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A meeting a decade ago sets Romney's path

BOSTON (AP) - Mitt Romney's path to the Republican presidential nomination started more than a decade ago.

As CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, he was at a crossroads as the closing ceremonies approached. Political and professional suitors were all around.

That's when he met with Kerry Healey, head of the Massachusetts GOP. During a meeting that ran an hour too long, she pressed the successful businessman to run for governor.

Romney would soon agree to run, and the decision would open the next phase of his life.

Romney's role as Massachusetts governor became the launching pad for a political career that reaches its pinnacle Thursday when he accepts the Republican presidential nomination.

Those who know Romney well say he's always been driven to driven to lead.