Romney congratulated former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on his victory, but quickly pivoted to an argument that Republicans should not put up a nominee against Obama who has “never run a business and never run a state.” He also faulted Gingrich for joining Obama in the criticism of his private sector experience at a private equity firm – which he described as an attack on freedom and free enterprise.

“We cannot defeat (Obama) with a candidate who has joined that very assault on free enterprise,” he said. “When my opponents attack success and free enterprise, they‘re not only attacking me, they’re attacking every person who dreams of a better future,” he said. “I will support you. I will help you have a better future.”

Romney argued that the Republican Party “doesn’t demonize prosperity. We celebrate success.”

“Those who pick up the weapons of the left today will find them turned against us tomorrow,” he said.

In a nod to his vast and well-funded organization, Romney vowed to compete for every vote.

“I will compete in every single state. We are going to win this nomination and we are going to defeat President Obama in November,” he said. Read on...