When I consider the values and objectives that our country, state or any political party would want to claim as their own, the following come to mind: strong families, religious freedom, economic growth, equal opportunity, fiscal responsibility, civility and decency.

For the past 25 years, in his personal and public life, Mitt Romney has advocated for and been an example of these principles. He has done so as a prominent member of the GOP, projecting a positive image of American values and Republican principles on the national and global stage.

Nothing in Mitt’s policies or approach divides or discriminates on lines of gender, race, national origin or other labels. A recent profile described his core philosophy as “all people are sons and daughters of God, and freedom is God-given.” With Mitt representing the GOP, opponents struggle to find in his actions, policies or rhetoric any ammunition to broadly paint Republicans as heartless, uncivil xenophobes with hostility toward the environment, minority groups or democratic institutions.

Today, the politics on both sides have degenerated, but the conduct and divisive rhetoric of some Republicans have allowed such negative labels and perceptions to stick. While some in politics attempt to appeal to tribal instincts for political expediency, or even seem incapable of self-restraint, Mitt brings a lifetime of seeking out Lincoln’s “better angels of our nature.”

With a deep motivation to ensure future generations inherit a prosperous America, Mitt has also avoided the default inaction of cowardly, self-preserving politicians who have kicked the can down the road on issues like our unsustainable federal debt, deficits and entitlement programs. Other elected officials have been scared to face the political backlash of modifications to entitlement programs, but Mitt put forth a real plan for reform during his 2012 presidential campaign.

Now, while the White House has refused to address this most critical budget issue, Mitt raised it as part of his core platform during his first speech of this campaign. Harnessing his old Bain Capital days, he informed the room via PowerPoint presentation how dire the situation really is. Within the next decade, his charts noted, our country is projected to spend all — yes, 100 percent — of federal revenue on just Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and interest on our debt. This leaves nothing for our military, our infrastructure or anything else. While he’s normally cheerful and optimistic, you could see this data (coupled with an awareness of Washington’s gridlock) had a sobering effect on Mitt.

“This cannot happen,” he said, as if it is challenges like this, and his love for the rising generation, that make him tick.

Mitt Romney has more knowledge, ability and political capital than any Republican figure of our time. He has unmatched experience building businesses, turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake, and — remarkably — being an effective Republican governor with a state legislature dominated by Democrats.

Some have asked, as I am sure his wife, Ann, has on occasion, isn’t there someone else who can step up to this task? I have reached the same conclusion I have heard Ann articulate as she contemplated this campaign: Nobody else is as prepared, as wise or as capable as Mitt is to do this job. Nobody is as committed to our country’s core values and long-term prosperity. Our state, our country and the Republican Party still need Mitt Romney.

Tanner Ainge