Sarah Palin: Criticism of Romneys Record at Bain Is Fair

By Jennifer Levitz

Republican star and Fox News political analyst Sarah Palin said criticism of Mitt Romneys record at Bain Capital by some Republican rivals is fair game and that voters should get proof of the 100,000 jobs Mr. Romney said he helped create while he headed the private equity firm.

Sarah Palin speaks during a Republican Party of Florida event Nov. 3, 2011 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Photo by Roberto Gonzalez/Getty Images)

In an interview with Fox host Sean Hannity Wednesday, Ms. Palin was asked about Texas Gov. Rick Perrys comments that Mr. Romney had practiced vulture capitalism rather than venture capitalism at Bain. Fox and The Wall Street Journal are owned by News Corp.

I dont agree with attacks on free-market capitalism at all but I dont believe this is really what is at the heart of Gov. Perrys criticism of Romney and his time at Bain, the former Alaska governor replied. This isnt about a politician making huge profits in the private sector. I think what Gov. Perry is getting at is that Gov. Romney has claimed to have created 100,000 jobs at Bain and you know, now people are wanting to know is there proof of that claim.

Gov. Palins comments add to the turmoil among Republicans: Is the GOP shooting itself in the foot and making things easier for Democrats down the road by criticizing Mr. Romneys business record?

Mr. Palin, who was the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2008, has not publicly endorsed a candidate but her husband, Todd Palin, earlier this week endorsed candidate Newt Gingrich, who has been blasting Mr. Romney over his record of cutting jobs while at Bain.

Ms. Palin said it is fair for candidates to ask Mr. Romney to own up to the claim being ! made abo ut jobs because so many of us are concerned with what is going on Main Street as well as Wall Street.

That is fair. That is not negative campaigning, she said.