CRYSTAL LAKE – As Mitt Romney prepared to accept the Republican Party’s presidential nomination Thursday, local Republicans expressed confidence in the former Massachusetts governor’s ability to defeat President Barack Obama in November.

Numerous McHenry County Republicans said Romney has better qualifications and business experience to lead the country out of its economic doldrums. Mike Tryon, chairman of the McHenry County Republicans, said voters in 2012 are scared about their futures and the future of the economy.

Romney’s business pedigree, which includes managing the 2002 winter Olympics and overseeing the venture capital firm Bain Capital, is a stark contrast to Obama’s economic record as president, Tryon said.