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Romney predicts victory in Wisconsin

CREATED Jun. 17, 2012 - UPDATED: Jun. 18, 2012

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Click on the video link for complete raw video of Gov. Romney's appearance in Janesville.

JANESVILLE - Mitt Romney is predicting victory in Wisconsin.

"I think President Obama had just put (Wisconsin) in his column.  He just assumed from the very beginning that Wisconsin was going to be his.  But you know what?  We are going to win Wisconsin!" exclaimed the former Massachusetts governor at a rally in Janesville.

No Republican presidential candidate has carried the state since 1984.

But speaking to supporters in the state on Monday, Romney predicted he will win the Midwestern state in November on the way to defeating President Barack Obama.

Those who packed a very warm Monterey Mills plant in Janesville say Romney needs to focus on creating jobs if he wants to win Wisconsin.

Romney hopes to change the result from 2008, where President Barack Obama took Wisconsin by more than 10 percent on the way to his victory over Republican nominee John McCain.

"The last time, his campaign slogan was 'Hope and Change.'  This time, they're going with "We hope to change the subject,' " quipped Romney.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker gave an impassioned introductory address for Romney's appearance.

Romney's Monday stop in Janesville is part of a six-state bus tour that began Friday.

The trip takes Romney to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. Those are all battleground states President Barack Obama won back in 2008.

"These are all states I look forward to winning in the general election and so I'm making sure I plant the flag if you will," Romney says.

Retired secretary Carolyn Brandt of Janesville says she didn't initially support Romney, but he can win if he focuses on creating jobs. She says Janesville has been hurting ever since the General Motors plant closed down more than two years ago.

Richard McNally of Mukwonago says the more Wisconsin voters see Romney the more they will support him just like they did Gov. Scott Walker in the recall.

Walker appeared with Romney at the event. They spoke in front of a banner that said "Putting Jobs First."

Congressman Ryan spent days at Romney's side during the primary and will be there again during Monday's visit to a fabric mill in Janesville, which is the Congressman's hometown.

Ryan has consistently been mentioned as a possible Romney running mate.

"We need a leader who has a vision for this country, a bedrock of principles.  We need a leader, and that leader is Mitt Romney," said Ryan during the rally.

"If that bridge ever comes for me to decide to cross it, I'll make that decision then, but I haven't had to make that decision," Ryan says.

Not everyone was excited to see the likely GOP nominee.  Protesters and Democratic officials stood outside the Janesville factory.

"What's bad for the people of Wisconsin are Mitt Romney's ideas and plans," said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate.  "He's tried policies and theories that have failed as a country."

"Wisconsin is perennially a very competitive swing state.  We'd love to win by as much as we did in 2008, but we'll take a win any way we can get it."