Greeted by a crowd on its feet, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) — a major rival of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the GOP primaries — tonight blasted what he called liberal interests controlling federal government while dismissing Democrats’ use of the “change” theme this cycle.

“We need change all right — change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington,” Romney said. “We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington — throw out the big-government liberals and elect John McCain and Sarah Palin.”

Tossing metaphorical red meat to a pumped-up crowd, Romney was particularly critical of Democrats just about an hour before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) was scheduled to take the floor.

“And I have one more recommendation for energy conservation — let’s keep Al Gore’s private jet on the ground,” Romney exclaimed, as the crowd began to chant “U.S.A.”