Mitt Romney wins the Republican presidential primary in Michigan, after a tight race with his closest rival, Rick Santorum.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MITT ROMNEY SAYING:
"Thank you Michigan what a win this is a big night."
Romney also won the day's other primary in Arizona.
It was a hard fought victory for Romney, in the state where he was born and raised and where his father was a popular governor in the 1960s.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MITT ROMNEY SAYING:
"We did not win by a lot, but we won by enough; and that's what counts."
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum came in second, but he is not giving up the fight.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) RICK SANTORUM SAYING:
"We came into the backyard of one of our opponents in a race that everyone said just ignore, you have really no chance here. And the people of Michigan looked into the hearts of the candidates, and all I have to say is: I love you back."
The next key test comes next week on "Super Tuesday" when voters go to the polls in 10 states.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
