Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, Creative Commons)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, both identified as frontrunners, said they oppose federal government regulations on small businesses and individuals.

“President Obama has done everything wrong,” said Romney to applause. “I happen to believe to create jobs, it helps to have had a job. And I have.”

Herman Cain, a businessman who was not initially taken seriously as a candidate, criticized Romney’s job plan.

“That dog won't hunt,” Cain said to applause.

Thursday's debate also included Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson.

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