Perry: New Hampshire results show search for Romney alternative not over

Rick Perry was not impressed by Mitt Romney's win in the New Hampshire presidential primary.

The Texas governor, who left New Hampshire after last weekend's debates, said in a statement shortly after Romney's victory was projected that conservative voters were still looking for their candidate.

"Tonight's results in New Hampshire show the race for 'conservative alternative' to Mitt Romney remains wide open," Perry's statement read. "I skipped New Hampshire and aimed my campaign right at conservative South Carolina, where we've been campaigning hard and receiving an enthusiastic welcome."

The New Hampshire contest was called for Romney just after the last polls closed at 8 p.m ET. Early results show Romney cruising to a double-digit victory over Ron Paul, who is projected to take second place.

After a fifth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, Perry will likely finish the New Hampshire primary with around 1 percent support.

"South Carolina is the next stop," Perry said in his statement. "I have a head start here, and it's friendly territory for a Texas governor and veteran with solid outsider credentials, the nation's best record of job creation, and solid fiscal, social and Tea Party conservatism."

The latest polls from South Carolina show Perry in fifth place with 5 percent support. Romney places first in those polls.

---