Romney Ad Fuels GOP Spending Debate

Republican presidential candidate former Gov. Mitt Romney introduced a new radio ad in the early primary voting state of South Carolina Thursday fueling a GOP debate over fiscal conservatism between the former Massachusetts Governor and his ’08 GOP rival, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The ad, titled "Stop Spending," goes public amidst an ongoing feud between Romney and Giuliani, both alleging the other raised taxes and increased budgets during their times in Massachusetts and New York, respectively.

Airing as part of Romney’s regular rotation of radio ads in South Carolina, the ad highlights Romney’s use of the line item veto in Massachusetts, echoing Romney’s criticism of Giuliani for opposing the measure under President Bill Clinton.

It features Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. who has endorsed Romney, arguing the former Governor and "successful businessman" is "the kind of leader America desperately needs."

"He used his business skills as Governor of Massachusetts," DeMint says in the ad, "issuing over 800 vetoes of wasteful spending and eliminating a $3 billion debt."

“Washington politicians call it earmarking, but Americans just call it wasteful pork barrel spending, and taxpayers are sick of it." DeMint says.