Mitt Romney speaks in Kirkwood about jobs, energy and deficit
6:36 PM, Mar 13, 2012
By Ann Rubin
Kirkwood, MO (KSDK) - The republican race for the White House is moving to Missouri.
Mitt Romney stopped in Kirkwood, hoping to drum up support ahead of the state's caucuses this week.
Since Missouri's primary wasn't binding, Rick Santorum's win didn't actually get him any delegates. That means all 52 are still up for grab in the caucuses. And Mitt Romney cites elect-ability as one reason Missouri's republicans should choose him.
Mitt Romney calls his campaign "a battle for the soul of America."
His message today in Kirkwood, "I believe I'm the only guy who can defeat Barack Obama."
And though he lost in Missouri's beauty contest primary, he's hoping to sway people heading into this week's caucuses.
"I just feel strongly on his feelings on the strength of the family, the strength of our communities in America," said voter Lisa Erekson.
Voter Diane Wallace says it was talk of the economy that resonated with her, "We used to be large business owners, now we're small business owners. We just need that back."
"Just because he's bright and he's made a lot of money, doesn't mean he's not also a good person," said voter Michael Karlberg.
And while the event was billed as a talk on jobs and the economy, he also touched on the deficit and energy issues.
One on one, he detailed his plan to lower gas prices.
"We're going to start drilling again in the gulf, we're going to drill in the outer continental shelf, we're going to drill in North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas. That communicates to the world that there will be more supply coming from the U.S. And that affects the price of gasoline," said Romney.
As for ways to reduce debt, he suggests a few cuts.
"The test is pretty simple. Is the program so critical, it's worth borrowing money from china to pay for it? And on that basis of course you get rid of Obamacare, that's the easy one. Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that. The subsidy for Amtrack, I'd eliminate that. The National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities," he said.
This was Romney's first public event in the Show Me state, so we wanted to know, does he say Missouri or Missourah?
"You know I've always said Missouri." He adds, "I know as I get to other parts of the state its Missourah. But I'll stick with Missouri 'cause that's what I know best," he said.
Romney also says he has yet to try toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, but he'd like to.
From Kirkwood, the candidate headed on to an event in Kansas City.
To watch Romney's full speech and the raw video of Ann's one-on-one interview with him, click here.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/309910/3/Romney-speaks-in-Kirkwood-about-jobs-energy-and-deficit
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