Romney marriage ad contrasts with rising Gingrich

Published 3:17 pm Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican Mitt Romney is emphasizing his 42-year marriage in a new ad airing in early-voting states, inviting a clear contrast with thrice-married Newt Gingrich, who leads in Iowa and is closing on Romney in New Hampshire.

The commercial marks a new phase in the GOP presidential nomination campaign, one focused more on character issues than their policy differences.

Romney’s ad is a montage featuring the former Massachusetts governor, wife Ann and their children and grandchildren.

Romney says — quote — “I think people understand that I’m a man of steadiness and constancy.”

The spot comes the same day that Texas Gov. Rick Perry is airing his second faith-focused ad in Iowa, where he trails badly less than four weeks until the leadoff caucuses.