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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney says he recognizes victory in Iowa doesn't guarantee the Republican presidential nomination, saying "I want to make sure this isn't just a one-state sendoff."

Romney tells NBC's "Today" show he was "absolutely delighted" with his victory Tuesday since he had been "way behind in the polls."

But he concedes "it's a long road ahead" and that some are uncomfortable with his conservative credentials.

Asked how he could celebrate such a narrow victory, Romney says, "We've got a field of seven viable candidates, so it's just mathematically impossible to do much better than that."

Romney, who won by only a handful of votes, said he understands he's "got a target on my back," but that he has "broad shoulders" and is ready to defend his record.