Romney is driven to find solutions to intractable challenges, some say. 鈥淗e鈥檚 ambitious and believes in his ability to solve big problems,鈥� says Doug Gross, state chairman of Romney鈥檚 2008 campaign in Iowa.
The big problem Romney is talking about: America鈥檚 precarious economy. He wants to provide the foundation for securing good jobs so America can compete globally. This includes encouraging entrepreneurialism with 鈥渓ower taxes on employment鈥� and 鈥渋mmediate write-off for capital expenditures,鈥� as he writes in his book, 鈥淣o Apology: Believe in America.鈥�
Then, there鈥檚 the timing factor. Because the pre-primary frontrunner generally turns out to be the Republican nominee, Romney鈥檚 2008 campaign provided a solid launch for his 2012 bid, analysts say. John McCain, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush all ran once before they became the nominee
For Romney, the quest for the presidency seems to run in the family, says John Pitney, professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. Romney鈥檚 father, George, former CEO of American Motor Corp., ran for the GOP nomination in 1968 and lost.
鈥淚t could be redeeming his father鈥檚 name. He worshipped his dad,鈥� says Mr. Gross.
