Romney offers robust defense of Bain tenure Jan 17 10:07 AM US/Eastern By Beth Fouhy Associated Press MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Mitt Romney is offering a robust defense of his work at a venture capital fund. The former Massachusetts governor was grilled about his work at Bain Capital in a nationally televised Republican presidential debate Monday. Romney said Bain Capital did its best to grow companies and create jobs. He said venture capital is a major part of the economy, and he's proud to be part of it. Romney said Bain's investments weren't always successful and some of its companies went bankrupt. But he said the firm had a record of building strong businesses. Romney has come under attack by rivals including Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum for his work at Bain. Romney acknowledged President Barack Obama would probably criticize his record at Bain if Romney becomes the GOP nominee.