Romney Brings Presidential Campaign To S. Florida
WEST PALM BEACH (CBSMiami) – Wanna-be president Mitt Romney brought campaign to South Florida.
The Republican front-runner held a noontime rally at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
One of the first thing Romney addressed was the job crisis and he didn't miss an opportunity to get in a jab at President Barack Obama.
"We've had three years now with unemployment above eight percent. Now look back. You remember three years ago, the newly elected president said let me borrow $787 billion dollars and I'll keep unemployment below eight percent and it hasn't been below since," said Romney. "I'm convinced the president will weaken the foundations of our economy. I will strengthen them. I am convinced he will keep on adding more and more debt. I will cut, cap and balance the federal budget."
Romney also criticized the president for proposing cuts in military spending.
"I will invest in a military that is so strong no one would ever think of testing it. The best way to avoid war is to be strong, not to be weak," said Romney.
Romney said that if elected he would cut some federal government programs to save money.
"I'm going to take those programs and I'm gonna say, look, is this program so critical to America that it's worth borrowing money from China to pay for it. And on that basis, we're going to get rid of some programs," Romney told
The former Massachusetts governor, who has won the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, has come under attack from some of his fellow Republicans for his time as an executive with Bain Capital. Newt Gingrich and others have painted Romney as a heartless executive who cut jobs at companies Romney took over and focused solely on making profits.
Romney however says his victory in New Hampshire shows those attacks are not working.
Some in the Republican party have come to his defense as did those at the convention center.
"If you want to look at some of the positives, he did create jobs, he saved companies and that's what this country desperately needs now," said Randy Jones.
"We need a man with Mitt Romney's ideals and direction for our country to get back on track," said Joy Banton.
Web Extra: Romney Rally In WPB Part 1
Web Extra: Mitt Romney At WPB Rally Part 2
Later on Thursday, Romney attended a pricey reception at the home of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
Ross and his wife Kara hosted a $2,500 per person reception with Romney at their Palm Beach home.
According to a new Rasmussen Poll, in Florida Romney is supported by 41 percent of the GOP electorate. That far outpaces his nearest rivals, Newt Gingrich at 19 percent and Rick Santorum at 15 percent.
