SAN ANTONIO, Texas (MCT) — Mitt Romney, who avoided getting entangled in the Wisconsin recall election, cheered the victory of Republican Gov. Scott Walker, saying voters of varying ideological backgrounds embraced conservative ideals such as reducing the size of government and reforming union power in the public sector.

“My optimism about the country comes in part from the fact that I’m optimistic about the ability of the American people to do the right thing right now. And I say that because of this. What happened yesterday is just another signal — and it will echo throughout the country,” Romney told nearly 400 supporters at a luncheon fundraiser at a hotel here Wednesday.