Attacks On Romney Create Rift Among Republicans

January 11, 2012

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney waves to supporters at the Romney for President New Hampshire primary night rally at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H. (AP)

Mitt Romney's rivals are facing backlash from within the GOP over their attacks on the front runner's business record.

Texas Governor Rick Perry equated firms like Bain Capital, which Mitt Romney founded, to "vultures," and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has asked Romney to answer questions about how many jobs he cut as he bought and sold companies.

The attacks are now being condemned by leading Republicans who worry about giving ammunition to Democrats.

Rush Limbaugh was furious: "What is this! What is going on? Republican presidential candidates attacking business?" he said. He also mocked Gingrich for sounding like an Occupy Wall Street supporter, "using language the Left uses."

And South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint says he's concerned about the criticism of "free market principles" by fellow Republicans.

Washington Post: Conservative Activists Scramble To Stop Romney

Guest:

Peter Wallsten, national political reporter for the Washington Post

This segment aired on January 11, 2012. The audio for this segment is not available.