Romney to replace Kerry and cross picket line at mayors conference

[CShine]

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry canceled an appearance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors rather than cross a police union picket line, and Republican Gov. Mitt Romney took his slot on the agenda. Romney, a staunch ally of President Bush, arrived at the Sheraton Boston hotel Monday morning to address the mayors on executive leadership as a few of the picketing police officers shouted taunts at him. The governor, who had not been scheduled to appear at the conference, entered the hotel by a side entrance rather than cross the picket lines. He said his appearance was a show of support for Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who has been locked in a bitter contract dispute with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association.

"Executive leadership requires tough decision-making, and that's true whether you're a mayor, a governor or the president of the United States," Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said.

Romney, who had previously stayed out of the dispute between the police union and Menino, has traveled widely in recent weeks, campaigning for Bush and advocating for the administration's position on issues like gay marriage. Unions for police, firefighters and other city employees have been demonstrating throughout the mayors' meeting, seeking to shame Menino into settling, and have threatened to picket the Democratic National Convention in July. Menino had urged Kerry to attend, calling the conference "an important event for urban America," and saying the demonstrations did not constitute a legitimate picket line. But Kerry said Sunday he would not cross the police pickets, and the union pledged in return not to target Kerry during planned protests at the Democratic National Convention.

"I don't cross picket lines. I never have," Kerry said as he left Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday night at Our Lady of Good Voyage chapel in South Boston.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/180/region/Romney_to_replace_Kerry_cross_:.shtml

[senseandsensibility]

1. Gosh.

They got a repuke to cross. How surprising.

[Cobalt Violet]

2. I wish Romney would go back to Utah

I cant stand his anti abortion, pro death penalty, union bustin',right wing ass fucking up MY state!!!

[beyurslf]

3. He is anti choice? How did he get elected there? I just don't get it!