Romney: Dynamics Of The Race Have Changed
DERRY, N.H. -- As he greeted voters at his final polling precinct stop this morning, Mitt Romney made the case that even if he loses in New Hampshire today, he would still be a viable Republican candidate.
"The dynamics of this race I expect to change month to month," Romney said. "A couple of months ago, the whole idea was gosh, Mitt, I gotta be able to win Iowa and New Hampshire to be able to stop Rudy Giuliani. Now we're not talking about Rudy Giuliani or stopping Rudy Giuliani. It's an entirely different race."
Asked about how the campaign is shaping up for the January 15th primary in Michigan, Romney turned to his roots in the state.
"We're already running ads in Michigan," he said. "We've got a good ground team in Michigan. I was born there. I know the car industry — it's been something I care very deeply about … Michigan is very personal for me, and so I think I'll be able to do well there."
Romney was also asked whether he felt that Mike Huckabee has an edge in South Carolina, which votes along with Nevada on January 19th, due to the former Arkansas governor's evangelical base.
"You know, I think it gives him a good start in South Carolina," Romney said. "I can't tell you how it'll play out there. I believe the people of South Carolina will decide—as most Americans do—based on who they think has the experience and the vision and values to lead the country and to beat whoever the Democratic nominee will be."
Romney heads to Manchester this afternoon where he'll watch the New Hampshire results come in with his wife and sons by his side.