(CNN)–Campaigning in the first primary and caucus states, early and often, is an essential component to capturing the GOP nomination, Mitt Romney said Saturday.
"I got to work early, and I have worked hard in the early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire. As of a week ago Tuesday, we had done 462 events there," the GOP presidential hopeful said to reporters in Michigan. "I don't imagine anyone else has done that many events," he said. "It's grass roots, its person to person."
"I'm very pleased by the fact that our team has raised more money than any other Republican, although by a small margin Mayor Giuliani is pretty much up there with me," Romney said regarding the scramble for dollars to help fund his campaign.
Romney said that money will play an important part in the months ahead. "When it comes time to run against Hillary Clinton, we better hope we have a candidate who has the capacity to sell their message strong and well," he said. "That's been a big part of what has ignited our support. To raise the amount of money necessary to be competitive with the Clintons. If she gets the nomination, she'll probably out raise us, but I'm going to work hard to make sure that we can keep up, and we're going to fire on all eight cylinders and make sure this is the campaign that goes all the way to the White House."
Romney was in Michigan to address a GOP retreat on Mackinac Island. Rep. Ron Paul, Mike Huckabee. Sen. John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Newt Gingrich were also scheduled to address the group. Rudy Giuliani and Rep. Duncan Hunter addressed the gathering Friday evening.
Related: Romney to Republicans: 'Get House in Order'
- CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford