Romney's biggest fan gets new ride, courtesy of campaign
Sterling, Virginia (CNN) – Generally, Mitt Romney is not considered to be the kind of politician who inspires fanatical, cult-like devotion from his supporters.
But one man – Jim Wilson – proudly bucks that trend.
- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
Wilson, a Virginia native usually seen wearing knee-high white socks and gripping a pipe, has become an eye-popping fixture at Romney's campaign events across the country. He drives a truck plastered with Romney signs and directs traffic outside many campaign events, lending the buttoned-down politician some of the cachet that comes with a die-hard fan base.
On Wednesday, Romney returned the favor, giving his biggest fan the keys to a white Chevy Silverado.
The shiny vehicle – decorated with noticeably less exuberance than Wilson's original truck – was a gift from Romney's campaign meant to replace the truck Wilson lost recently in a fire.
That fire was first reported by The New York Times. Wilson said he had driven that truck 62,000 miles since the Iowa caucuses earlier this year.
As he exited an event in Sterling, Virginia, Romney walked by a cluster of reporters gathered outside and laughingly handed Wilson a fire extinguisher.
"Look what I got for you!" Romney cried as the men hugged. "Just in case!"
Wilson lifted the extinguisher high in the air and shouted: "That's the trophy! We're safe at last."
The two men climbed in the truck and drove several feet before stopping to have an animated conversation not audible to those outside.
Then Wilson stopped the car, got out and quipped: "Damn thing quit!"
That wasn't all the Romney fan had to say to the captive audience of reporters and photographers watching his every move.
Speaking before his meeting with Romney, Wilson brushed off concerns about his burned truck.
"The good part is, I didn't have to wash the 30 pair of underwear that were in the burned truck," he said. "And the other part was, my golf clubs were not with me."
CNN Producer Matt Hoye contributed to this report.
- Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.
Also see:
McCaskill to skip Democratic convention
Poll: Obama, Romney race still tight
From CNN Politics
- Maryland NAACP leader blasts Gov. Larry Hogan's posthumous pardons of lynching victims as 'political posturing' May 10, 2021 12:57 am
- Criminal group originating from Russia believed to be behind pipeline cyberattack May 10, 2021 12:51 am
- McCarthy confirms he's backing Stefanik for No. 3 House Republican post May 9, 2021 07:55 pm
- Elizabeth Warren says she'll run for reelection to the Senate in 2024 May 9, 2021 06:00 pm
- With Cheney's impending ouster, the GOP chooses Trump over principle May 9, 2021 05:12 pm
- Analysis: Why politicians won't reach the vaccine hesitant May 9, 2021 05:06 pm
Tammy
Isn't using campaign funds for personal gifts exactly what got John Edwards in trouble?
-------------------------------------------------
Holler!
One weird guy loves another weird guy, next!
@Dominican mama 4 Obama
LOL! Your false sense of security amuses me.
All I need is for congress to pass Obama's jobs bill so I can work and buy myself a truck.
"Here take this van, its one of six that Ann owns and its not getting used much since she is now driving one of her two Cadillacs."
Awww, isn't that sweet!!!??? But is it ethical??
Where are the police to give Romney a seatbelt violation? He definitely didn't strap it on before the car was started!
LOL joesix.
I don't get devoting that much time and energy to any politician, but to each their own.
Though now I'm seriously questioning why the guy was driving around with 30 pairs of dirty underwear in his truck.
@ REALLY?
I'm not going to taunt you today because I am too happy Justice Roberts did the RIGHT thing. My advice to you though is to take an aspirin and go out and find a job so you can enjoy the ACA just like I do.
Have a wonderful day.
Can you imagine the outcry from the conservatives if Obama had given one of his supporters a new truck?
wow and he only gave that lady in the crowd about $60 he had in is pocket that day. What a sham.
Love that he gave him a GM Bailout truck. After all it was Romney's idea to save the auto industry according to him.
This is the best news for Robmey today?
Well, you betcha! Because he sure can't say anything about the ACA.
Just keeping it real, huh Robmey?
This fall, if you vote for Romney, you get a secret code that can be redeemed for a free car/truck! Thanks Romney and Koch Bros!
"Critical Thinking....It's kinda pathetic that even mentally disturbed liberal democrats can't just say; that was a nice act of kindness"
oh please, you and I both know what the response would have been if Obama had one it, dont come 'holier than thou' with us.
@ Bwahaha
Nothing "false" about it, but glad to make you smile.
I know I haven't stopped since the Supreme Court decision was handed down.
Cheers!
Anyone notice that the completely obvious? Romney could have scored a political point or two while sticking it to the Dems if this had been a woman or a minority or and immagrant but not good ole Mitt. It was a older white male. I guess pandering to your base is about all he has left in the bags. He has given up on outreach completely.
This board is proof positive people Will vote againSt thief own interest if you throw enough cash and misinformation. It's a witch hunt and the theory fox is throwing is nuts if it were credible every tv channel would follow because it would give them ratings but you vidiots keep buying the horse dung they are pitching. Read about Issa, read about this from multiple sources, see how serious they are when GOP gets involved, with google it's easy to inform your self
I guess when you have more than one swiss bank account..............
A man his truck and his dog.
So this is how Willard is trying to win the election in November, his 1% are going to buy cars and gifts in exchange for favors in November.
Way to go Willard gift for the little guy.
Mitt raised 3.plus million after the ACA ruling......Obumbo refused to release his data.......it's no over.....you betcha!
On another thought.....how many Swiss bank accounts do you think, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Mike Bloomberg....Mike Moore....George Clooney, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, John Kerry....etc. have? Oh and the private jets and Italian home....you sheep with the canned sound bites are hysterical.
Mitt will be president Elect 2012!
From the, “you never hear about that from the media” file – Those “Evil, Rich People” that Democrats are always wailing about are actually – Democrats.
In fact, the Top 3 on the list: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett & Larry Ellison are all Democrats. Together, they are worth $126 Billion Dollars.
Obumbo is out of touch and so is his base...but for all you looters from society, I get it!