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Romney Rally Draws Thousands To Michigan Cider Mill

COMMERCE TWP. (WWJ) - An enthusiastic crowd of thousands greeted Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan at Long Family Orchard Farm and Cider Mill in Commerce Township Friday.

Romney made a point to remind Michiganders that he and his wife were born here."I love being home!" "No one's ever asked to see my birth certificate," Romney said. "They know this is the place where we were born and raised."

Romney wasted no time before taking aim at the policies of President Barack Obama, saying the incumbant tried, but failed.

"I don't want four more years of what we have, do you? I want to get America on an entirely different track -- a track of greatness and strength and vitality and property ... and I know how to do it," Romney said.

"We're on the cusp of an economic rebound. The world is going to be surprised when they see what happens in America -- when they see what happens here in Michigan. We can compete with anyone in the world. We will compete and we will win," Romney said, to cheers from supporters.

Romney told the crowd that his goals include energy independence, better trade policies and a balanced budget. He also took a swipe at organized labor, saying he wants to improve the nation's schools while leaving the "unions behind."

Romney praised Michigan Governor Rick Snyder for what he called the "same policies" he wants to implement in Washington.

He told the crowd that he's looking forward to next week's GOP convention in Florida.

"We're gonna talk about the soul of America -- what makes this nation unique and exceptional in the history of the earth. And we're going to do everything in our power to bring people together -- Republicans and Democrats and Independents," Romney said.

In what was his first visit to Michigan since he was chosen as Romney's running mate, Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan also spoke briefly.

"We got a big decision to make. We're gonna be deciding the kinda county we wanna be, the kinda country we're gonna have -- not just for the next four years, but for a generation," Ryan said.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne said there were a lot of young people in attendance.

One young Romney supporter said this is truly the year for change.

"What's going on right now in the White House is not working," she said. "The fact that (Romney) actually wants to raise take home pay for people ... and I'm a young person and I'm getting married soon, and our biggest concern is, how are we going to make it ten years? How are we going to help out kids have a better future?"

MORE: Motor City Mayor Gives Obama Mixed Reviews

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