McCain: Romney's Republican credentials questionable
MANCHESTER, N.H. --Presidential hopeful John McCain scoffed Saturday at rival Mitt Romney's claim of being the truest Republican in the race, recalling Romney's past support for Democratic candidates and moderate politics as Massachusetts governor.
Romney, in an attack on fellow candidate Rudy Giuliani, said Friday that his own real-world experience and socially conservative values represent the "Republican wing of the Republican Party."
McCain, who is battling his better-financed competitors in New Hampshire, criticized Romney in a speech to state Republican Committee members. He said he would never "con" them in asking for their votes. McCain won the state's GOP primary in 2000, routing then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
"As we all know, when he ran for office in Massachusetts, being a Republican wasn't much of a priority. In fact, when he ran against Ted Kennedy, he said he didn't want to return to the days of Reagan-Bush. I always was under the impression Ronald Reagan was a real Republican," said McCain, who considers Reagan his political mentor.
"When Gov. Romney donated money to a Democratic candidate in New Hampshire, I don't think he was speaking for Republicans. When he voted for a Democratic candidate for president, Paul Tsongas, I don't think he was speaking for Republicans."
Romney, during his failed Senate run against Kennedy, said he didn't want to return to the 1980s. He also donated money to New Hampshire Democrat Dick Swett's political campaign.
"So, you'll understand why I'm a little perplexed when Mitt Romney suggests he's a better Republican than me," McCain said.
A Romney spokesman responded that McCain is misleading and flailing.
"The status-quo mind-set that has gripped Washington and molded those that have been there so long in need of fresh ideas and conservative change that can only come from outside of Washington," Kevin Madden said. "Angry attacks from flailing campaigns won't stop Gov. Romney from moving forward with his optimistic agenda designed to bring sorely needed change to Washington."
The Romney campaign also cited McCain's opposition to President Bush's tax cuts, support for failed immigration legislation and his work on campaign finance.
After the speech, McCain declined to call Romney a "con" to reporters, but said he could not let Romney's comments go unanswered. He told reporters that Romney made a mistake in his language.
"I just hope Gov. Romney will not repeat a statement that he is the only, quote, real Republican," McCain said. "I will not call myself a, quote, real Republican. I will say that other Republicans are out there running. I respect them. But we also should examine their records to see if they're quote real Republicans -- or not."
