Craig Romney stood before several hundred people and asked for their help. His goal -- help get his father elected president.

"You guys can play a critical role in making him the next president of the United States," he said.

The son of former Gov. Mitt Romney addressed a meeting of Students For Mitt, a college campaign organization that is raising money for the Massachusetts Republican. He regaled the crowd with some of his dad's favorite corny stories and tales of family vacations, and made his case for why Romney should be the next president of the United States.

Craig spoke of his father's accomplishments as governor of Massachusetts, such as helping erase the state's massive deficit and implementing a universal health care system there without raising taxes. He also talked about something more near and dear to Utahns' hearts, Romney's work in organizing the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

"We're too dependent on foreign oil. We have stiff economic competition from Asia. Our schools are failing. We need health care for all our students. There are a number of problems, and despite all these problems, my dad still believes that America's best days are ahead of it," he said.

Craig and others, including his wife, Mary, urged the crowd to donate to the campaign and to help with fundraising as part of Students For Mitt. The innovative campaign organization offers volunteers 10 percent of all funds collected over $1,000.

"You're all here because you've been asking how to help," Mary Romney said. "Well this is what you can do -- get involved today."

Some members of the crowd were already devoted Romney partisans and wanted to show their support. John Erbstoesser said he has never gotten involved in a political campaign before, but he is excited about Romney's candidacy.

"I think Mitt Romney has a proven track record more than any other candidate to pull us out of our financial problem we're having," he said. Erbstoesser cited the Republican's accomplishments as governor of Massachusetts, "a very blue state."

Others were undecided about Romney, but were interested in learning more about him.

"I guess I'm leaning more toward him because I have a better understanding of what his values are than the other candidates, but I'd like to learn a little bit more," said Janai Woolley, who's fiancé is a Romney supporter.

Ray and Jen Griffith are still undecided, but said they are leaning toward Romney.

"I've been wanting to know a little bit more about Mitt Romney and getting involved as well," Ray said.

"So far I'm liking him," added Jen.

Romney announced recently that his campaign raised $23 million in the first three months of 2007, notably more than his opponents for the 2008 Republican nomination. Sen. John McCain, long the presumed Republican front-runner, raised $12.5 million while former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani raised $15 million.

Jeremy Duda can be reached at 344-2561 or jduda@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.