Answering questions from reporters at a campaign event in South Carolina Thursday, Romney also said, "I understand there are some attack ads coming my way" on his evolving abortion views.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has been hammering away at Romney's claim to conservative credentials, and Gingrich said Thursday he intends to emphasize Romney's views on social issues such as abortion, gun control and gay marriage in the days leading up to South Carolina's Jan. 21 primary.
Romney also is defending his record as a venture capitalist, repeating his contention that the company he ran was set up to save businesses where possible, although he's admitted that in private business, these efforts aren't always fruitful.
Romney came to South Carolina Wednesday as the unmistakable front-runner in the GOP presidential sweepstakes.
