(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
FITCHBURG, Wis.—Mitt Romney expressed confidence he'll win Wisconsin's Republican presidential primary Tuesday, telling volunteers at a phone bank here that his chances feel "better and better."
"The support for my campaign is growing stronger and stronger," Romney said. "This was an uphill battle for me if you look back three or four weeks ago, and now we're looking like we're going to win this thing on Tuesday. "
But, Romney cautioned, "I gotta have you guys get out and vote."
The former Massachusetts governor made the comments during a brief drop by at a phone bank working on behalf of embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is facing a recall election later this spring. As Romney spoke inside, at least 100 protesters stood outside, booing and waving signs in protest of Walker and Romney's candidacy.
Asked what a victory in Wisconsin would mean for his campaign, Romney immediately pivoted to the general election, saying he was happy the contest was starting to focus on President Obama "as we should."
"I think his failures are becoming more glaring to the American people," Romney said.
But the former Massachusetts governor quickly acknowledged that he hadn't yet won the Republican nomination.
"I've got a ways to go before I get 1,144 delegates, so I'm not counting the delegates before they hatch," Romney said. "But I'm going to keep working very hard and hope I get a good strong sendoff from Wisconsin. I got a good boost from the folks in Illinois, and if I can get that boost also from Wisconsin, I think we'll be on a path that will get me the nomination well before the convention. Sure hope so."
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