Hollywood stars reluctant to stand up and be counted as Romney supporters

Washington - A few actors in Hollywood, who have made speeches on Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s behalf, are reluctant to stand up and be counted to come out and vote as the presidential election draws near.

“There’s a quiet group of people in Hollywood who are meeting and growing and supporting Gov. Romney. But I’d like to see this group decide to come out of the closet and start speaking out,” Janine Turner, star of the hit 1990s series “Northern Exposure,” said.

“There’s freedom of speech in Hollywood, but only if you’re liberal,” the staunch conservative claimed.

“We were glad when Clint Eastwood stepped out (at the Republican National Convention in August). I’m just sorry it’s not more. We just need some people to make some brave steps. We shouldn’t be asked to tape our mouths shut,” the New York Daily News quoted Turner, as saying.

According to the report, more than a dozen Romney-supporting actors and studio executives contacted declined to comment about their choice for President.

Actor Orson Bean, recently of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” said he and other fellow Hollywood Republicans have learned not to share their political leanings.

“There aren’t too many of us in Hollywood,” he said.

“I don’t bring up politics sitting on the set of a TV show. I think it’s rude. I assume most of my fellow creative people are Democrats by and large,” he added.

The list of actors openly supporting Romney is not long. It includes Miller, Jon Voight, Stephen Baldwin, Chuck Norris, Patricia Heaton and Gary Sinise, all of whom have made cameos at Romney events.