Republican debate focuses on economy

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - On Saturday night, fresh off his narrow victory in Iowa former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney didn't fail to capitalize on the current job creation wave.

The debate comes a day after a Labor Department report was released Friday which said more than 200,000 jobs were added in the private sector during the month of December.

It is positive news for the economy as the jobless rate dipped to 8.5 percent, the lowest level in three years.

It's also no surprise to many political analysts that the recovering economy would become one of the most highly contested topics in the debate.

Romney referred to his involvement in the Boston-based private equity firm Bain Capital; saying without the firm's intervention, companies like Domino's, the Sports Authority and Staples wouldn't be where they are today.

"Those businesses have now added over 100,000 jobs.
I have a record of learning how to create jobs," Romney said.

Rick Santorum countered that "business experience doesn't necessarily match up with being the commander-in-chief of this country."

Meanwhile, in his weekly internet address, President Obama touted the business leaders whom he believes have brought jobs back into the American economy, adding that they will be highlighted in a forum this coming Wednesday.