

"Ottawa County is generally considered one of the most Republican counties in the state.

"Geraldine Vruggink, a Romney supporter from Hudsonville, said she is attracted to his practical and business experience and to his 'high morals.' If Romney is elected, people won't have to worry about what is going on at the White House, she said.

"In his remarks to the crowd of about 500, Romney stressed his Michigan roots and his appreciation for the special role he said the state plays in the national economy. Michigan's loss of jobs and recession are indications that Washington has lost the ability to solve problems, he said.

"'I'm in this campaign to change Washington,' Romney said."...

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