For The Romneys, Michigan Republican Politics Was A Family Affair

This week in Tampa, Michigan-born-and-raised Mitt Romney will formally win the Republican nomination for president. 

But Todd Spangler of the Free Press writes that the trail of Romney's success leads directly back to metro Detroit and the political roots planted by three-term Michigan Gov. George Romney and his wife, Lenore, Mitt's late parents.

There is not likely to be any tribute at the convention to George or Lenore, or any family presence outside Ann -- and probably Mitt's immediately family, including his sons -- on stage. 

Walter DeVries, who was George Romney's executive assistant, told Spangler if George -- who died in 1995 -- were still around, he'd probably be critical of his youngest son's conservative politics. George Romney was a noted moderate Republic, but would be considered a Democrat today.

"I think George would have been astounded. I think Mitt would have heard about it," DeVries told Spangler. George Romney wasn't bashful about his opinions.