ABC News’ Matt Stuart reports: RNC Chairman Michael Steele is drawing attention for claiming that the Republican base “rejected” former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
In a clip posted on the Think Progress website, while Steele was guest hosting the Bill Bennett radio show last Friday, a caller claimed that Romney could have beaten President Obama in the general election. Steele responded boldly that, “it was the base that rejected Mitt because of his switch on pro-life, from pro-choice to pro-life.” Steele went on to say that the base “had issues with Mormonism,” and “made clear they had issues with Mitt because if they didn’t, he would have defeated John McCain.”
Today, Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom kept his response to a minimum. “Sometimes when you shoot from the hip you miss the target. This is one of those times.”
Since dropping out of the race, Romney has remained active in the Republican party through his Free and Strong America PAC. Romney supported Sen. John McCain’s campaign and, more recently, participated in the National Council for a New America, a group aimed at re-focusing the Republican party, fueling speculation that he is planning another run in 2012.
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