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November 06, 2012
BELMONT, MASSACHUSETTS — Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney returned home to Massachusetts Tuesday morning to vote.
Mr. Romney and his wife Ann began their big day, voting in the historic town of Belmont, where they have lived for more than 40 years. A couple of years ago, the Romneys moved to a townhome. Their place is identical to the others in the neighborhood, except for the single black, secret service car parked outside.
The Romneys raised their five sons not too far from here, in a spacious house, that they sold for $3.5 million. Steve Meltz stopped by to take a picture, hoping that later Tuesday night it might be known as the former house of the new president.
“I've always had a lot of respect for business people and thought more business people need to get into the executive branch of government, so that's why I'm a fan of him. Even though, as a rule I tend to vote democratic,” said Meltz.
Hometown support
Belmont backed Mitt Romney when he ran for governor in 2002, but it hasn't voted for a Republican presidential candidate in more than 30 years.
Bret Wilson said he's breaking the pattern this year.
“I'm voting for the candidate and for what he is speaking and what his values are and what his projected plan is for the country, not necessarily where he's from,” said Wilson.
We found Wilson at il Casale, an Italian restaurant and frequent Romney dinner spot. According to employees, the Republican candidate always orders the Tagliatelle Bolognese, pasta with meat sauce.
Opponents
Two Democrats were serving up a different view. They say a good governor doesn't translate to a good president.
“He was our governor, I think people think he did a creditable job. But favorite son? I'd be surprised if he carried Massachusetts. I'd be shocked,” said Lee Harrison.
“He's probably a very admirable person, but I think the politics he has to deal with don't allow him to govern perhaps from his own principles. I think he would have to govern from very conservative principles,” opined Denise Bienfang.
On election day, Belmont residents watch and wait to see if their neighbor soon will move to a bigger house... the White House, in Washington, D.C.
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