Romney Wins Delaware, Gingrich's Last Hope

He sweeps 5 states, stakes claim to GOP nomination
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 24, 2012 6:12 PM CDT
Updated Apr 24, 2012 8:47 PM CDT
Mitt Romney Hopes for 5-State Sweep
A worker uses a lint roller to clean the stage before an election night rally for Mitt Romney in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Is tonight the night that knocks out Newt Gingrich once and for all? Mitt Romney has won Delaware, billed as Gingrich's last-gasp chance, as part of a five-state sweep, according to the Wall Street Journal. In addition to Delaware, Romney won Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. He all but accepted the GOP nomination at a rally in swing-state New Hampshire: "A better America starts tonight," he declared.

"After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and not a few long nights, I can say with confidence—and gratitude—that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility," he said, before focusing the speech on President Obama's handling of the economy. (Politico has the transcript.) Gingrich had promised to "reassess" his candidacy if he lost Delaware, but he did not drop out, at least for now. He told supporters that he would finish this week's campaigning and decide his next move, notes AP. Ron Paul has vowed to stay in no matter what. (More Mitt Romney 2012 stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X