Romney Opposes Second Stimulus, Calls Early Primary 'Exciting'

GOP presidential candidate and current front-runner Mitt Romney continued his criticism of the White House, voiced opposition to a proposed second federal stimulus and called it exciting that Florida had moved up its primary to Jan. 31.

During a campaign stop at the Seminole Wind restaurant in Tallahassee Wednesday, the former Massachusetts governor shared a buffet lunch with a group of Tallahassee business leaders, listening to their complaints about government regulations and adding his own thoughts on running a private business.
Right now government sees itself as not just the watchdog but the opponent of business. Business is somehow bad to many people in government and we have to change that, Romney said.

Florida Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, stood by Romney's side during the restaurant visit.

Hes a person I believe has put together a road map to put America back to work, Thrasher said.

Besides encouraging people to buy the chicken, Romney also focused on President Barack Obama during a short address to patrons of the Christian-themed eatery.

Increasingly, Im hearing of businesses that can decide where to go; that it is less attractive to expand in America than elsewhere, Romney said.

Before arriving at the restaurant, several polls showed Romney to be atop the GOP race and he received the endorsements of a trio of top Florida House leaders.

Asked after the meeting what he thought of Florida forcing a change to the primary calendar, Romney simply said its exciting.

Asked what he thought of the ongoing Wall Street protests, he said his focus is getting to the White House.

Romney is scheduled to meet privately with Gov. Rick Scott in the Capitol at 2:30 p.m.

Scott isnt expected to address the media after the meeting.