During a campaign, there isn't really a politically convenient time to file papers for a massive home renovation. As The San Diego Union Tribune reported, Mitt Romney is planning to quadruple the size of his $12 million, 3,009-square-foot, oceanfront La Jolla mansion. The renovation probably isn't what the economy-sensitive candidate (who's made it a point to give speeches at sad, shuttered big-box stores) wants to have splashed in headlines. Especially since he's lost his grip on the fragile frontrunner moniker and is now in a three-way race in national polls with a certain Texas governor and Tea Party darling.

Which seems to be why Mitt's campaign was quick to tell Politico that he was just trying to build a bigger home for his family, and that construction on the project wouldn't even begin until the election was over. That way, win or lose, he'll be able to head back to a relaxing estate. "I wanted to be where I could hear the waves," Romney was quoted saying by The Tribune about his California home. That won't exactly appeal to Iowa voters, but we get the sentiment. And hey--maybe he's aiming to be a one-man economic stimulus. Quadrupling 3,009 square feet must involve a lot of workers.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at ehayden at nationaljournal dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Erik Hayden