WESTBROOK (AP) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Chandler Woodcock got a campaign boost from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Wednesday.

The two toured D&G Machine Products Inc. in Westbrook, which Woodcock described as a traditional Maine company that has adapted to the new economy.

The company uses high-precision equipment to make products for the defense, semiconductor, power generation and pulp and paper industries. The company, which was started 40 years ago in a garage, employs 90 people, said President Duane Gushee.

Gushee said he’d like to see Woodcock take steps to bolster Maine’s manufacturing sector through better training and by improving the business environment.

Romney told reporters afterward that Woodcock is the candidate who represents Maine’s best hope of giving the economy a boost and creating jobs.

As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Romney has funneled hundreds of thousand of dollars into Maine on Woodcock’s behalf.

“Maine is a key state we believe is crying out for new leadership as we talk to people across the state. It’s very clear people want new leadership, and they want a change,” Romney said. “They recognize the path the state is on of spending money and the high level of fees and taxes is driving away jobs.”

The visit by Romney, who is viewed as a potential candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, is the latest by high-profile politicians in support of Maine candidates as the election draws near.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry campaigned on behalf of Democratic Gov. John Baldacci on Saturday, and former President Bill Clinton campaigned Monday on behalf of Baldacci and others on the Democratic ticket.