Mitt Romney Campaigns in Wisconsin
JANESVILLE - Mitt Romney is predicting victory in Wisconsin.
No Republican presidential candidate has carried the state since 1984. But speaking to supporters in the state on Monday, Romney predicted he will win the Midwestern state in November on the way to defeating President Barack Obama.
Supporters who packed the Monterey Mills plant in Janesville say the former Massachusetts governor needs to focus on creating jobs if he wants to win Wisconsin.
Romney hopes to change the result from 2008, where President Barack Obama took Wisconsin by more than 10 percent on the way to his victory over Republican nominee John McCain.
"The last time, his campaign slogan was 'Hope and Change.' This time, they're going with "We hope to change the subject,' " quipped Romney.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker gave an impassioned introductory address for Romney's appearance.
Romney's Monday stop in Janesville is part of a six-state bus tour that began Friday.
The trip takes Romney to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. Those are all battleground states President Barack Obama won back in 2008.
"These are all states I look forward to winning in the general election and so I'm making sure I plant the flag if you will," Romney says.
Retired secretary Carolyn Brandt of Janesville says she didn't initially support Romney, but he can win if he focuses on creating jobs. She says Janesville has been hurting ever since the General Motors plant closed down more than two years ago.
Richard McNally of Mukwonago says the more Wisconsin voters see Romney the more they will support him just like they did Gov. Scott Walker in the recall.
Walker appeared with Romney at the event. They spoke in front of a banner that said "Putting Jobs First."
Governor Walker told reporters in Washington, D.C. his recall win does not guarantee a Romney victory in the Badger State come November.
"Just because I have an (R) next to my name and he has an (R) next to his name, if voters see that as just about being a Republican, that's not enough to win in Wisconsin," Walker says.
Congressman Ryan spent days at Romney's side during the primary and will be there again during Monday's visit to a fabric mill in Janesville, which is the Congressman's hometown. Ryan has consistently been mentioned as a possible Romney running mate.
"If that bridge ever comes for me to decide to cross it, I'll make that decision then, but I haven't had to make that decision," Ryan says.
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