NH Primary: Romney Wins, Looks Ahead [VIDEO]

Former Gov. Mitt Romney is conceding he's got "an uphill climb" in South Carolina, where he finished fourth in 2008, despite season-opening victories in Iowa and New Hampshire.

But Romney tells CBS's "This Morning" he's confident about South Carolina, saying "I know we're going to push forward." Romney voiced regret that his fellow Republicans have made his record as a venture capitalist an issue, but said it isn't gaining any traction. He said, "They tried the same line here in New Hampshire and it fell extremely flat."

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Romney's GOP rivals staying with campaign

The Republican presidential candidates who finished behind Mitt Romney in the New Hampshire primary say they'll continue on to South Carolina for the Jan. 21 primary.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry skipped New Hampshire to get a head start in South Carolina. He says Tuesday's results show "the race for a conservative alternative to Mitt Romney remains wide open." Ron Paul, who came in second to Romney Tuesday, says "We're nibbling at his heels." Jon Huntsman, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum all trailed in vote getting, but they're still looking ahead to the South's first primary.

Huntsman says his third-place showing is "a ticket to ride." Gingrich says he still has "something very different" to offer the American people. And Santorum says he knew it would be tough, but says the race isn't over in one or two states.

Romney adds to lead in race for GOP delegates

His victories in the New Hampshire primary and last week's Iowa caucuses mean Mitt Romney has a strong lead in the scramble for Republican presidential delegates.

But with 1,144 needed for the nomination, there's still a long road ahead.

Romney picked up seven delegates in New Hampshire to add to the 13 he pocketed in Iowa, for a total of 20. Rick Santorum, who did poorly in New Hampshire, still ranks second behind Romney in delegates because of the 12 he won in Iowa.

Ron Paul comes in third for total delegates after placing second to Romney in New Hampshire. Paul has three delegates. And Jon Huntsman, who was third in New Hampshire, has two delegates.

The South Carolina Republican primary on Jan. 21 has 25 delegates at stake, winner take all. The same rule applies for Florida's 50 delegates in a later match-up.

Obama returns to Chicago hometown for fundraisers

President Barack Obama is returning to his hometown of Chicago to raise campaign cash today, holding fundraisers a day after Mitt Romney won the New Hampshire Republican primary.

Romney has established himself as the president's leading challenger, with wins in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Obama's campaign has hauled in more than $150 million through September, but Democrats say they will need to compete with Republican-leaning outside groups that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to back specific candidates.

Obama is expected to speak to more than 500 supporters at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with tickets starting at $44 per person. He will also attend a pair of pricier fundraisers, with tickets beginning at $7,500 for one event and $35,800 per couple for the other.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)