Romney Demands Release of Gingrich’s Freddie Mac Records: Fine By Newt!

The battle is on! In what looks like a desperate last-minute popularity grab, the once level-headed Mitt Romney has both guns drawn lately – and pointed right at Newt Gingrich.

At a Florida rally, Romney threw a tantrum directed primarily at Gingrich and a few hecklers in the crowd. Romney called Gingrich a “failed leader”, reminding his audience, “I don’t know whether you knew that—he actually resigned after four years, in disgrace.” He continued, “He talks about great bold movements and ideas, well, what’s he been doing for 15 years? He’s been working as a lobbyist and selling influence around Washington.”

Romney then issued a challenge: call it pistols at dawn, in front of the saloon at mid-day, whatever you like, but the way Romney threw it out there, it seemed like he thought he had a bigger grenade in his pocket than the firecracker that he pulled out – he demanded Gingrich release his work records from his time at failed housing giant Freddie Mac.

Gingrich’s response? Sure. Alright.

Gingrich apparently has no problem with his Freddie records seeing the light of day. In fact, he says that Freddie’s release of his contract before the Florida primary would actually help him. In his own words:

“You know, I left the company, so it’s their decision. But I’d be very comfortable releasing them.”

He added that Romney’s request for his Freddie contract is “ironic”, adding a few spicy words of his own for his opponent:

“Here’s someone who has released none of his business records, who has decided to make a stand on transparency without being transparent.”

Regarding Romney’s charge that Gingrich has been working as a lobbyist, he said: “I did no lobbying, period.” Romney “keeps using the word lobbyist because I’m sure his consultants tell him it scores well.”

Treated!

Here’s a story about the rest of Mitt Romney’s not-so-awesome week from our pals at Newsy:

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What do you think of Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney’s battle royale?