Romney fuels presidential run speculation

By Alex Cukan
United Press International
Oct. 2, 2005 at 1:59PM

BOSTON, Oct. 2 (UPI) — Massachusetts, Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, has traveled out of state for political events at least 20 times and plans five more trips.
      Romney's appearances at political gatherings in New Hampshire, Iowa, Michigan, South Carolina, and six other states, has been fueling speculation he is planning to run for president, the Boston Globe reported Sunday.
      The governor's staff say few future trips have been confirmed, but many of the out-of-state trips keep him away only for short periods, and occur on weekends, holidays or after business hours.
      "The governor loves the job he's got," spokeswoman Julie Teer.
     "Like Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, Gov. Romney is a leader in his party and is frequently asked to help fellow Republicans raise money and speak at events."
      Romney has said he will announce this fall whether he will seek re-election as governor.