Romney, Giuliani Spar on Taxes, Spending

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney jokes about good casting including former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn. of the debate during the GOP Presidential candidates debate at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio - AP)

All nine of the men on stage sought to stress their conservative economic credentials throughout the two-hour debate, held in the city that gave birth to the Ford Motor Co. more than a century ago.

McCain of Arizona said President Bush was right to veto a children's health expansion bill, and he urged him to reject a multibillion-dollar public works measure as well.

"We've got to get wasteful spending under control," he said.

"We have to get spending under control," agreed Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback. No matter whether Republicans or Democrats are in control of Congress, he said, "the system is built to spend."

Challenged to identify one government account he would cut, Brownback cited a program involving "advanced technology."

"If you want to control federal spending you must look at Social Security and Medicare," said Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado. He said he favors private Social Security accounts, or "forget the idea of ending deficit spending."

Thompson said that without changes, Social Security would not survive. He said there should be no change for current retirees and those expected to begin drawing benefits soon. But for those retiring further in the future, benefits should not be allowed to rise as quickly as now expected.

While maneuvering against one another, the Republicans found a minute or two to jab at Democrats.

Giuliani criticized Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic presidential front-runner, for a proposal to provide tax cuts of up to $1,000 to help families open 401(k) retirement accounts.

"Hillary is filled with endless ways to spend. We're going to have to control that," he said.

Romney criticized Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for raising taxes, and drew laughter when he said he was afraid she "was going to put a tax on this debate."

Eight of the candidates support the continuing U.S. military presence in Iraq, but Rep. Ron Paul of Texas drew applause when he loudly dissented. Paul posted a surprising $5 million in campaign donations for the three months ending Sept. 30.