SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Mitt Romney says the failed attempt to recall Wisconsin’s Republican governor should embolden conservatives. He also says it could offer his presidential campaign a dose of hope come November.

Romney said Wednesday the election was won by the people of Wisconsin “doing the right thing and voting for conservative principles.”

Labor unions and Democrats had hoped to oust Gov. Scott Walker from office but he held on with a solid victory Tuesday. Romney will now inherit Walker’s political infrastructure in hopes of following up with a victory of his own in the state on Nov. 6.

Wisconsin has voted for the Democratic nominee in the last six presidential elections.

Romney also noted that Walker was the first governor in U.S. history to fend off a recall.

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