Sen. Jim DeMint continued to rise to the defense of Mitt Romney's work at Bain Capital and praised Ron Paul as a necessary tentpole of the Republican Party during an interview Thursday on Fox News.
DeMint said that while he would not be endorsing a candidate before the South Carolina primary, he echoed concerns that attacking Romney's history at the investment firm would play into Democratic hands.
"I think it's not wise for any of the Republicans to damage each other at any point, because it's just going to help the other side," DeMint said. "But this is a teachable moment for our country, because in business, successful companies have leaders who can make hard and painful decisions in the short term for the long-term health of the company, and we don't have that in Washington."
DeMint also said that while he didn't fully agree with Paul — especially on foreign policy — rejecting libertarian ideology would prevent Republicans from regaining majority party status.
"If Republicans don't understand the important aspects of what Ron Paul is saying, we won't be able to exist as a party, certainly not a majority party," DeMint said. "The debate in the Republican Party needs to be between libertarians and conservatives, that's what our party needs to be about. There's no longer room for moderates and liberals because we don't have any money to spend, so I don't want to be debating with anyone who wants to grow government."
DeMint also said that Paul, Romney or any of the leading GOP candidates would be a suitable candidate.
"I think they'll all do the job. … I'd feel good about any of the top three or four getting in there," DeMint said.
But DeMint emphasized that this election was the "last chance to save our country" and that a full Republican sweep of the House, Senate and White House was necessary.
"I'm afraid the country is just focused on the presidency when if the Senate stays how it is, nothing will change," DeMint said.
