WEST WINDSOR, Vt. -
Getting to West Windsor proved to be a challenge for Mitt Romney's motorcade. After all, this is Vermont, where tractors often rule the road. And the Republican presidential candidate was briefly held up by a tractor. Neighbors witnessed the cars arrive at the property Tuesday, a little after 10 a.m.
When our camera got there, Vermont state troopers and members of Romney's security detail blocked the driveway. The home is owned by Romney's former lieutenant governor in Massachusetts, Kerry Healey. On a clear day the view from atop the hillside lodge must be spectacular, but on this day a blanket of clouds and fog consumed everything. The perfect cover for someone who doesn't want to be seen.
Romney is scheduled to be in Vermont for three days. However, state police on scene were unable to provide any details regarding his movements.
"He appears to be taking a down week," said Sarah Huisenga, a reporter for CBS News who has been travelling with Romney since April. "He's got his vice president out campaigning for him. But he is sort to hunkered down and studying while the Democrats are gearing up for the president's speech on Thursday."
Out of view of the cameras and reporters who lined the road outside the West Windsor property is a big change from the usual schedule of the campaign trail.
"A typical week he's out campaigning multiple days, usually multiple events a day," Huisenga said. "Lately, it has become that we are flying state to state trying to hit as many swing states as we can every day."
States like New Hampshire, where Romney owns a second home. But those who are passionate about politics in this left-leaning state are quick to send a message to the Republican candidate.
"Well, it probably a very nice place to prepare for the debates, but I don't think that Mitt Romney's gonna win in Vermont," said former Vt. governor and DNC chair Howard Dean. "In fact, I don't think he's gonna win in New Hampshire either."
"He's wrong and we are going to be the little engine that could and New Hampshire and Vermont will go for Mitt Romney," said Jack Lindley of the Vermont Republican Party. "It's a tremendous peaceful place to be able to do that and I think it will pay great dividends for the campaign."
What remains unclear is whether any Vermonters will get a chance to meet him.
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Mitt Romney - File photo
