Don Walker

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Correction! Romney working through crowd as he works to leave building. Lost him in sea if heads.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney rally ends. Mitt has left the building.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Reciting "America the Beautiful," Romney pauses on "for spacious skies," saying, "that's the Space Coast."

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney: "a strong and vibrant space program is part of being a successful nation."

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney recognizes space pioneers.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney says he looks forward to debate with Obama, drawing cheers and applause.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney says Obama has "failed America."

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Romney talks space, but says he won't make false promises without first having clear objectives.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Rimney, How about my debate last night?"

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

@MittRomney takes the stage.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Chanting in front of stage, "We want Mitt." We're told Romney here in 5 minutes.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

@MittRomney fashionably late, but has gig in Orlando at 7, so anticipated it's any minute now.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

More than a third of the rally hall cinsists of platforms, tables and chairs for the media. The public is crammed in front of the stage.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Less than 5 minutes now before this rally is supposed to start. Crowd estimate: 500 people.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Most entrances to this plant comes as machinery through giant cargo doors. @MittRomney will pale in size, but not in terms of reception.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

About 15 minutes until rally showtime, and no hint of @MittRomney's arrival. Plant buzzing with anticipatory conversation.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

The Astrotech Space Operations plant is similar in size to a high school gymnasium, and the acoustics more like a tin can.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Sharon Holmes of Cocoa Beach is at today's rally, but forget her vote. "I've never voted for a Republican in my life," she said.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

The rally hall half full now, a majority middle-aged or older crowd. A half hiur before @MittRomney arrival.

[Don Walker @ByDonWalker]

Astrotech prepares, builds and sends satellites, cargo and science into space. Its located just outside Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.