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Wounded Romney Vows Fight

Supporters crest-fallen, candidate faces critical Michigan hurdle

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2008 11:46 AM CST

(Newser) – Rushing through a 7-minute concession speech last night after he came in a disappointing second again, Mitt Romney turned immediately to Michigan, which looks like make-or-break for the former governor. Aides blamed the loss on the mauling Romney got in anti-endorsements in New Hampshire newspapers, and “authenticity” issues they couldn't shake, despite the shock-and-awe spending, ABC reports.

Romney was born in Michigan and his father was a popular three-term governor there. But John McCain carried Michigan in 2000. Romney's biggest advantage now could be that he's not a frontrunner, said one strategist. "This is a year when someone is in the spotlight as the inevitable winner, they get knocked off."

A deflated thunder stick sits on the carpet after a primary watch party for Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in Bedford, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. Romney pledged... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney reacts to applause from supporters in Bedford, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, smiles while standing in front of his wife Ann Romney and their sons from back right Matt, Josh, Tagg and Ben during a primary... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, and his wife Ann stand in front of their family after Gov. Romney spoke to supporters in Bedford, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney raises his hand while speaking to supporters at a primary watch party in Bedford, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. Romney pledged a long... (Associated Press)

Republican Presidential hopeful, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney turns to head to his vehicle after a meet and greet at a polling station in Derry, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, during New Hampshire's... (Associated Press)

Supporters of Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney watch primary returns in Bedford, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (Associated Press)

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Wounded Romney Vows Fight

Supporters crest-fallen, candidate faces critical Michigan hurdle

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