7 years ago

(CNN) - Mitt Romney on Monday night kicked back against Republican presidential rival Rick Santorum for urging Democrats to vote against Romney in Michigan's primary.

"Sen. Santorum did something today which I think is deceptive and a dirty trick," Romney said on Fox News.



- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

Earlier Monday, Santorum's campaign confirmed it was using robo calls rallying Democratic voters to come out to the polls Tuesday and cast their ballots against Romney.

"On Tuesday, join Democrats who are going to send a loud message to Massachusetts Mitt Romney," says an unidentified voice in a Santorum robo call to Michigan voters.

Organized efforts by Democrats have also been under way to encourage Michigan Democrats to vote for Santorum in the state’s open primary, with the premise that the former Pennsylvania senator would be a weaker candidate against President Barack Obama in the fall.

Romney said he wasn’t “too concerned” about Democratic-led efforts, saying it “wouldn’t have much impact.”

As for the Santorum campaign's robo calls, however, Romney said his rival’s strategy is “confusing” and a “new low in this campaign.”

Speaking on the same program Monday, Santorum defended the campaign tactic and argued the call was “positive.”

“It’s talking about what we are doing to create jobs in Michigan,” he said.

Santorum went on to attack Romney over the former governor’s appeal to non-conservative voters.

“Of course, you know, it’s interesting that he criticizes me for attracting Democrats because one of the things that Gov. Romney’s people say is he can’t attract Democrats,” Santorum said. “We will wait and see.”

Romney and Santorum are statistically tied in Michigan and Arizona, both of which hold their primaries on Tuesday.

- CNN’s Ashley Killough, Jim Acosta and Dan Bash contributed to this report.

Also see:

Gingrich tells evangelicals: 'We need to stand up for ourselves'

Limbaugh front and center in pro-Santorum mailer

Romney: 'I can't be perfect'

Graham, McCain predict big primary night for Romney