Strategists say 2nd place won't derail Romney

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BEDFORD, N.H. — A second-place finish in New Hampshire, while frustrating, is not a deal-breaker for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who came in behind Sen. John McCain of Arizona in a record-turnout primary here.

Mr. McCain, who trailed Mr. Romney in polls last month and whose candidacy seemed all but dead 30 days ago, won the primary yesterday with a late surge here in the past week and increased interest from independent voters, outpacing Mr. Romney.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won last week's Iowa caucuses, came in third.

Last night, Mr. Romney pledged to continue his quest for the Republican nomination, allowing he is in a good position with "two silvers and one gold."

A methodical campaigner, Mr. Romney entered the state stunned by a loss to Mr. Huckabee in Iowa, where he had spent considerable time and money. He hoped for an easier time in New Hampshire, but strategists said solid finishes in the caucuses along with his victory Saturday in Wyoming still left him viable as he continues to Michigan and Nevada, and into key states such as South Carolina and Florida.

He will need a win soon to create momentum around his candidacy in a still-crowded field and a race that lacks the drama and media frenzy of the Democratic race, in which Clinton frustration is evident and Obama fascination continues.

Republican strategist Paul Erickson, who served as political director for Pat Buchanan's 1992 presidential run, said Mr. Romney "is in it till the end."

"I think at this point, there are only three viable candidates left right now — McCain, Romney and Huckabee," he said.

He predicts a tough campaign until Super Tuesday on Feb. 5. "It's a three-way contest in Michigan. South Carolina will be another battle royale. It could wind up in a steel-cage death match down in Florida," he said.

A Harvard graduate and business whiz, Mr. Romney earned critical praise for his forceful showing in Sunday's Fox News Channel debate, and earlier in the week seemed to back away from having to come in first, noting that coming in "silver" " a reference to second place in the Olympics, which he led in 2002 " was still a solid finish.