Gov. Perry’s rivals work to undercut his character

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidates are united on the economic issues that most worry voters. It’s subjects like vaccines, immigration and Social Security that have them arguing. And while there are some policy differences, Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann and others are raising those topics primarily to make character arguments against Rick Perry. In recent weeks, the Republican hopefuls have clashed on these issues again and again. On Thursday, they’ll debate again in Florida — where even more disputes could crop up. The dialog seems to create exactly the situation swing voters say they pine for every election year — a contest that allows them to hear a serious debate about issues and choose among candidates with legitimate policy differences. But it’s really cover for typical character arguments.

Source: Katie Hunt, Associated Press