WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney says trading attacks with rival Newt Gingrich actually helps his campaign.

The rough-and-tumble exchanges help voters learn the truth, Romney says, and will prepare the party’s nominee for tougher attacks from President Barack Obama in the fall.

After a decisive win in Florida, Romney is sounding confident about winning the nomination. He told NBC’s “Today” show on Wednesday that “the path ahead is looking very good.”

Romney said Gingrich was the only candidate who didn’t call him to offer congratulations on his victory Tuesday night, even though he reached out to Gingrich after the former House speaker got a big win in South Carolina’s primary. Gingrich didn’t call after earlier races, either. Romney says, “I guess Speaker Gingrich doesn’t have our number.”

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.