Romney Up To $56M In Fundraising As Race Shifts South
BOSTON (CBS/AP) - Mitt Romney is looking to take his momentum from New Hampshire and Iowa to win in South Carolina, but he's downplaying expectations already.
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Speaking with reporters outside of his Boston office, Romney reminded the media several times that he had come in fourth place in South Carolina four years ago.
"It's an uphill climb for me," Romney said.
"I need to spend a lot of time in South Carolina, getting to know the people on a personal basis, once again. We established relationships four years ago, we need to rekindle those. I know in that in the Republican field there will be a lot of folks trying to go after me, that's part of this process, but I've got broad shoulders, I'm willing to take the attacks."
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.
Super PACs supporting Newt Gingrich have already released ads targeting Romney's record there, and Rick Perry is on the attack there as well.
Romney mentioned both by name asked about his reaction to being labeled a "corporate raider."
"I knew this would come from President Obama. I've been a little surprised to see Republicans, conservatives take on free enterprise. I don't think it's helped, obviously, Rick Perry or Newt Gingrich. Those are the two that have been leading the charge over the last week or so. Their support from New Hampshire I don't think rose, I think it declined as they took on this approach. It's not going to work among conservatives and I don't think it will work with the President either when he launches it," Romney added.
Romney says he doesn't see the race ending in South Carolina.
"It's not going to be decided any time real soon," said Romney.
Also on Wednesday, Romney's campaign announced that their candidate raised $24 million during the last three months of 2011. The total means that Romney raised $56 million in 2011.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports.
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The announcement underscores Romney's huge financial advantage over the conservative rivals scrambling to beat him in South Carolina's Jan. 21 primary.
Romney flew to South Carolina Wednesday afternoon for a rally at 6 p.m. with Governor Nikki Haley.
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson contributed to this report.
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