TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is slamming Newt Gingrich on a slew of issues, labeling him a failed leader.

The two rivals are part of Monday night's presidential debate in Tampa, Fla.

Asked about the former House speaker's electability, Romney says Gingrich led Republicans to historic losses and that Gingrich resigned in disgrace. Romney says members of Gingrich's own team voted to reprimand him.

Romney is also highlighting Gingrich's ties to mortgage lender Freddie Mac. He says Gingrich was hired directly by a lobbyist for Freddie Mac and says it's a liability that would cost Republicans the general election.

In response, Gingrich says Romney is engaging in "disinformation" and he promises to dispute charges on his website. He says Romney is engaging in trivial politics.