Romney: Rates at friend Sen. Portman family's hotel 'a fleece'
(CNN) - Mitt Romney issued a warning to those in the market for a hotel room in southwestern Ohio: His friend might "fleece" you.
The Republican presidential nominee's light-hearted jab was directed at Sen. Rob Portman, who is helping Romney prepare for this month's debates by standing in as President Barack Obama. The two playfully traded words Saturday, when Portman toured the former Massachusetts governor of the historic Golden Lamb Inn, which his family owns, after a rally the GOP candidate's campaign claimed was attended by 10,700 people.
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"He calls it The Golden Lamb. But I think when you look at the prices, you'll determine it's the golden fleece," Romney quipped.
"Careful," Portman responded, with a smile.
Romney clarified, "Actually it's modest, it's a modest price point. I mean this is like $130 a night... for history!"
The moment was noted by a group of reporters who accompanied the candidate as he toured the hotel.
One of the stops was the John Quincy Adams room, which is on the inn's second floor. Adams is a native of Massachusetts, which Romney called home during graduate school, in his years in business and in his term as governor.
"We can't wait to have a Mitt Romney room," Portman's wife, Jane, told the candidate.
Senator Portman said 12 presidents have stayed at the inn, including Adams.
Some say the nearly 200-year-old building is haunted. Asked by a reporter if he is afraid of ghosts, Romney joked that Adams' spirit could come in handy on his journey towards the White House.
"John Quincy's ghost that would be helpful, I'm afraid," Romney laughed. "But his dad John Adams, that's certainly one of my very favorite presidents."
- CNN's Gregory Wallace and Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this report
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Romney knows a lot about fleecing...he wrote the book! He's such a fraud!
This man has insulted half the population and doubled-down furher. He has no clue about middle-class. He is going to work only for his rich firends if he becomes the President. Those who will vote for him have no shame.
John Adams was an honorable man. He would have had nothing but scorn for Romney.
Not the best Freudian slip when running for president.
...also, love the wallpaper. The boys should be very happy in that room.
If Mitt, gets elected we'll all rate his presidency a fleece.
Hundred thirty a night isn't modest.
Romney is about as funny as cancer. Stick with lying Willard, it's what you do best.
wow...what Mitt is doing there anyway? it was supposed to be for the 47%rs. Be careful Mitt you might get fleece from the 10,700 people too.
The "Mitt Romney Room" would need to be something with a very flexible decor. It would need to change furniture and decorations daily depending on the promises made to prospective guests. It would nice – only offered to the top 1% of the population but the bill would be paid by the poor and middle class. The actual bill won't be known until checkout time.
Romney hanging with Portman I think Portman would have been his first choice but the ties to Bush are obvious.
Looks like a very nice Hotel. Didn't GW Bush stay there once ?
oh for Romney, it is GOLDEN FREE
Everything in his life is free. In his mind, 47% of people get everything free in life, just like him.
Romney, you are dead wrong.
John Adams & John Quincy Adams are my relatives. I think they'd be disgusted by Mitt Romney.