Less than three weeks away from the Iowa caucuses, polls show Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney with strong holds on the top two GOP spots. Their Monday war of words reflected that rivalry, with the pair trading barbs over their consulting histories.
On Monday morning, Romney attacked Gingrich's work at Freddie Mac, calling on him to return the millions he made during his time working for the mortgage giant.
"One of the things that I think that people recognize in Washington is that people go there to serve the people and then they stay there to serve themselves," Romney told Fox News.
Gingrich did not take those words lightly, firing back at Romney's own doings at private equity firm Bain Capital.
"I love the way he and his consultants do these things," Gingrich said. "I would just say that if Gov. Romney would like to give back all the money he's earned from bankrupting companies and laying off employees over his years at Bain, then I would be glad to listen to him and I'll bet you $10 dollars -- not $10,000 -- that he won't take the offer."
The $10,000 dig stems from Saturday night's debate, when Romney challenged Texas Gov. Rick Perry to a bet aimed at settling their positions on individual healthcare mandates.
Gingrich has been an increasing threat to Romney over the past few weeks, capped by the duo's exchange during Saturday night's debate on how they differ as candidates.
"I understand how the economy works," Romney said, placing himself as a private-sector businessman over a "career politician."
Gingrich jumped on that comment, responding: "Let's be candid. The only reason you didn't become a career politician is you lost to [Sen.] Teddy Kennedy in 1994."