WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderRomney Campaigns In Panama City

Romney Campaigns In Panama City

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By J. Michael Brown - email

Mitt Romney, hoping to rally last minute support ahead of Florida's Republican primary, made a stop in Panama City Saturday.  Organizers of the event estimated a crowd of up to 1,500 people attended the rally at Eastern Shipbuilding Group's Millville yard.

Amid cheers and waving signs, the former Massachusetts governor wasted little time in attacking the message delivered by President Barack Obama's in last week's "State of the Union" address to Congress.

"He said that America is on the right track and things are going swimmingly," said Romney.  "He hasn't been across Florida to see how many people are out of work."

Governor Romney hit on the familiar themes of job creation, federal spending cuts, health care and strengthening national defense.  "My view is that the right course for America is not to have a weak military, but to have a military so strong no one would ever think of challenging it," said Romney.

The candidate's speech was interrupted by applause several times.  Afterward, he took time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and shake hands with supporters.

Paul Whitlow of Panama City Beach said a handshake with a possible future President made his day.  "That was really a big thrill because I've been wanting him to get there since the [last election]," said Whitlow.

Joel Putnam is a new convert to the Romney camp.  "I'm a Democrat but I've got to change horses this year," said Putnam.  "I've got to go with the man that's going to keep America working."

"No one can campaign as well as he has been campaigning and he's getting his message out of a better America and a stronger America," said Allan Bense, the former Florida House Speaker who helped convince Romney to visit Bay County.  "People want that and believe in that."

With just three days left until the primary, Romney appealed to Panhandle Republicans to back him instead of Newt Gingrich, who leads in national opinion polls but trails Romney in Florida.  "This will be an historic election, and we need to have someone who has been a leader and succeeded at being a leader," Romney said.  "I have and I will lead America back to strength."