Balls in the Air

Romley says his wife Carol probably would rather not have to endure a rugged campaign, "though she's a trooper and we'll work it out, believe me. The future will work itself out."

Romley does have one plan for his immediate future.

The Vietnam-era Rick Romley.

Jackie Mercandetti

Romley congratulates his top aide, Paul Ahler, at a recent function.

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He says that on his birthday next April 28, he'll retreat by himself to a room in his home. There, he'll try to open a box filled with things that have been awaiting him for 35 years -- since he was a strong young man fighting in Vietnam.

Its mysterious contents hold an otherworldly significance for Romley. All he knows is that there are letters, photos and audio tapes to and from his first wife and others in the box.

"I think I'll finally be able to open it up," Romley says. "But I'm not 100 percent. It's going to take some balls."

E-mail paul.rubin@newtimes.com, or call 602-229-8433.