White House race heats up as Mitt Romney opens presidential campaign

Romney launches second run for the White House

Another run for the White House was declared on Monday by Republican Mitt Romney, who failed to get the GOP presidential nomination in 2008.

An exploratory committee to secure some campaign funds has been formed by Romney who could pose a real challenge for Barack Obama in his re-election bid.

Recent polls show that Romney is the leading contender to secure his party's nomination among Republicans who want a stint at the White House.

Romney touted his experience as a business executive and financial knowhow in solving the economic problems plaguing the United States when given the chance to assume office in the White House.

"It is time that we put America back on a course of greatness, with a growing economy, good jobs and fiscal discipline in Washington," Romney said in a video clip posted on his website.

Romney lost the Democratic Party's nomination in 2008 to Senator John McCain of Arizona. But he is considered the frontrunner in a field of Republicans which include Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

During his earlier run for the White House, Romney was dogged with questions regarding his conservative stance after his tenure as governor of liberal Massachusetts and also about his Mormon faith.

Romney also drew some flak for supporting a state healthcare program that served as a model for the national healthcare reform signed into law by President Obama.

Critics have also noted that even though Romney often refers to his background as a successful business executive, he did not generate enough jobs in Massachusetts as governor, and that voters will scuttle his second attempt for the White House.

Posted by James Fried on Tuesday April 12 2011, 12:48 AM EDT. Ref: Reuters. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0