Mr Romney struggled in particular with the conservative base, who had misgivings about his inconsistent record. (His Mormonism, which is considered heretical by many evangelical Christians, may also have put off some religious voters.) Right-wing pundits dwelt onthe fact that he had run for the Senate, and for governor of Massachusetts, promising not to limit access to abortion but now claimed to be vehemently pro-life.
Onthe heels of the great turnaround success of the Olympics, he was recruited to run for Governor of Massachusetts, and he won, taking office in 2003 and serving for four years.