The latest Republican presidential debate is pitting former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney against the rest of the Republican field.
Mr. Romney, who leads polls in New Hampshire and South Carolina, took the state at the second debate in just over twelve hours for the six GOP presidential hopefuls, where he came under fire from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, both of whom questioned just how conservative of a nominee he would be for Republicans.
Speaking Sunday, Mr. Gingrich slammed his Republican opponent, calling on Mr. Romney to “level with the American people. To which Mr. Romney quipped: “Politics is not my career. My life’s passion has been my family, my faith, my country.”
Mr. Santorum, who has steadily gained momentum in recent days, slammed Mr. Romney’s record as governor of Massachusetts, questioning why Mr. Romney choose not to seek re-election.
“If his record was so great as governor of Massachusetts, why didn’t he run for re-election?” asked Mr. Snatorum. “If it was that great, why did you bail out?”
Mr. Gingrich joined Mr. Santorum, saying he thinks Mr. Romney does not stand a chance of defeating President Obama in the 2012 election.
“[Mr. Romney] was a relatively timid Massachusetts moderate,” said Mr. Gingrich. “I think he’ll have a very hard time getting elected.”
Mr. Romney, for his part, defended his record, saying he is proud of his legacy in the state. The Massachusetts Republican said his state’s proximity to New Hampshire would help him secure the support of New Hampshire voters, noting that they are not easily fooled.
“I’m very proud of my record and I think the one thing you can’t fool the people of New Hampshire about is the record of a governor next door,” said Mr. Romney.
The debate shows a growing divide with the Republican Party, as Mr. Romney moves closer to securing the Republican presidential nomination. Recent polls show the Massachusetts Republican with a wide lead in New Hampshire and South Carolina, two keys states that could allow him to wrap up the race early. Already a number of high-profile Republicans, including Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain, have called on Republicans to united around Mr. Romney’s campaign, saying Mr. Romney stands the best chance of defeating President Obama.
