Romney sorry about loss, but will help party

OXON HILL, Md. – Republican Mitt Romney told conservative activists Friday that he’s sorry he’s not their president but promised to work alongside them to help strengthen the Republican Party.

“Each of us in our own way will have to step up and meet our responsibility,” Romney told a crowded ballroom at the Conservative Political Action Conference, a three-day political summit.

“I am sorry that I will not be your president,” the 2012 Republican presidential nominee said during his first public speech since last fall’s election loss. “But I will be your co-worker, and I will work shoulder-to-shoulder alongside you.”

Romney’s conservative credentials were sometimes questioned during his presidential campaign, but he was greeted with a roaring ovation and interrupted by applause several times during his brief remarks.

Advisers said his appearance was designed to thank conservatives for backing his candidacy.