Romney stumbles in 'fire people' statement

NASHUA, N.H. -- Republican front-runner Mitt Romney stumbled down the homestretch of the New Hampshire primary yesterday, declaring, "I like being able to fire people who provide services to me" as his rivals intensified already fierce criticism.

"Gov. Romney enjoys firing people. I enjoy creating jobs," said former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who has staked his candidacy on a strong showing in today's primary and has been gaining ground in recent polls.

Adding insult to any injury, Texas Gov. Rick Perry posted to his campaign website a ringtone of Romney saying, "I like being able to fire people."

Romney is the odds-on favorite in New Hampshire; Huntsman and other Republicans who are contesting the state have generally been content to vie for second place in hopes of emerging as his main rival in South Carolina on Jan. 21. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, won in Iowa by eight votes. -- AP