Gerald Herbert/AP

Romney rips 'unfairness' of federal pay, benefits

As GOP front-runner closes in on nomination, he says government workers should not make more than average Americans.

After winning a set of Republican primaries Tuesday night, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney debuted his general election message, including federal pay and benefits in a list of items he considers to be unfair.

"We will stop the unfairness of government workers getting better pay and benefits than the taxpayers they serve," Romney said.

Among the other items Romney listed as unfair: “urban children being denied access to the good schools of their choice," "politicians giving taxpayer money to their friends’ businesses," and "requiring union workers to contribute to politicians not of their choosing."

Of President Obama, Romney said, "government is at the center of his vision. It dispenses the benefits, borrows what it cannot take, and consumes a greater and greater share of the economy."

"This president is putting us on a path where our lives will be ruled by bureaucrats and boards, commissions and czars," Romney added. "He’s asking us to accept that Washington knows best -- and can provide all."