Romney will also decry “career politicians,” a subtle shot at Perry, who’s held public office continuously since 1985.

“I am a conservative businessman. I have spent most of my life outside of politics, dealing with real problems in the real economy,” Romney will say, according to prepared remarks released by his campaign. “Career politicians got us into this mess and they simply don’t know how to get us out!”

Romney’s private sector résumé is emerging as one of the key ways Romney, the dethroned front-runner in the Republican presidential primary, is distinguishing himself from Perry, who’s ascended to front-runner status.