[ROMNEY], who came under fire for what rivals said was a flip-flop on the issue, also emphatically declared himself in favor of allowing women the right to choose an abortion. Saying his position offers no discernible differences with his opponents, Romney said he wanted an end to "an argument that does not exist, and to put to rest these cynical and divisive attacks made simply for political gain." He had faced criticism in recent weeks for having written to a Salt Lake City newspaper two years ago saying he did not like the label "pro-choice" to be applied to him. He had run on an abortion- rights platform in the Massachusetts race in 1994.

In his appeal to the convention for its endorsement, [James Rappaport] lavished praise on Romney and pledged to work "my heart out" to elect him governor. But he also subtly distanced himself from Romney's moderate tones, which seemed to play to Democratic voters. "When . . . we act like Democrats, we lose our way," Rappaport told the delegates.

1. Mitt Romney and [Kerry Murphy Healey] (above) celebrated his endorsement for governor at yesterday's state GOP convention, while Acting Governor [Jane Swift] enjoyed a moment with two of her children, and James Rappaport addressed delegates after being backed for lieutenant governor. / GLOBE STAFF PHOTOS / DAVID KAMERMAN 2. Mitt Romney touted his fiscal conservatism but otherwise avoided many of the usual Republican themes in his speech to delegates yesterday. Above, Romney greeting well-wishers at Tsongas Arena after winning the nomination./ GLOBE STAFF PHOTOS / DAVID KAMERMAN