A victory for him in November, Romney said, would be "a change in Washington that removes this president and puts in someone who will keep America strong."

Romney also said he would balance the federal budget by choosing different areas of that budget to cut than those chosen by Obama.

"His cuts are wrong," Romney said.

He said he would cut unspecified programs and shift others to states.

"I would get America finally on a road to having a balanced budget," Romney said.

He also accused Obama of "trying to divide America.

"This is not a country where we apologize for success," Romney said.

Democrats sent out a press release from state party chairman Brian Moran, accusing Romney of being "a mediocre governor and corporate buyout specialist killing jobs while stashing his profits in Swiss bank accounts."

That echoes the theme of an Obama TV ad playing this week in Virginia and a few other states.

Democrats also released a video that accuses Romney, McDonnell and Bachmann of "turning back the clock" on women's health issues, specifically referencing their opposition to Planned Parenthood and the bill, signed by McDonnell, that requires a woman to have an ultrasound before having an abortion.

Chelyen Davis: 804/343-2245
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com