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ATTLEBORO - Area Republicans lamented the suspension of former Gov. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign Thursday, saying they are now left without a true conservative to lead the party.

They said they hope the party will unite behind Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, but wish they had someone topping the ticket who was more in line with their political philosphy.

"I hope John McCain is acceptable, but he has got to recognize that now that he is the national leader, he has got to become more conservative," said state Rep. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham.

Jackie Savistano of North Attleboro said Romney's withdrawal is a huge disappointment because he represented conservatives.

"I do not understand everybody's fascination with McCain except for his war experience, which I would never take away from him. But I think that he is an elitest and he is a liberal," she said. "I doubt that the conservatives will rally around McCain."

Danielle Fish of Mansfield said she thought Romney ran a good race and noted that a lot of Republicans across the country voted for him.

"Die-hard conservatives are not likely to rush to the McCain tent," she said. "When the news broke about Romney, I began receiving e-mails from the GOP crowd asking, 'Where can I get a Ron Paul sign?' and 'Doomsday,' she said.

"I think that in the end we'll take a page from Mitt remarks today and work together toward November."

Michael McCue of Mansfield, a McCain supporter, said the party has to come together if it wants to win in November.

"Hopefully, whatever rifts have occurred over the last few months between Sen. McCain and Gov. Romney, as well as between factions of the Republican Party, can now be mended as we look toward the general election," he said. "I believe that Gov. Romney remains a relevant and important figure currently and in the future of the party."

Romney had said Tuesday night that he was staying in the race despite a strong showing by McCain that many commentators said put him in a commanding position to win the nomination.

But by Thursday afternoon, Romney had a change of heart and suspended his campaign.

The former governor had poured an estimated $35 million to $40 million of his own money into his campaign, and a couple of months ago was in a good position in the polls.

Yet, he lost the Iowa caucuses to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and the New Hampshire primary to McCain. The two losses - followed by less than stellar results in Florida and South Carolina - wounded his campaign and he was unable to recover. Huckabee is still in the race, but is consider an extreme long shot to win.

Ross said he was surprised by Romney's decision, but realized there was a limit to what even Romney could spend on a campaign.

The local Romney supporters said they were still holding out hope that he will be part of the president-vice president ticket for the GOP.

Fish said Romney would make a great vice presidential running mate for McCain; Savignano held out hope for the top spot.

"I don't know, maybe Mitt will unsuspend his camapign later on. One can only hope," she said.