Romney Refuses to Answer Blackwater Questions, Hires Vice Chairman As Adviser

This post, written by Amanda Terkel, originally appeared on Think Progress

Several presidential candidates have spoken out in support of tighter regulations governing private security contractors in Iraq after the recent shooting involving Blackwater USA.

Former Republican Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has remained silent though. Not only has his campaign not issued a statement, but as the Politico reports, it has refused to even answer any questions:

Romney's campaign has declined to answer specific questions posed by Politico about issues central to the debate -- issues now being hashed out by Congress, the State Department and the Iraqi government. [...]

After the shooting, though, a Romney spokesman would not say whether Black has advised Romney on the use of security contractors in Iraq. Nor would he elaborate on Black's role in the campaign or answer specific questions about whether the U.S.'s level of oversight over security contractors is adequate.

"I am pleased to welcome Cofer Black to our campaign. He has a long and impressive career dedicated to making America safer and more secure in the world," said Governor Romney. "Our country faces a new generation of challenges and Black's experience at the forefront of our nation's counterterrorism efforts will be a tremendous asset."