Ann Romney campaigns for her husband at Franklin Cider Mill - Fox 2 News Headlines

By Robin Schwartz
FOX 2 News Reporter

FRANKLIN, Mich. -- Ann Romney made an entrance wearing red to visit her old stomping grounds at the Franklin Cider Mill.  The wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney grew up in Oakland County, as did her husband.  She told the crowd Michigan is in their blood.

"If we win Oakland County, Mitt is the next president of the United States," she said.

The mother of five and grandmother of 18 told the crowd of supporters she and Mitt Romney were high school sweethearts.  They have been married for 43 years.

The son of former Michigan Governor George Romney would be the first president born in Michigan if he wins.

"Why I love the debate so much was that finally we got a chance for Mitt to be unfiltered, for nobody interpreting what he was going to say or who he is or anything else.  We got to hear him.  We got to see with our eyes and hear with our ears and see that he is a leader, that he has clear vision for the United States," said Romney.

After a brief address, Mrs. Romney worked the crowds, signed autographs and toured the cider mill.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998 and more recently battled breast cancer.

During an earlier campaign stop, she called her husband's running mate, Paul Ryan, smart and level headed and said his performance in Thursday's debate showed his character and integrity.

"She seems like a really genuine person, and I thought it was great to see her," said supporter Tammy Roy.

"Right now we've got people that are depressed, people out of work.  These guys are so invigorating," supporter Victor Diaz said.

Earlier Friday before coming to Franklin, Mrs. Romney made a surprise stop at a peanut shop in Lansing.

Her husband was last in Michigan for a rally on August 24.