Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney confirmed his status as early favorite to run for the Republican party against incumbent Democrat President Obama with a comfortable win in the New Hampshire primary. Although the New Hampshire primary is usually seen as an important early test for presidential hopefuls, history shows it certainly does not guarantee nomination to run for president. Following his victory Romney said “Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow we go back to work.” Texas Congressman Ron Paul was second and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman third. Perhaps the night's biggest loser was Newt Gingrich, fighting for fourth place with Rick Santorum. Sixth place was taken by Rick Perry. The Republican candidate will run against Obama in the presidential elections in November 2012.

All six candidates have pledged to continue to the upcoming contest in South Carolina and the battle for nomination is still very open. Romney won previously in Iowa, but only by a very narrow margin. He is seen as the most moderate of the candidates and conservative Gingrich recently attacked him on his “flip-flopping” views on abortion. Gingrich is something of a come back artist, having been out of mainstream politics for a few years, despite being busy as a conservative political commentator. And the political come back is not unheard of in American politics.

After losing the election for California state governor in 1962 a certain Richard Nixon gave what he said would be his last press conference, with the now famous remark “You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore, because gentlemen this is my last press conference.” It was not the only promise he failed to keep and just six years later he was in the White House.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Mitt Romney's official website)