McCain Adviser: Heading Into Feb. 5 "Like A Freight Train"
NASHUA -- Steve Schmidt, John McCain's senior adviser, told reporters in the filing room just a few minutes ago that McCain's victory marks a "springtime renewal" for a GOP working against national sentiment to keep the White House. He also slammed Mitt Romney for running a divisive campaign.
"We hope that Governor Romney is going to stop the negative campaigning here in New Hampshire," Schmidt said. "It's backfired now two times."
Schmidt said McCain will bring a positive message to the people of Michigan, South Carolina and beyond, offering himself up as the contest's "consistent conservative." He called McCain's win here, "one of the greatest comebacks in the history of American politics."
"Sen. McCain was very excited when the race was called tonight," Schmidt added. "But he knows there's a long road ahead."
He said the Arizona senator will barrel into the Feb. 5 state contests "like a freight train."
McCain is due to speak in three minutes
(JENNIFER SKALKA)