In Florida, Romney Seeks to Link Gingrich to Foreclosure Crisis ORMOND BEACH, Fla., - Less than 24 hours after his disappointing showing in the South Carolina primary, Mitt Romney took his campaign fight to Florida, linking the mortgage foreclosure crisis here - the nation's worst - to his rival, Newt Gingrich, the victor in the South Carolina contest. At an outdoor rally at a building-supply business in Ormond Beach, south of Jacksonville, Mr. Romney said of Mr. Gingrich's time as House speaker: "After four years, it was proven that he was a failed leader and he had to resign in disgrace. He was investigated under an ethics panel and had to make a payment associated with that. Then his fellow Republicans - 88 percent of his Republicans - voted to reprimand Speaker Gingrich. He has not had a record of successful leadership. Mr. Romney then asked the crowd of about 250, "What's he been doing for 15 years" since leaving his House position? He's been working as a lobbyist, selling influence around Washington. He's been working for Freddie Mac, heard of those guys? It was a pointed reference, here in the foreclosure capital, because Freddie Mac is a federally run mortgage giant. The mention was met with cries of "boo" from the crowd. "He said he was a historian," Mr. Romney said. I would like him to release his records. What was his work product there? Freddie Mac figures in very prominently to the fact that people in Florida have seen home values go down. He paused for a beat, then added: "It's time to turn that around." Later Mr. Romney added, "It's good to be back in Florida. I need your help. Just minutes into his remarks, Mr. Romney was interrupted by protesters linked to Occupy Wall Street who began to chant, "We the people..." Mr. Romney did not let them hijack his event, however. "These are the people," he said, raising his voice and pointing to his audience. You are the interrupters. Take a hike! Mr. Romney's speech went on without any problems, but the slight derailment worked as a reminder of the tough political terrain in Florida. Mr. Romney has rarely been interrupted by protesters during his campaign stops in other states. Mr. Romney's wife, Ann, also took the microphone on Sunday evening. She spoke about the couple's five sons and their grandchildren, also mentioning that Mr. Romney would be releasing some of his tax returns this week. The disclosure is likely to bring renewed interest in the size of the Romney fortune. Blending all of that together but focusing on the children, Mrs. Romney said, "That's our blessing and our richness." She added of her family, "That's where we measure our wealth."