While Mitt Romney's rally in New Hampshire will no longer be the last note of his presidential campaign — the Republican nominee announced surprise Election Day visits to Pennsylvania and Ohio earlier in the day — the event had all the trappings of a grand finale, as supporters packed an arena in Manchester, N.H., to the rafters for the Republican presidential nominee late Monday night.
Romney, on the eve of the most important day of his political career, took time to soak in the adoration, waiting more than two full minutes to begin speaking as the assembled crowd of over 12,000 showered him with applause and cheers.
Finally approaching the microphone, Romney thanked the enthusiastic New Hampshire crowd for its support, acknowledging the crucial role the state played in propelling him to the Republican nomination.
"This is where our campaign began. You got this campaign started," Romney said. "Your primary vote put me on the path to win the Republican nomination, and tomorrow your votes and your work here in New Hampshire will help me become the next president of the Untied States."
Billing his efforts as "a campaign about America, and the future of America," he asked supporters "to stay in it all the way to victory tomorrow night."
"If you, like me, believe we can do better, if you believe America can be on a better course, if you're tired of being tired, then I ask you to vote for change and make that happen tomorrow," Romney continued.
The electric rally was preceded by a brief Kid Rock concert featuring lasers and glow sticks, and it appeared that the Detroit rocker had succeeded in his mission to warm up the crowd. As Romney accused the president of having failed at bipartisanship — "instead of bridging the divide, he's made it wider" — boos rained down from the audience. And as Romney pledged that he "won't just represent one party, I'll represent the entire nation," the audience erupted.
Romney said the passion was proof his economic message was resonating with voters across the country.
"It's evident in the size of these crowds — like this one tonight, my goodness … but it's also the depth of your convictions," Romney said.
Romney went on to promise that "with the right leadership, American's going to come roaring back."
"Tomorrow's a moment to look into the future and imagine what we can do," Romney continued. "To put the last four years behind us."
The Republican presidential nominee closed by urging his supporters to pitch in during the campaign's waning hours.
"I need your vote. I need your help. Walk with me," Romney urged.
That will be especially important for the Republican nominee in New Hampshire, a swing state where President Obama has posted steady but small leads in recent weeks. Despite having a mere four electoral votes, some projections show that the national election could hinge on the Granite State. Romney is hoping familiarity with his tenure across the border in Massachusetts, paired with New Hampshire's trademark libertarian streak, could move those votes into his column.
From New Hampshire, Romney will travel Tuesday to Boston, where he is expected to vote in the early morning at his local polling place. After his swings through Ohio and Pennsylvania, Romney will return to Boston for his election-night rally.
