DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney said during his presidential campaign announcement in Dearborn, Mich., the United States is in need of government innovation.
"Innovation and transformation have been at the heart of America's success. If there ever was a time when innovation and transformation were needed in government, it is now," Romney said during his speech Tuesday at the Henry Ford Museum.
"We have lost faith in government, not in just one party, not in just one house, but in government." Romney trails in early polling but hopes his Michigan roots will help in his run for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.
"We are weary of the bickering and bombast, fatigued by the posturing and self-promotion," he said. "For even as America faces a new generation of challenges, the halls of government are clogged with petty politics and stuffed with peddlers of influence.
"It is time for innovation and transformation in Washington. It is what our country needs. It is what our people deserve... And so, with (our family) behind us, with the fine people of Michigan before us, and with my sweetheart beside me, I declare my intention to run for President of the United States."
