(CNSNews.com) - Reflecting the sentiments of many Americans, Former Sen. Rick Santorum at Thursday's debate in Florida chided Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich for engaging in "petty politics."

After some heated back-and-forth on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the conversation turned away from Gingrich and Romney to Santorum, who noted that he has long advocated reforming the two mortgage giants.

"The bigger issue here is these two gentlemen, who are out distracting from the most important issues. We have been playing petty personal politics. Can we set aside that Newt was a member of Congress and used the skills that he developed as a member of Congress to go out and advise companies -- and that's not the worst thing in the world; and that Mitt Romney is a wealthy guy because he worked hard and he's going out and working hard?

"And you guys should leave that alone and focus on the issues."

The remark drew applause.