LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Leaders of Mitt Romney's Michigan campaign have held a news conference in the wake of the Republican presidential candidate's remarks that he doesn't worry about the 47 percent of Americans who pay no federal income taxes.

The Wednesday event at Romney's Lansing campaign office featured Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and two local business executives. They criticize President Barack Obama for his line from a July campaign event: "If you've got a business — you didn't build that."

Jim Barnard of St. Johns-based Barnard Manufacturing says the comment offended him and inspired him to work for Romney.

Richardville says Romney's comments are part of a campaign strategy, not what he would do in office.

Romney's remarks were caught on videotape at a fundraiser. Romney has neither disavowed nor apologized.