Romney is relying on a diverse cast of politicians, business leaders, athletes and celebrities to court key groups of voters, including social conservatives, Hispanics and suburban women.

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“The president’s policies and his handling of the economy has been dealt a harsh indictment this morning, and it continues,” Romney said in an interview with CNBC. “We’ve had 40 straight months with unemployment over 8 percent. 40 straight months....Their policies have not worked and in many respects, their policies have made it harder for the economy to recover,” he said. “I think that’s one of the reasons why people are looking for a new direction.”

Mitt Romney is in Los Angeles, where he has a fundraiser this evening.

The proposal came in the form of a letter to President Obama, who has urged Congress to find an agreement that would prevent federally subsidized loan rates from jumping to 6.8 percent from 3.4 percent. The increase would cost 7 million college students an average of $1,000 if no deal is reached.

Except when the justice is Clarence Thomas, and the elite law school is Yale.