Marion, IA

Governor Romney addressed a packed holiday dinner at the Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa this evening. This was the largest crowd of supporters I have seen with around five to six hundred in attendance.

The presidential hopeful spoke with his wife, Ann and was full of his trademark “aw shucks” humor and definitely garnered some laughs from the audience.

Romney often talks about his son, Josh, visiting all 99 counties in Iowa to stump for his father, a plan that was originally Mrs. Romney’s idea. Tonight when reciting the story of Josh buying a Winnebago on Ebay and packing his family up to travel around Iowa the Governor recounted the story with Josh asking his mom, “Do you know how many counties there are in Iowa?” The Governor continued, “99 bloomin’ counties!” The Governor often uses folksy, 1950s style phrasing, but “bloomin’ counties” is one of the best I’ve heard. I am going to try and keep track of all the “Golly Gee” moments on the blog, so keep checking back.

Another funny moment came this evening when the former Iowa frontrunner went through the states that he is going to win a la the Howard Dean yell, “I’m going to be in Nevada and I’m going to win Nevada. I’m going to be in Wyoming and I’ll win that one and Michigan and we are going to end up doing real darn well.” But, the Governor stopped before an embarrassing scream took place, “Brian over hear was afraid that I was going to scream as I said that. The Howard Dean moment, but I’m not doing that. No predictions like that and no screaming allowed!”

Governor Romney continues campaigning in Iowa tomorrow and then goes to San Diego for a fundraiser.