Mitt Romney Hits Up LA and Talks Economy

The presidential candidate talks about the economy to Californians

Mitt Romney is in Los Angeles and he's talking about the economy.

At a forum today in North Hollywood, the Republican hopeful took a stab at President Obama's handling of the economic state of our nation, saying he has the "audacity of indifference."

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, criticized Romney for using the city of Los Angeles as a platform to blast the President.

``The fact that Mr. Romney is using L.A., and I emphasize `using' L.A., to blast what he sees as the President's failed economic policies I find appalling,'' Villaraigosa said.

For this brief campaign stop en route to fundraisers, Romney found symbolism in an empty row of boarded up Laurel Canyon Blvd storefronts in what was once one of the region's premier shopping malls, Valley Plaza.

"Its really unfair and misleading to suggest that this is somehow a result of policies of the current administration," said City Councilman Paul Krekorian. "The truth is we're working hard every single day to bring this retail center back to life."

And, Romney doesn't blame all of California's economic problems on the President, but is still pointing a finger.

"Obviously the challenges here are not all the results of the current administration," said Romney. "But, what's happened in the last couple of years has not helped."

Valley Plaza isn't the only area longing for economic revitalization. Though Romney offered no California-specific remedies, his criticism of President Obama's economic policy resonated with supporters. He said the economy would do better with his pro-business sense.

"I would draw on 25 years of experience in the private sector to help America get back to work," said Romney.

Romney is calling for the government to cut federal spending, cap federal spending and move to a balanced budget, instead of raising taxes.

Today, the Romney campaign announces that it received an endorsement from Rep. John Campbell, R-Irvine.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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