Romney on what it's like to run against McCain

COLUMBUS – Mitt Romney knows what it’s like to be Barack Obama

Romney spent months and millions trying to defeat John McCain in the Republican primaries but failed to wrest the nomination from McCain. Now, as McCain battles Obama for the White House, Romney is visiting Republican campaign centers to pump-up volunteers, as he did at McCain headquarters Monday.

Romney told PolitickerOH.com that from his experience, McCain is a strong closer who can’t be underestimated.

“The advice that I would give anybody running against John McCain is: don’t count him out,” Romney said. “He was way behind in the polls in our primary race. I was ahead for a while, Rudy Giuliani was ahead for a long time, Fred Thompson was ahead, but John McCain ends up winning. He has the kind of grit, determination to keep on battling when chips are down and I think he’s going to surprise people tomorrow.”

Romney told volunteers the presidential candidates will lead the country to two different places.

“John McCain would take us in a direction that which would strengthen America and make sure our future is bright and prosperous and safe. Barack Obama would take us down the path to Europe, with big government, big taxes.”

Romney said that Ohio and other competitive states are likely to keep Obama supporters up late on Election Night.

“I hear there’s some million people that are going to gather in Chicago for a big celebration with Barack Obama. I want them to know it’s going to be a long, cold night,” he said.