Romney Campaign Replaces Burned Truck of 'Super Fan'

Romney campaign superfan Jim Wilson was gifted a new truck by the campaign after his went up in flames on June 20. Image credit: The Romney Campaign

A Mitt Romney "super fan," whose truck caught fire last week on a cross-country trip to attend the candidate's campaign events, will receive a new ride today, courtesy of the Romney campaign.

Romney campaign spokesman Ryan Williams confirmed that Jim Wilson, 70, will be presented with a new truck today by Romney himself during a campaign event in Northern Virginia.

The news was first reported by The New York Times, which has covered Wilson's dedication to the campaign and then last week the fire that engulfed his truck on a Pennsylvania highway.

The Romney campaign spent $13,900 on a 2003 Chevy Silverado for Wilson, Williams said, calling the Vietnam veteran a "friend" of the campaign.

"Jim Wilson is not only a dedicated supporter, but a friend of the governor and the entire campaign staff," Williams said in an email. "We were grateful that he was unharmed in the fire and wanted to help him fulfill his commitment to return to the trail as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing him in his new truck at campaign events across the country."

Wilson's old truck, fastened with "Romney for President" signs and U.S. flags, was a campaign event staple until last week's fire. Wilson has driven his 1998 GMC 40,000 miles, to 15 states and 150 campaign stops, according to The New York Times.