Gingrich to ABC: Romney Has 'Profound Character Problem'

ABC/Donna Svennevik(TAMPA, Fla.) -- In interview with ABC News on the tarmac at the Tampa airport, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said that Mitt Romney has "a profound character problem" and that his campaign is "just getting started."

"Why isn't he honest?" Gingrich asked, citing what he said was Romney's dishonesty in his television ads, in his financial disclosure forms and in the debates.  Romney, he added, is, "trying to buy the election" with money from Wall Street.

In the interview, Gingrich attacked the former Massachusetts governor, saying that part of the issue is character and part of the issue is ideology.

"He governed as a liberal who was pro-abortion, pro-gun rights, pro-tax increases and pro-gay rights. Appointed liberal judges, passed Romneycare," said Gingrich.  

Gingrich said he is particularly concerned about the Wall Street money, especially from Goldman Sachs, that is going to the Romney campaign. He said that in the last campaign, Goldman Sachs was the top contributor to Obama -- in this one they are the top contributor to Romney.

"Goldman Sachs took billions of dollars from taxpayers in the bailout. Now for the second time they want to pick a presidential candidate," Gingrich said. "They got Obama last time and this time they want Romney. I don't think most Republicans will think that's a very good idea."

Gingrich said his campaign is "just getting started."

As for Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan, Gingrich confirmed that while he has promised to consider 9-9-9, he is unlikely to adopt the entire plan. After all, Gingrich pointed out, he already has a fairly comprehensive tax plan of his own.

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