Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has propelled himself back into the Republican presidential race with a primary victory in Michigan. Romney won Tuesday’s contest with thirty-nine percent of the vote.

Mitt Romney: “You know only a week ago a win looked like it was impossible, but then you got out and told America what they needed to hear. You said we would fight for every job. You said we would fight to get health care for all Americans. You said we would fight to secure our borders. You said you would fight for us to be able to lower taxes for middle-income Americans. And Michigan heard, and Michigan voted tonight. Congratulations.”

Arizona Senator and New Hampshire victor John McCain came in second with thirty percent. Iowa winner and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee was third at sixteen percent. With no candidate taking more than one state so far, the three-way split is fueling talk of the most wide-open Republican race in decades. By nightfall, McCain was already campaigning in South Carolina, the site of the next Republican primary on Saturday.

Sen. John McCain: “Tonight, my friends, we congratulate another candidate’s campaign, but tomorrow we get up and fight. Now it’s your turn, South Carolina. We’re going to fight for your votes, we’re going to win this primary and the nomination of our party, and we’re going to be proud of the way we do it.”