Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney declared victory tonight in the Granite State’s first-in-the nation presidential primary after early results showed him taking 35 percent of the vote.
“Thank you New Hampshire. Tonight we made history,” Romney said with his wife and five sons standing behind him shortly before 8:30 p.m.
“This state has always been a very special place for our family. Ann and I have made a home here. We filled it with great memories of our children, our grandchildren. The Granite State moment we’ve just enjoyed is one we will always remember.”
But referring to the upcoming South Carolina primary, Romney said,
“Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we go back to work.”
He pointed to President Obama’s failed leadership that has left the country with 8-9 percent unemployment.
“The president has run out of ideas. Now he’s running out of excuses,” Romney declared. “And tonight, we’re asking the good people of South Carolina to join the citizens of New Hampshire and make 2012 the year he runs out of time.”
Romney said that Obama wants to put free enterprise on trial “and in the last few days, we’ve seen some desperate Republicans join forces with him,” a reference to jabs he has taken from rivals over his record with Bain Capital.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has been stung by a series of attack ads from Romney supporters, is planning to hit back with an PAC-led advertising buy during the upcoming South Carolina primary that will target Romney’s record at Bain.
“This is such a mistake for our party and for our nation,” said Romney. “The country already has a leader who divides us with the bitter politics of envy. We have to offer an alternative vision. I stand ready to lead us down a different path where we’re lifted up by our desire to succeed not dragged down by our resentment of success.”
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