GEORGE W. ROMNEY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 54100

GEORGE ROMNEY
The Michigan Governor and Mormon leader signed this black and white 3½x5 photograph of him at his desk
Photograph signed: "George Romney". B/w, 3½x5. Actual image 3x4¼ with a white border (one surface). George Romney (1907-1995) is a former Republican politician who was also active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the automotive industry. After spending time as a missionary in the United Kingdom and as a lobbyist in Washington D.C., Romney and his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1939 so that he could work for trade group the Automobile Manufacturers Association. This early managerial position that he earned in 1939 would serve him well in the booming wartime economy that was soon to follow. He eventually became the most prominent spokesperson for the automotive industry as a whole. Over the course of WWII, he spoke before the United States Congress numerous times concerning business issues. The Automotive Council for War Production which Romney founded grew into an enormous support structure for the construction of American armed forces transportation needs. In 1954, Romney became President of the American Motors Corporation (AMC), a position he held until 1962. Romney, as leader of a smaller automotive company, constantly challenged the Big Three (Chrysler, GM, and Ford), making him a household name. He was named the Man of the Year in Industry by the Associated Press every year from 1958-1961. Romney resigned from AMC in 1962 to run for Governor of Michigan, which he won. His connections to the labor unions of Detroit as well as his generally moderate stances appealed to voters who otherwise would never consider voting for a Republican. As Governor from 1963-1969, Romney instituted a state income tax and was a huge national supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. After Richard Nixon beat him for the Republican nomination for the Presidency and then won the Oval Office in 1968, Romney was appointed to be the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1969-1973). Mitt Romney, George Romney's son, served as Governor of Massachusetts and was the Republican nominee for President in 2012. Fine condition.