Romney calls the robocall a “new low.” It’s probably not that, not after the oppo research dumps on Cain, but it is does tarnish the reputation of the “conviction candidate.”
Rick Santorum has admitted authorising “robocalls” to encourage Democrats to participate in the Michigan Republican primary and to vote against rival Mitt Romney.
Romney had accused him of resorting to dirty tricks on the eve of Tuesday’s primary. Speaking to Fox News, Romney said Santorum’s tactic of automated phone calls to registered Democrats, which is legitimate but could be regarded as underhand, marked a new low in the campaign.
“Senator Santorum did something today which I think is deceptive and a dirty trick,” Romney said.
An influx of Democratic votes could make the difference in a tight contest. Polls show Romney and Santorum neck-and-neck, with Santorum enjoying a late surge.
Dirty trick? Nah. But it is deceptive, because while Romney opposed the auto bailout, so did Santorum, and that’s what the robocall is about:
Michigan Democrats can vote in the Republican primary on Tuesday. Why is it so important? Romney supported the bailout for his Wall Street billionaire buddies, but opposed the auto bailout. That was a slap in the face to every Michigan worker. And we’re not going to let Romney get away with it.
Then add the fact that Santorum is trying to bank on Democratic votes to win a Republican primary, and the saintly knight dents his own armor a bit.
On the other hand, are we seeing a ruthlessness out of Santorum that we haven’t seen in this campaign so far? That wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
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