Thompson Accuses Romney Of Trying To "Buy South Carolina"
The following is a campaign dispatch from CBS News' John Bentley:
"Governor Romney supported the immigration bill that I opposed back before it became a controversial issue," Thompson said, referring to the failed immigration bill put forth earlier this year. "The governor once again has changed his position."
Thompson told a packed lunchtime crowd at the Beef O'Brady's restaurant in Ft. Mill that Romney was trying to buy his way to the nomination. "Governor, you can't buy South Carolina. You can't even rent it."
Some polls show Thompson leading the Republican pack in South Carolina, despite not yet airing any ads there.
"The governor of Massachusetts has now apparently put in $20 million of his personal fortune, and spent a good chunk of it in South Carolina. I haven't bought one TV ad yet, one radio ad yet, and yet I seem to be in the lead," he said. "So from a management standpoint, I think I'm getting a little bit more for my money right now."
UPDATE: Romney campaign spokesman Kevin Madden responds:
"Support from voters is earned though hard work and new ideas. Unfortunately for Fred Thompson, he has never shown any passion for either."
Added Madden: "Governor Romney is working hard across South Carolina to build a great team of supporters that continues to grow. His support is the result of reaching out to voters and showing them that he has the vision the experience and the values to lead America. The governor is going to keep holding the town halls, continue his travels all over the state and he's going to keep talking about his plan to bring conservative change to Washington."