Romney fetes jobs strategy to eclipse rival

Mitt Romney is pressing to refocus the Republican presidential race on jobs and the economy in the sprint to Super Tuesday’s contests next week, looking to blunt Rick Santorum’s efforts to sow doubts about his record on social issues.

Romney assailed President Barack Obama’s energy policies and offered himself as the only Republican candidate with the business experience to create jobs. Santorum, his leading rival, raised questions about Romney’s core beliefs and commitment to socially conservative principles.

Both men were aiming for victories in the 11 contests this Tuesday, which together award the largest delegate haul in the campaign so far and could go a long way to determining the nominee in the Republican race.