Romney Courts Pastors in Springfield

Springfield got its first campaign visit from a 2008 presidential candidate on Monday.

Republican hopeful Mitt Romney met with supporters and raised money at the University Plaza hotel.

Romney's visit had two goals: convince evangelical leaders and voters that he's a true conservative and raise some money for his campaign.

Romney spoke to a group of more than 100 invited guests behind closed doors. Before that, he also met with a small group of local Protestant pastors.

Romney then hosted a $1,000-a-plate lunch fundraiser. About 30 people bucked up to spend some private time with him.

More on the Romney visit and our exclusive one-on-one interview with the former Governor to come . ..