In New Ad, Romney Critical Of Huckabee On Illegal Immigration
Video: Huckabee's surge in the polls has caused major headaches for Romney, who has far outspent the Baptist minister both in Iowa and nationally. Despite not leading national polls, Romney was until recently leading in both New Hampshire and Iowa, the first two states in the nominating process.
Romney had hoped to create momentum with wins in both states and leverage that momentum to the GOP nomination. But in a recent Newsweek poll, Huckabee lead Romney in Iowa 39 percent to 17 percent. (Other recent polls have been closer, but also have Huckabee in the lead.)
In his immigration ad, Huckabee is shown saying "build a border fence, secure the border, and do it now." Huckabee has taken criticism for being too soft on immigration, with rivals referencing his support, as governor of Arkansas, for college scholarships for the children of illegal immigrants.
Romney's response ad features an announcer saying that the rivals are both "good family men" who are pro-life and "support a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage." Then it shifts to a negative tone to explain "the difference" between the canddiates.
"Mitt Romney stood up and vetoed in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Opposed driver's licenses for illegals," intones the announcer. "Mike Huckabee? Supported in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants. Huckabee even supported taxpayer-funded scholarships for illegal aliens. On immigration, the choice matters."