The Romney campaign has deflected criticism of the former governor\u2019s business record as head of Bain Capital by insisting that he cannot be held responsible for its actions following his departure in February of 1999. However, SEC documents unearthed by Mother Jones directly contradict the campaign\u2019s assertion that Romney broke all ties with Bain after he left to head the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. The SEC filings show that Romney retained \u201cshare voting and dispositive power\u201d over at least some of it activities after November of that year and played a role through at least the end of 1999.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the Boston Herald reported in February of that year that Romney didn\u2019t leave the company entirely, but merely took a leave of absence and would \u201cstay on as a part-timer with Bain, providing input on investment and key personnel decisions.\u201d A press release confirmed this arrangement, noting that Romney was \u201ccurrently on a part-time leave of absence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Romney, in other words, may have been involved in decisions that the campaign would rather voters forget.<\/p>\n