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Politics News

Mitt Romney

From governor's son to presidential contender, a look at the life of Republican Mitt Romney.

/ 30 PHOTOS

Mitt with his father, former Michigan Governor George Romney. Taken about 1957.

Mitt with his father, former Michigan Governor George Romney. Taken about 1957.
George W. Romney [& Family]

American Motors President George W. Romney (fore C) with his wife, children and grandchildren. (Photo by Francis Miller//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)
Francis Miller / Time & Life Pictures
Image: To match Special Report CAMPAIGN/ROMNEY-FRANCE

REFILE - CORRECTING BYLINE IN IPTC HEADER ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE IS 1 OF 10 TO ACCOMPANY SPECIAL REPORT \"CAMPAIGN/ROMNEY-FRANCE\". SEARCH IN YOUR PICTURE SYSTEM FOR KEYWORDS \"ROMNEY AND FRANCE\" TO SEE ALL IMAGES. (PXP10-19) U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stands with fellow Mormon missionaries in this handout photograph taken in front of the police station in Limoges, central France, in autumn 1968. The fresh-faced Latter-Day Saints who came to France in the late 1960s to preach the message of Jesus Christ -- of which Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is the most well-known -- discovered a secular and skeptical populace, and few willing converts. On bad days, the young Americans were greeted with guns, or barking dogs chased at their heels. Romney has said his mission, which took him through LeHavre, Paris and Bordeaux, was a testing time, with rejection an everyday occurrence. But it was precisely this challenge that helped cement Romney's tenacit
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Mitt and Ann on their wedding day, March 21, 1969,

Mitt and Ann on their wedding day, March 21, 1969,

Mitt Romney (R), CEO and president of Salt Lake Or

SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES: Mitt Romney (R), CEO and president of Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC), speaks to reporters as United States Attorney General John Ashcroft (L) looks on 22 January 2002 at a news conference in Salt Lake City on security matters for the Winter Olympics. Ashcroft is on the last day of a trip to Utah to study security planning and preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics which open 08 February 2002. AFP PHOTO / George FREY (Photo credit should read GEORGE FREY/AFP/Getty Images)
George Frey / AFP
Romney To Enter Race For Massachusetts Governor

402571 04: Former Salt Lake Organizing Committee President Mitt Romney, with his wife Ann and family, speaks at a press conference March 19, 2002 at his home in Belmont, MA. Romney announced he will enter the race for governor of Massachusetts. The announcement came just hours after acting Governor Jane Swift announced she will bow out of the race. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Darren Mccollester / Getty Images North America
US President George W. Bush (L) stands beside Mass

BOSTON, UNITED STATES: US President George W. Bush (L) stands beside Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Mitt Romney (R) at the Seaport Hotel 04 October 2002 in Boston, Massachusetts. Both Bush and former president Bill Clinton are campaigning in the Bay State as Republicans try to extend a 12-year grip on the governorship of this otherwise Democratic-controlled commonwealth. The office is open because acting Governor Jane Swift, who moved up when Governor Paul Cellucci was named ambassador to Canada, stepped aside for Romney when polls showed he had a far better chance of winning. AFP PHOTO/TIM SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Tim Sloan / AFP
Gay Marriage Debate Continues In Boston

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 12: Two men on opposite sides of the issue argue over gay marriage outside the Massachusetts State House while inside the Legislature was in its second day of debate over a possible constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage February 12, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts. The proposed amendment, supported by Governor Mitt Romney, was drafted in response to a state Supreme Judicial Court ruling declaring that the right to same-sex marriage was protected by the state's constitution. (Photo by Michael Springer/Getty Images)
Michael Springer / Getty Images North America
Memorial Held For The Station Nightclub Fire Victims In Rhode Island

CRANSTON, RI - FEBRUARY 19: Photographs of the victims line the stage as Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri (L-R), his wife Suzanne, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and his wife Ann bow their heads in prayer during a memorial service on the eve of the one-year anniversary of The Station nightclub fire February 19, 2004 in Cranston, Rhode Island. The Station, located in nearby West Warwick, was destroyed and 100 people died after a fire broke out when the rock band Great White ignited pyrotechnics on the night of February 20, 2003. (Photo by Michael Springer/Getty Images)
Michael Springer / Getty Images North America
Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney Discusses Big Dig Problems

BOSTON - JULY 13: Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney looks on while Secretary of Transportation John Cogliano speaks during a press conference at the Statehouse in Boston, Massachusetts. Governor Romney announced today that he is filing emergency legislation to give the Executive Branch the authority to oversee the inspection of the failed ceiling system in the I-90 Connector tunnel. A large section of the tunnel was found to be faulty after a 12 ton portion collapsed two nights ago and killed a woman and injuring her husband. The law firm WilmerHale has reportedly offered to work for the state, pro bono, to help remove Massachusetts Turnpike Authority chairman Matthew J. Amorello from overseeing the project. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Darren Mccollester / Getty Images North America
Romney Signs Massachusetts Health Care Bill Into Law

BOSTON - APRIL 12: Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney signs into law a new health care reform bill during a ceremony at Faneuil Hall April 12, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) (2nd R) and others joined Romney for the signing of the bill, which makes Massachusetts the first state in the country to require that all residents have health insurance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle / Getty Images North America
Ann Romney, Mitt Romney

Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, and his wife Ann turn to wave from the red carpet in front of the Statehouse, in Boston, as Romney completes the \"lone walk\" out of the Statehouse, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. Deval Patrick will be sworn in as the new governor on Thursday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Steven Senne / AP
Mitt Romney Announces Run For The White House

DEARBORN, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, officially announces he is entering the race for the Republican presidential nomination February 13, 2007 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Romney kicked off his three-day, four state announcement tour of Michigan, Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, addressing the need to build a \"new American dream\" by strengthening families and education. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mitt Romney
Bill Pugliano / Getty Images North America
Romney Gives Speech On Faith In America

COLLEGE STATION, TX - DECEMBER 6: Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican President hopeful Mitt Romney speaks on faith in America at The George Bush Presidential Library on Texas A & M University campus December 6, 2007 in College Station, Texas. Romney talked about the role of religion in government and his Mormon faith. (Photo by Ben Sklar/Getty Images)
Ben Sklar / Getty Images North America
Mitt Romney Holds Florida Primary Night Event

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JANUARY 29: Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney pauses as he speaks while (L-R) sons Ben and Craig, wife Ann and son Josh look on during a post primary campaign rally at Grand Hall of Mirror Lake Lyceum January 29, 2008 in St. Petersburg, Florida. After winning in South Carolina, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is the winner of the Florida Republican primary, followed by Romney with former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani running in third. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mitt Romney;Ann Romney;Ben Romney;Craig Romney;Josh Romney
Alex Wong / Getty Images North America
Mitt Romney Suspends His Presidential Bid

WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 07: U.S. Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) waves goodbye with his wife Ann wave after he announced the suspension of his campaign at a Conservative Political Action Committee convention, February 7, 2008, in Washington. Romney announced he suspended his campaign for the republican nomination for U.S. president leaving front runner U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the race. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mitt Romney
Jonathan Ernst / Getty Images North America
Mitt Romney endorses John McCain for President

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 14: Former Republican presidential hopefull Mitt Romney shakes hands with Senator John McCain during his endorsement of McCain February 14, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. Romney bowed out of the presidential race following losses in past primaries incuding Super Tuesday last week. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Darren Mccollester / Getty Images North America
Image: 2008 Republican National Convention: Day 3

ST. PAUL, MN - SEPTEMBER 03: Former Massachusetts Republican Gov. Mitt Romney reacts to the crowd on day three of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Xcel Energy Center on September 3, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The GOP will nominate U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) as the Republican choice for U.S. President on the last day of the convention. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images North America
\"No Apology: The Case for American Great

\"No Apology: The Case for American Greatness\" is a new book by Former Governor Mitt Romney on March 5, 2010 in Washington DC. AFP PHOTO / Tim Sloan (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Tim Sloan / AFP
Image: Mitt Romney

Volunteers participate in a phone bank fundraiser, Monday, May 16, 2011, in Las Vegas. The former Massachusetts Gov. and likely GOP presidential contender worked with volunteers to reach out to voters and donors through cell phones and computers in a bid to raise money. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Julie Jacobson / AP
Image: Mitt Romney

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announces he is running for President of the United States, June 2, 2011, during a campaign event at Bittersweet Farm in Stratham, N.H.
Stephan Savoia / AP
Image: Mitt Romney And Supporters Attend Caucus Night Event

DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 03: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his wife Ann embrace at the Hotel Fort Des Moines on the night of the Iowa Caucuses January 3, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. According to early results former Romney is expected to finish first or second in today's Iowa GOP caucus after a tight race with former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX). (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Win Mcnamee / Getty Images North America
Image: Mitt Romney Takes His Presidential Campaign To New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH - JANUARY 04: Former presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (L) announces he is endorsing Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney during a town hall meeting at Central High School January 4, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Romney beat former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum by only eight votes in Tuesday's \"first in the nation\" Iowa Caucuses. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images North America
Image: Mitt Romney wins New Hampshire primary

MANCHESTER, NH - JANUARY 10: Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (C) speaks during his primary night rally with members of his family, (L-R) Matt, Tagg, Craig, wife Ann, Ben and Josh Romney following the \"first in the nation\" primary at Southern New Hampshire University January 10, 2012 in Manchester, New Hampshire. According to early results, Romney finished first in the state's primary election. Romney has led a field of six GOP candidates in the polls by double digits going into to the primary, a second important test for presidential hopefuls. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***
Win Mcnamee / Getty Images North America
Image: GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Holds SC Primary Night Gathering

COLUMBIA, SC - JANUARY 21: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (C) speaks during his primary night rally January 21, 2012 in Columbia, South Carolina. Romney conceded defeat in the South Carolina primary to former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. (Photo by Brian Snyder-Pool/Getty Images)
Pool / Getty Images North America
Image: U.S. Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney shakes hands with supporters at his Florida primary night rally in Tampa

U.S. Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney shakes hands with supporters at his Florida primary night rally in Tampa, Florida January 31, 2012. REUTERS/Steve Nesius (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Steve Nesius / X02008
Image: Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is endorsed by Donald Trump in Las Vegas

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (L) shakes hands with businessman and real estate developer Donald Trump at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada February 2, 2012. Trump re-injected himself and his wealth into the Republican presidential race by endorsing Romney on Thursday, a day after the front-runner stumbled with remarks suggesting he was indifferent to America's poor. REUTERS/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)
Steve Marcus / X00642
Image: Romney Accepts Party Nomination At The Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 30: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (L) stands with his wife, Ann Romney and family as Republican vice presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and his wife, Janna Ryan is with his family on stage as balloons drop after accepting the nomination during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 30, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was nominated as the Republican presidential candidate during the RNC which will conclude today. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Joe Raedle / Getty Images North America
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