BRUNSWICK, Ohio (June 17, 2012)--Mitt Romney kicked off his three-stop bus tour of Ohio Sunday by telling rain-soaked voters in the battleground state that the country is about to get "a little brighter."

Romney told thousands of supporters who'd been standing in the rain Sunday, some for hours, that the weather was a metaphor for the country and that "three and a half years of dark clouds are about to part."

The likely Republican presidential nominee appeared with his wife, Ann, and two of his sons at a pancake breakfast in honor of Father's Day.

Four of his 18 grandchildren also attended.

Romney appeared with Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman, who is considered a top possible contender for vice president.

The former Massachusetts governor planned two more stops in Ohio on Sunday.