All this a day after losing three primaries that rattled the GOP race, if not in delegate numbers, than perception.
Governor Romney appeared in Midtown at a marble and tile business and then later inside the W Hotel near Piedmont Park for a fundraiser.
I sat down for a few minutes with him.
Hullinger:"How do you take Rick Santorum's trifecta last night? Do you view it in this context- - this was a beauty pageant. It didn't mean anything to the delegate count -though it may send a clarion call that your message isn't getting through to conservatives."
Romney:"Rick Santorum did a good job in the states he concentrated his time in. "I'm looking forward to being able to get the delegates I need to becoming the nominee. I know it's going to be a long contest"
Hullinger: "how do you appeal to people in the south. Massachusetts is not embraced here. There is a feeling you are not conservative enough for the way the south has gone in the last 10 or 15 years. What do you say to that?
Romney: "There is nothing more bold or conservative than being a conservative governor in a very democratic state 21:59:01 And I battled a very democratic liberal oriented legislature. Sometimes winning, often winning not always but often."
Hullinger " We commissioned an 11Alive poll, we are the NBC affiliate, that shows you have tripled you numbers since December in Georgia.
Romney: "I think people in Georgia. And across the country will say enough of big spending republicans and they will bring in an outsider like me."
Hullinger " If you get the nomination and defeat The President what will you bring to Atlanta?
Romney: " What I will bring to Atlanta is what I will bring to the rest of the country-jobs. And that probably is the best I can bring to Atlanta good jobs, good income, rising home prices again."
Hullinger: "How about a quick question n the state legislature. It's been bantered about-that welfare recipients should be drug tested. What do you think?"
Romney: "states will deal with drug testing with welfare recipients, but my own view it's a great idea. People who are receiving welfare benefits, government benefits, we should make sure they are not using the money for drugs. I think it's an excellent idea."
Hullinger: Herman Cain is a favorite here. He told Barbara Walters he wants to be secretary of defense in your administration..is that a good job for him?
Romney: " Sorry I'm not handing out any jobs at this point. Haven't thought about vice president. First I have to get the nomination then I start thinking down the road. "