Romney Greeted with Enthusiasm at North Liberty Factory Appearance

If anyone at Mitt Romney's event Tuesday night resented the fact that the former Massachusetts governor has not spent much time in Iowa up to this point, they did a good job of hiding it.

The presidential candidate gave a speech and held a brief question and answer session in front of about 300 people on the factory floor of Centro Inc., a plastic mould manufacturer surrounded by housing developments in the quickly growing bedroom community of North Liberty.

There, Romney emphasized his desire to strengthen the American economy using free market principles rather than the "European" style entitlement society that he said President Barack Obama desires.

"The government doesn't create jobs, the American people create jobs," Romney said to cheers from the audience.

Romney suggested he would spur the economy and solve the national debt by reducing regulations, cutting government spending, and by allowing businesses to keep more of their profits by reducing specific taxes, such as the repatriation taxes levied against companies that invest overseas.

In contrast to the events from Romney's rivals Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, which are dominated by the personalities of the respective candidates, the Romney event had the feel of a polished presidential machine surrounding the candidate: country music and 80s power ballads played over the loud speakers; lighting illuminated the stage; supporters were positioned in rafters strategically behind Romney, with a sign reading "Believe in America" positioned just behind them. There was even separate cordoned off seating for the sizeable media presence.

It was like being on the stage of a Romney commercial. Mitt and Ann standing on stage together, button-down shirts and sleeves rolled up and blue jeans and aww shucks family moments and a little bit of economic wisdom from Gov. Romney espoused in the midst of blue collar America.

All of it designed to give the impression of confidence, organization, and an inevitable victory.

This presentation seemed to work to great effect on the audience in attendance, who applauded often, although not with wild abandon. Many in attendance said afterward that they don't blame Romney for visiting more than he has, and that seeing him in person helped to seal the deal for their decision to caucus in his favor.

"I love him," said Kathy Hogendom, 58, a retired radio station owner who lives in Solon. "I think he's going to be our next president."

Hogendom said although she considers herself fairly conservative on social issues, this year the economy and raising deficit trumps everything.

"I think he can beat Obama and that's all that matters to me," she said.

Debbie Tippie, 54, an insurance salesman from North English, said she voted for Romney in 2008, and would almost certainly have voted for him again even if he hadn't campaigned in Iowa at all.

"I like Mitt Romney," she said. "I think he can get things done."

Mike Bloeser, 41, a finance manager from North Liberty, brought his children to see the candidate, one of the many families visible in the Romney audience. He said that he hadn't been that excited about any of the candidates before Tuesday, but following the event he may now be leaning toward Romney.

"He is a very good speaker," Bloeser said. "He seemed a lot more personable in person than he does on television."