Romney not backing down on Santorum

Candidate keeps up attacks on rival

Author: By Rachel Streitfeld CNN Political Producer
Published On: Feb 20 2012 04:42:08 PM EST  Updated On: Feb 21 2012 04:05:44 AM EST
Santorum, Romney poll numbers

(CNN) -

Mitt Romney took an aggressive tone against GOP rival Rick Santorum at a Presidents Day speech in Ohio, as the Republican candidates geared up for a week of intense campaigning.

After touring a bioscience firm in Cincinnati, Romney underlined his business experience in a speech to employees.

Romney told the small audience he had run "four enterprises" and could better attack Washington's ballooning federal debt than Santorum.

"During his time in the senate, only two terms, the size of the federal government grew 80 percent," Romney said. "When Republicans go to Washington and spend like Democrats, you're going to have a lot of spending."

Romney said that unlike Santorum, he was a "budget hawk."

State and national polls show Santorum continues to pose a real threat to Romney, including in states such as Ohio, which votes March 6.

Romney will head next to Michigan, a state he has long been expected to win but where Santorum has proven to be a strong opponent.

The four GOP candidates will then meet on-stage at a CNN debate in Arizona on Wednesday.

Advertisement

Election Video

Rick Daugherty (acceptance speech) extended

Democratic Nominee, 15th Congressional Dist.

Interview: Tom Smith

Republican Nominee, U.S. Senate

Tom Smith (acceptance speech)

Republican Nominee, U.S. Senate

Steve Welch (concession speech)

Republican Candidate, U.S. Senate

Jackson Eaton (concession speech)

Democratic Candidate, 15th Congressional Dist.

Matthew Cartwright (acceptance speech)

Democratic Nominee, 17th Congressional Dist.

Interview: Dr. Tim Blessing

Political Analyst, Alvernia University

Tim Holden (concession speech)

Tim Holden (concession speech)

Democratic Candidate, U.S. Senate

Sam Rohrer (concession speech)

Republican Candidate, U.S. Senate

Interview: Dr. James Peterson

Political Analyst, Lehigh University

Interview: Jack Cartwright

Son of Matt Cartwright, Cartwright for U.S. House 17th Dist.

Interview: Mike Schlossberg

Democratic Nominee, PA 132nd Legislative District

Interview: Robert Kerr

Chairman, Northampton Co. Republican Committee

Interview: Sam Rohrer

Republican Candidate, U.S. Senate

Interview: Dr. Chris Borick

Political Analyst, Muhlenberg College

Interview: Shane Seaver

Campaign Manager, Cartwright for U.S. House 17th Dist.

Interview: Tim Holden (Inc.)

US Congress, 17th District (D)

Interview: John Werkheiser

Supporter, Daugherty for U.S. House 15th Dist.

Interview: Michael Donovan

Democrat, Former Allentown City Council

Interview: Zac Moryle

Campaign Manager, Rohrer for U.S. Senate

Interview: Mark Harris

Consultant, Smith for U.S. Senate

Pa. primary to provide test run of photo ID law

Pennsylvania voters should expect to be asked for photo identification in Tuesday's primary election, but those without it won't be barred from casting ballots.

New Congressional districts set for primary election

New Congressional districts set for primary election

In case you forgot or got confused by the redistricting process, you will be voting in new U.S. House Districts Tuesday.

Democratic Congressional candidates go head-to-head

The two democrats running for the chance to face Republican incumbent Charlie Dent for the 15th Congressional Seat in November squared off in a debate Tuesday night.

NAACP helps inform voters about new Voter ID laws

Pennsylvania's voter ID law is only a month old, but local leaders say now is the time to educate yourself on what you'll need to cast your ballot.

Romney and Gingrich stump at GOP dinner in Lancaster

The political spotlight has shifted to Pennsylvania.

Two Democrats duke it out for a shot at Congressman Dent's seat

Two Democrats duke it out for a shot at Congressman Dent's seat

Two Democratic challengers say they have the right stuff to unseat incumbent Republican Charlie Dent in Pennsylvania's 15th District.

Dems, GOP reaching out to Latino voters

Dems, GOP reaching out to Latino voters

Most Recent On WFMZ.COM

Advertisement
WFMZ-TV on Facebook

Links We Like

    from our sponsors