Axelrod attacks Romney in Mass., Romney hits Obama at Solyndra

FREMONT, Calif. — Mitt Romney is assailing President Barack Obama's green energy record, standing outside the shuttered offices of a solar energy company that went bankrupt after receiving government loans.

Romney says a $535 million loan to Solyndra represented a conflict of interest because it benefited some of Obama's campaign contributors. He says the loan also discouraged others from starting similar companies.

Meanwhile, in Boston, Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod said at a news conference that Romney ushered in slow job growth, higher debt and more fees as governor of Massachusetts.

Axelrod was heckled by Romney supporters, who chanted, "Solyndra, Solyndra."

Romney defended his gubernatorial record, saying the state's unemployment rate dropped during his tenure.