Romney Faces Questions, Skeptics in New Hampshire

The MA governor and presidential candidate faces questions about his "evolving" beliefs.

Romney defends shift on issues
Faces questions at N.H. event

By James W. Pindell, Globe Correspondent
December 22, 2006

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Governor Mitt Romney defended his conservative bona fides yesterday before an audience of skeptics and supporters curious about his rightward shift on several hot-button social issues as he readies for a run for president.

In what was billed as a friendly holiday get-together organized by his political committee, Romney faced questions about his evolving views following reports in the Globe and other publications that examined his positions on abortion, stem cell research, and gay rights.
Some audience members walked away from the encounter still uncertain of his conservative credentials.

"When I first heard his answer about his journey of becoming prolife, I began to feel better about the questions being asked of him lately," said Shannon McGinley of Bedford, N.H. "After talking with him in person, though, it is hard to figure out what he does believe."

The questions reflect the doubts some conservatives have about Romney and other top Republican presidential contenders, including Senator John McCain and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor.