After Win in New Hampshire, Romney Hits the Road in South Carolina

After a win in the New Hampshire primary Mitt Romney is back in S.C.

His first stop was a rally in Columbia, where he was accompanied by Gov. Nikki Haley, who . 

Haley — — explained her reasoning for backing Romney to a packed crowd at The Hall at Senate's End Wednesday night.

Haley said she supports Romney because he will keep the federal government out of South Carolina's way.

She referred to the state's efforts to pass and bills — both of which have been blocked by the federal government. Haley said Romney told her when he becomes president, getting those bills passed won't be as difficult. 

"He said, 'I've been a governor of a state. You know how to handle your state. I'll keep the federal government out of your way,'" Haley said. 

Romney's speech largely focused on reducing the role of the federal government by cutting spending and repealing Obamacare. He also discussed strengthening the military and creating jobs.

But some audience members say they were looking for more specifics. 

Cayce resident Skip Willits said he wanted to hear a detailed plan from Romney on how to move the country forward. The attacks between Romney and Newt Gingirch have been too political in the recent weeks, he said. 

"I want to hear him say, 'This is the way out,'" Willits said.

Willits said he still hasn't made Romney his definite choice.

"I need to hear a little more energy and life from him," he said. "I want him to be a CEO, but not talk like one."

Other audience members were long-time Romney supporters.

John Snyder, a Vietnam veteran from Greenville, said he started fundraising for Romney when he was running in the 1994 Senate race in Massachussetts. 

"His character appeals to me," Snyder said. "He's just gone through a lot of struggles and everything he has, he's earned." 

Irmo resident Teresa Heilman said she supported Romney in his 2008 presidential campaign. 

"He is for America and he has strong moral views," Heilman said. "When he knows (his views) are right, he stands up for them."

Romney will be making his second South Carolina tomorrow morning in Greer.