Romney: ‘My record is consistent’

STRATHAM, N.H. — Republican Mitt Romney on Thursday defended his series of shifts on issues, arguing that his top rivals for the GOP presidential nomination also have histories of switching positions.

“I served as governor for four years and my record is consistent and clear,” the former Massachusetts governor told the Associated Press. “I’d also note that everybody in this race that I know has changed their mind on certain positions and they’ve done so as they gained more experience.”

He singled out Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, both of whom lead Romney in national polls.

“Sen. McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts. Now he’s for them. He was opposed to ethanol. Now he’s for it. He said he was opposed to overturning Roe vs. Wade. Now he’s for overturning Roe vs. Wade,” Romney said, adding: “That suggests that he has learned from experience.”

“Mayor Giuliani has made a number of changes over his career, and there are places where I’ve made changes,” Romney said. On his clearest flip -- on abortion -- Romney said: “I’m not going to apologize for saying I was wrong and now I think I’m right.”