Romney suggests Perry lacks experience in the ‘real economy’

Mitt Romney has played nice about Rick Perry's decision to jump into the GOP nomination race, calling him "a fine man" and a "fine governor."

But the former Massachusetts governor hinted at what will be his key argument against Perry's candidacy during a New Hampshire appearance today. Asked specifically about Perry's arrival in the race, Romney reiterated how much he "respects" the Texas governor, but insisted the president should have private sector experience.

"I think understanding how the economy works by having worked in the real economy is finally essential for the White House, and I hope people recognize that," Romney told reporters today, per the Boston Globe's Glen Johnson.

"I respect the other people in this race, but I think the only other person that has that kind of extensive private sector experience, besides me, in the Republican race is Herman Cain. And I respect Herman Cain, but I also think it's helpful to have had that government experience that I've had."

Romney suggested that his resume of both public service and as a private businessman makes him a unique and stronger contender against President Obama next year.

His remarks didn't sit well with Perry, who responded by trashing Romney's record during an appearance at the Iowa State Fair today. He told Politico's Jonathan Martin that Texas is the "real economy" and suggested his executive experience trumps Romney and the rest of the field.

"Running a state is different from running a business," he said. "Take a look at his record when he was governor, take a look at my record when I was governor."

In a hint at how contentious the GOP primary is likely to be heading into the fall, Perry sarcastically blew kisses into a TV camera. "Give him my love," he said of Romney.

Perry's response wasn't that surprising. While the two candidates have offered plenty of lip service to how much they admire one another in recent days, rumors of bad blood between Romney and Perry have circulated for years, as The Ticket previously reported.