Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney made a brief appearance at Willard Airport in Champaign Friday afternoon before heading to a fundraising luncheon at a private home in Champaign along with about 50 local supporters.

Romney, who has been lagging in the polls behind his Republican counterparts, was surrounded by local supporters.

“I’ll fight for the votes in the Midwest, including Illinois,” he said.

Romney’s remarks focused on healthcare reform.

“I think healthcare is an enormous issue,” he said, explaining he wants to drive insurance costs down for all Americans and get everyone insured.

Romney also acknowledged his campaign’s focus on the states with early primary elections.

“I’m pleased that in the places I’ve been making the most stops, I’ve been doing the best,” he said. “If it was the other way around, I’d be worried.”