Romney focuses on the economy as he battles McCain

Mitt Romney
Republican U.S. presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney signs autographs for supporters during a campaign stop at the Citrus Mutual Headquarters January 26, 2008, in Lakeland, Fla.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Mitt Romney says his economic know-how should make him the choice of Republicans in Florida on Tuesday.

He told an earsplitting rally near Miami that no one will have to brief him on the economy and that he won't have to rely on the economic savvy of his vice president.

The former Massachusetts governor is blasting rival John McCain for saying that his expertise is less on the economy than foreign affairs.

At a town hall in Polk City, the Arizona senator defended his opposition to Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 saying that he'd seen no restraint on spending. But he said on NBC's "Meet the Press" the tax cuts should be made permanent.

McCain, who's locked in a tight race with Romney, said the endorsement by Governor Charlie Crist gives him momentum.

Rudy Giuliani, who's bid appears to be faltering, told CBS's "Face the Nation" today that he'll win Tuesday in part because of his strength among early voters.