Algona, Iowa (CNN) - Six days after challenging Mitt Romney to "test this kitchen," Newt Gingrich goaded his GOP opponent to "come to the chocolate factory"–a loaded dare referencing Romney's quip that a recent Gingrich campaign stumble was less like Pearl Harbor and more like "Lucille Ball at the chocolate factory."
During a campaign stop at The Chocolate Season in Algona Wednesday, the former House speaker told supporters Romney was trying have his cake and eat it too.
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"Governor Romney had a cute line yesterday about my team representing Lucy and the chocolate factory and I just want to say here I am in the chocolate factory," Gingrich said.
Romney previously answered Gingrich's call for him to publicly denounce negative campaigning by the super PAC that supports his candidacy by suggesting his rival couldn't stand the "heat of this little kitchen."
Gingrich retorted with a test for Romney: meet him for a one-on-one 90 minute debate. He repeated that tease Wednesday.
"Now that I have the courage to come to the chocolate factory I hope Governor Romney will have the courage to debate me one-on-one and defend his negative ads and give us a chance just the two of us, 90 minutes, no timekeeper, no moderator," Gingrich said.
"Let's chat like adults about this campaign. I don't expect him to do it but I hope if he comes by he'll at least buy some chocolates."
–CNN Political Producer Shawna Shepherd contributed to this report.
Also see:
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Santorum hunts birds and serves up photo op
Perry touts part-time Congress pitch in new TV ad
CNN Exclusive: Newly recovered court files cast doubt on Gingrich version of first divorce
From CNN Politics
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Sounds a little like a playground bully. Go Newt.
He is losing ground and is desperately flailing. Newt's trying to do anything just to stay in the news.... But frankly his comments make him look childish. Plus he looks like a hypocrite... when he makes comments about Romney trying to "have his cake and eat it too", this is coming from the same guy who just a few weeks ago was pounding his chest (figuratively) and pretty much saying he has the GOP nomination wrapped up.
In other words, ~ 85 minutes of Gingrich telling attendees and viewers how smart, organized, physically fit, historically accurate…etc. he and only he is. I’ll pass thanks.
Grow up, Newt.
Mr. Speaker – quit it already. It's becoming abundantly clear that you will not be the nominee – you've been rejected for the lack of necessary and very important qualities.
Newt we all know that you are just another lying, theiving, corrupt, lobbyist wife cheating tea party grand old party republican.
I am so over this .... I say again, "What are you guys going to do for me, an American Voter?" I am sick of the Bickerson's and all of their rants.
Obama campaign got many Christmas gift (materials) this year
Only Jon Huntsman can beat Obama
Gingeritch = wanna-be bully is – as always – just a punk.
Thank god he's not a real Virginian, he's a Jawjin come-here to parasitically feed at the federal trough.
Oh, shucks! I was looking forward to Newt announcing his choice for VP -- Tom "The Hammer" DeLay.
Scrooge & Grinch
Gingrich is now being a fiesty OLD SCROOGE...just days after being the GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS. HE stole Christmas from several wives and children who would be better having their beloved husband and father around in a reasonable family setting. After all he was two women's husband but he cheated on them both then divorced them to take Callista, now his THIRD wife.
A woman in Callista's shoes should really keep quiet since she cheated with Gingrich when he was someone else's husband. What an awful situation to be in as a presidential candidate? Is this what being a conservative really means?
Do you have to be a GRINCH or a SCROOGE to prove how conservative you are?
Flipper is afraid of Newt and they're both afraid of Ron Paul.
Conservatives will look back on this election and wonder why they failed to present a reasonable candidate. The answer is found in two words – "Tea Party". They've forgotten the GOP is more than crazy right-wingers repeating sound bites from hate media.
Help me Mr. Wizard. I'm faal-ling.
No politician with any amount of experience is going to have a perfect enough record for the Tea Party and the other far-right primary voters. While Trump was a bad joke and Cain had too much concealed baggage, the idea of selecting a candidate from the business or military communities is probably pretty good. Powell would be good but he's tainted by W's lies on Iraq. What's Norman Schwartzkopf doing thiese days?
How many more times do we have to reject him before he gets the message? No Newt.
Gingrinch is a clinical psycopath. Just sayin'...
I remember the last time gingrich had power. He's not suited for the presidency – he's not even worthy of serious consideration.