Obama’s greatest vulnerability is his handling of the economy. “I think the American people understand that he inherited a tough economy but he hasn’t made it better and he’s wasted a lot of time in office,” according to Gillespie.

“People want to see a rigorous response to create private sector jobs,” he said. “I think they feel like his focus on healthcare, [the] stimulus — which wasted a lot of money — efforts to try to further regulate energy, and to stop more production — domestic production — have resulted in higher prices.”

While Santorum’s appeal — as well as that of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich — has been widely viewed as an anti-Romney sentiment from the more conservative base, Gillespie said he is confident that Romney will be able to bridge the gap between conservatives and moderate Republicans in a general election.

“I’m a conservative and I believe that Gov. Romney will cut taxes, stop the onslaught of federal regulations, protect innocent human life, repeal Obamacare, make our nation stronger and respected again,” said Gillespie. “I think when people see the contrast between Gov. Romney’s pro-growth, pro-life, pro-national security agenda, compared to President Obama’s, you could not have a more stark contrast and I believe that they will rally to him.”

Read more on Newsmax.com: Gillespie: Romney Will End Obamacare