Campaign 2012: Romney opposition to renewable tax break may bring trouble in windy swing states -- 08/01/2012 -- www.eenews.net

"It is important to note that Governor Romney's decision took political courage; Colorado and Iowa are heavy consumers of wind energy -- both are pivotal swing states," wrote Chris Prandoni, of the fiscally conservative Americans for Tax Reform, in a blog post noting the intense lobbying the wind industry has engaged in to bring Republican supporters on board. "Now dependent on the PTC, the wind lobby will likely set its sights on the Romney campaign. Certainly aware of this reality, Gov. Romney chose policy over politics and will be making the case for full expiration of the PTC."

The conservative Club for Growth also was quick to praise Romney's decision, calling it "absolutely correct" in a statement from its president, Chris Chocola.

"Subsidies for the energy industry distort the marketplace and are simply bad policy. If a market exists for wind production the private sector will create it, not government," Chocola said. "When it comes to wind energy, Governor Romney deserves credit from fiscal conservatives for choosing pro-growth policy over political expediency."

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