Scandal Engulfs Romney

Besides the ongoing issue of his being a Mormon, GOP '08 contender Mitt Romney now has a new controversy to deal with. Although the "scandal" is bound to pass within days, it is another poor reflection of - and another sign of something bordering hypocrisy involving - Romney. A Boston Globe investigation (a fabulous headline: "Illegal immigrants toiled for governor") has revealed that Governor Romney had employed at least four illegal immigrants for several years in tending to the vast lawn of his Massachusetts home. The former workers indicated that Romney never inquired about their immigrant status. And then comes the killer for Romney.

Asked by a reporter yesterday about his use of Community Lawn Service with a Heart, Romney, who was hosting the Republican Governors Association conference in Miami, said, "Aw, geez," and walked away.

"Aw, geez"? Not the answer Romney needed to give. It's a bit too guilt-ridden. An aide to Romney denied that Romney knew that the lawn care workers were in the US illegally. He also got into what lawn care providers were "legitimate" in Mass.

Eric Fehrnstrom, the Massachusetts governor's communications director, said Friday that Romney was not aware of or "knowledgeable about the information alleged."
"Governor Romney hired a legitimate Massachusetts lawn service company to take care of his yard. He knows the owner as a decent, hardworking person who is a legal resident," Fehrnstrom said.

With Romney's harsh actions concerning illegal immigration this year, this revelation is rather embarrassing. Some in the GOP have already accused him of flip-flopping (he is from Mass., Kerry's turf) on many issues, from abortion to gays. This certainly won't help.