WASHINGTON — GOP presidential front-runner Mitt Romney yesterday took a first swipe at new rival Rick Perry, suggesting he doesn’t have the necessary experience in the “real economy.”
“Having worked in the real economy is finally essential in the White House,” Romney, the businessman and former Massachusetts governor, said while stumping in New Hampshire.
“I respect the other people in this race,” he said, “but I think the only other person who has that kind of extensive private-sector experience besides me in the Republican race is Herman Cain.”
Cain, a former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, is polling near the bottom of a crowded GOP field.
Romney’s remark was a not-so-veiled jab at Perry, who has made his successful economic policies as Texas governor the cornerstone of his campaign.
Perry, campaigning in Iowa, shot back, “Take a look at his record when he was governor. Take a look at my record.”
“I think Texas is the real economy.”