CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Under duress two days before the pivotal South Carolina primary, Republican front-runner Mitt Romney acknowledged he has invested part of his millions in the Cayman Islands, although his aides say he never used the location as a
tax haven.

Neither Romney nor his campaign provided details, such as how much he has invested there, why he invested there or if he has invested any of his money elsewhere outside the
United States.

Responding to a question shouted at him Thursday morning, Romney reiterated that he does intend to release the returns — but not until April, long after the party may have chosen a nominee. “You’ll hear more about that in April,” he said.

In a blow to Romney’s campaign, Texas Gov. Rick Perry suspended his presidential campaign and threw his support behind former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, winnowing the conservative opposition and adding to Gingrich’s strength heading into Saturday’s voting.

And in another blow, Republican officials in Iowa said Rick Santorum had actually edged Romney by 34 votes in the final tally of the state’s leadoff caucuses. No winner has been declared because some votes are still missing.

Romney, speaking to supporters on a conference call Thursday morning, made no mention of Perry’s decision or of his tax returns, instead attacking Gingrich’s claims that he helped President Ronald Reagan create jobs. Romney said Gingrich is living
in “fantasyland.”

Romney was set to address supporters outside his Charleston headquarters Thursday morning, though it wasn’t clear if he would answer questions about his tax returns, the Cayman Islands or Perry’s decision.

“Gov. and Mrs. Romney’s assets are managed on a blind basis. They do not control the investment of these assets,” campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said in an emailed response to questions Wednesday night. Romney has not personally addressed the issue, although it’s likely to come up at a candidates’ debate Thursday night. Scrutiny of Romney’s private-sector background couldn’t come at a worse time — just as he is riding high on a victory last week in New Hampshire’s primary. He came into South Carolina with anti-Romney conservatives unwilling or unable to coalesce behind a single challenger.

Details about the personal fortune of the multimillionaire former businessman have been a nagging issue for his campaign for more than a week. On Tuesday, Romney disclosed that he pays an effective tax rate of about 15 percent, lower than what he would pay if he earned a regular paycheck like many Americans. He also called “not very much” the amount he earned in speechmaking fees, though it turned out to be $373,327.62 for 12 months in 2010 and early 2011.