COUNCIL BLUFFS (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Tuesday said he would support abortion in cases where a mother's life is in danger.

Romney is in the middle of a five-day trip to Iowa. He was meeting with about 150 people in a Victorian home just off the town square in Council Bluffs when he was asked about abortion.

"If there is a circumstance where the life of the mother is at risk by virtue of proceeding with the pregnancy, then abortion in that case is acceptable," he said. "I do not believe it is immoral in that case. I know other people feel differently."

It's a tricky subject for Romney, who at one time supported abortion rights but has since taken an anti-abortion stance.

Romney, a Mormon, also talked about his religion. He said that while the country welcomes people from different faiths, people want leaders who share their values.

Romney has faced questions from voters on what role his faith would play if he is elected president.

He also defended President Bush, who on Monday commuted the 2.5-year sentence of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, who was convicted in the CIA leak case.

"The president looked very carefully at the setting," Romney said.

He said the prosecutor in the case "went after somebody even when he knew no crime had been committed.

"Given that fact, isn't it reasonable for a commutation of a portion of the sentence to be made?" Romney asked.

Romney also threw a barb at former President Bill Clinton, who issued 457 pardons during his two terms in the White House.

"Wasn't it Bill Clinton who was handing out pardons like lollipops?" Romney said.