WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican presidential candidate John McCain, a second-place finisher in Michigan, told The Associated Press Tuesday he’ll prevail in the next GOP contest.

“We will win in South Carolina,” McCain said of the state where he lost in 2000. South Carolina Republicans vote on Saturday.

“I congratulate the governor. I just talked to him on the phone and congratulate him on his victory. Starting tomorrow, we’re going to win South Carolina, and we’re going to go on and win the nomination,” said the Arizona senator after his loss to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

“I congratulate him on that Michigan welcomed their native son with their support,” McCain added.

“I said we would win in New Hampshire. We will win in South Carolina.

Asked to respond to Romney’s comments that “It’s a victory of optimism over Washington-style pessimism,” the four-term senator passed on commenting, saying, “I would not know what he’s talking about.”