Mitt Romney’s campaign in Illinois is celebrating the former Massachusetts governor’s narrow victory in the Iowa caucuses. Dan Rutherford, chairman of Romney’s campaign in Illinois and the Republican state treasurer, is calling Romney’s eight vote-victory in Iowa a success.

“Coming in first, second or third would’ve been defined as a success,” Rutherford said Wednesday. “Obviously coming in first is a better success.”

To get on the Illinois primary ballot, presidential candidates and their delegates have until Friday afternoon to file petitions. So far, Mitt Romney’s Illinios campaign has filed paperwork for far and away the most delegates.

Rutherford said the presidential campaign could be drawn out and Illinois’ March 20th primary could matter.

“If you’re not prepared in advance, you can’t just rely on Iowa and New Hampshire,” he said.

Meantime, an organizer for Ron Paul would not comment other than to say he was on his way to Springfield to file petitions to get Paul on the ballot.