Romney: Mississippi, Alabama primaries 'a bit of an away game'

Mitt Romney admitted during a radio interview Thursday that next week's Deep South primaries represented "a bit of an away game," but said he would not concede the Mississippi or Alabama primaries.

"I realize it's a bit of an away game, but I also think we're going to pick up some support in the states that remain this month," Romney told WAPI in Birmingham, Ala.

Romney is heading to Alabama to meet with voters, and his campaign has touted the endorsements of two-term Gov. Bob Riley and The Birmingham News, the largest newspaper in the state. The former Massachusetts governor said he hopes to emerge from next week having added some delegates to his already significant lead.

"I'm confident we're going to get some delegates. That, of course, is what this is all about — getting the delegates necessary to become the nominee. But getting the majority of the delegates, that would be icing on the cake," Romney said.

A surprise win in either of the states could provide a knockout blow to Newt Gingrich, a persistent antagonist for Romney throughout the campaign. Gingrich's campaign spokesman, R.C. Hammond, told reporters Wednesday that the Deep South contests were "must-wins."

Romney is still without a win in the region, with Gingrich taking contests in South Carolina and Georgia and Rick Santorum winning Tennessee.

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