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Highlands Today

Future First Lady?

Ann Romney meets with local residents and community leaders in downtown Sebring on Wednesday.

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

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By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: January 24, 2008

AVON PARK — Ann Romney doesn't like to talk about politics, but she did tell a crowd of about 125 that her husband, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, is the kind of man who loves his family.

"His children and grandchildren are what makes his life rich and fulfilled," his wife said.

They've known each other since elementary school, said Ann Romney, 58, an attractive, slender blonde in a black pantsuit and silver pearls. She appeared at Iris & Butterflies, 207 Circle Park Drive, on Wednesday morning, and spent an hour talking to the crowd that gathered in the back room.

In 1998, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and Mitt was there for her. He'd already taken the job of executive director of the scandal-ridden Olympics, and realized he needed her in Salt Lake City. She left their Boston home and joined him.

He was used to her managing the home and their five children, but he changed into a caregiver, Ann Romney told the audience, shopping for groceries and attending to her

needs. During what she called her blue period, when she was so sick, he told her that he wouldn't care if she were in a wheelchair.

"All I care is that we're together," he said.

Mitt Romney is uniquely qualified to be the Republican nominee, his wife said, because he's run against female opponents.

In 2002, unpopular incumbent Gov. Jane Swift withdrew to make room for Romney, and he was opposed by Democrat Shannon O'Brien.

"I think Hillary Clinton will be the next nominee," Ann Romney predicted. "I think she's on a roll again."

Ted Lenhardt of Sebring, who has volunteered eight years for Heartland Horses & Handicapped, saw a story in Wednesday's Highlands Today about how Ann Romney advocates for equine therapy programs for physically challenged children. He showed up with a blue T-shirt that he presented to the former Massachusetts first lady.

Cameron Barnard and Toni Salvaggio, both with Ridge Area Arc, were there to question funding cuts for disabled people.

"It's to the point where they can't get the money needed to produce the services necessary," said Barnard.

Candace Wixman was handing out Mitt Romney for President stickers when Ann Romney exited her silver Suburban.

"Can I have one?" she asked, and Wixman pasted one on the left side of her chest.

Romney, Wixman said, has the intellect, and he's able to say what he's for or against in a few short words.

"Plus," she confided, "he's drop-dead gorgeous."

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