Mitt Romney told a packed room of supporters at the Sheraton that the race to secure the nomination is not over, and that he intends to return to Iowa to campaign in the general election once he secures the nomination.

"Well, we got the silver," Romney said before congratulating Huckabee on his win.


Romney noted that he's come a long way from being a relatively unknown governor to place above candidates like Giuliani and McCain who are "household names."

He said the fact that both Democrats and Republicans chose candidates from outside of Washington shows that people want new faces in government.

"America recognizes that were not going to change the nation and have a bright future if we just send the same old people back to Washington in just different chairs," Romney said to applause. "We need new faces in Washington and I intend to be one of them."

Romney thanked Iowans for their support. "You have so inspired us; you have so moved us," Romney said.

The night wore on before Romney's speech and the once-dour crowd grew larger and more optimistic, with supporters cheering and waving Romney signs at various times.

Supporters expressed mixed feeling about the results.

Romney supporter Tom Irving, 56, who was in town from Virginia to observe the caucuses, said he was surprised that Romney could place behind someone with a relatively weak organization in Iowa and little money.

The results, Irving said, shows Huckabee has an "impressive" ability to connect with people.
"Romney's got a long row to hoe," Irving said.

Tiffany Robinson, 23, of West Des Moines, said she is "really sad" and "a little disappointed" in the results.

"I thought he had it in the bag," she said, adding that she's optimistic he will do well in New Hampshire.

"We're not defeated," Robinson said. "We will make it."

Matt Herzberg, 20, of St Louis, said the Huckabee win will provide an advantage for him going into South Carolina, but that Romney will still get the nomination.

Romney was introduced by Olympic gold medalist speed skater Dan Jansen, a Wisconsin native who had campaigned with Romney as the caucus campaign drew to a close. He was joined on stage by his wife Ann and other family members.

Listen to the audio: http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/080103RomneySpeech.mp3

Labels: Republicans