Romney

DEARBORN, Michigan (AP):

Mitt Romney officially entered the 2008 presidential race yesterday. The former Republican Governor of the state of Massachusetts suggested that his record of leadership inside and outside government uniquely positions him to tackle the challenges facing the United States.

"I do not believe Washington can be transformed from within by lifetime politicians," Romney said, seeking to turn a potential liability, his limited political experience, into an asset. "There have been too many deals, too many favours, too many entanglements - and too little real world experience managing, guiding, leading."

The comment was a veiled swipe at his top rival for the Republican nomination, four-term senator, John McCain. In elective office only four years, Romney is not nearly as well-known nationally as McCain and former two-term New York City, mayor Rudy Giuliani, political celebrities who consistently lead popularity polls.