INDEPENDENCE -- Businessman Umberto Fedeli has hosted hundreds of political fundraisers.
His office and walls are a gallery featuring a who's who of mainly Republican candidates for whom he has hosted dinners and fundraisers including both Presidents George Bush, Speaker John Boehner, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani.
That includes Mitt Romney.
Fedeli says candidates are more candid at fundraising events because there are no reporters and they are playing to an audience of strong supporters.
He says of Romney, "He's truly a great American. I've had the privilege of hosting him at our home."
As for Romney's controversial remarks about 47 percent of American voters he said, "I don't think he meant he didn't care about them . A person who runs for President on both sides of the aisle cares about our country...You are going to say things at that moment and in front of that particular audience that can be taken out of context...This is a very kind man. He is a compassionate guy."
He continued,"They are in a private room. They are having conversations. So it's like guys in a locker room saying things they wouldn't say to a mixed audience."
As for the impact of Romney's remarks on the campaign, he said, "This is today's story and tomorrow will be about another candidate saying something."
WKYC-TV