[Romney]: He has stated that he intends to "assist Israel in its absorption of immigrants." "While the U.S. has its own domestic issues to address," Romney said, "it can still play a nonfinancial role in defusing this potential crisis." He supports the use of loan guarantees as a tool of "moral support" for Israel "at a crucial time."

According to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel group based in Washington, D.C. that informs and lobbies candidates and elected representatives but eschews endorsing them for public office, Sen. [Edward M. Kennedy] has had "a strong relationship" with them for the past 30 years. AIPAC staff members said Kennedy "has a near perfect record" relating to all issues regarding Israel and the Middle East peace process.

Romney met with AIPAC representatives on Sept. 26 in Washington. "We supplied him with a briefing book and other information regarding foreign aid to Israel and related issues," said AIPAC's Fran Katz. Romney, who has never visited Israel, has relied on the advice of pro-Israel supporters in Boston including former Weld trade official Doron Ezickson, and Haifa native Orit Gadiesh, managing director of Bain & Co., the capital investment firm Romney heads. Romney told AIPAC he has a strong affinity to Israel and plans on visiting the Jewish state "during his first month in office," if he is elected, AIPAC's Katz said.