Romney Advisor: ‘Authenticity’ Made the Difference in N.H.

ABC News’ John Berman Reports:  Reacting to Mitt Romney’s projected second place finish in the New Hampshire primary, campaign staffers are already looking ahead to the next round of contests.

"It’s over," one Romney advisor said of the former Massachusetts governor’s effort in his neighboring state’s primary.

When asked what made the difference in Romney’s projected loss to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one Romney advisor simply said, "Authenticity."  Romney called to congratulate McCain at 8:20 p.m.

But the campaign is looking ahead, with staffers saying, "it is on to Michigan for round three."

Michigan, where Romney’s father George served as Governor, holds its primary Jan. 15.