I think a loss here is more detrimental to Romney than
McCain.
No doubt, a win in such a huge state that was so hotly
contested, will provide Romney with incredible momentum going into
Super Tuesday, will hurt McCain nationally, and deprive McCain of a
much needed cash infusion. Not trying to downplay its
importance.
But even if McCain loses, with Rudy either out of the race or
severely diminished, McCain has to be seen as the heavy favorite in
the huge winner take all states of New York, New Jersey, and
Connecticut. Romney should take Utah and let's say Massachusetts,
but that will be partially offset by McCain winning Arizona. If
Huckabee stays in, it'll be tough for Romney to win in the southern
states. So abstractly, you'd think a win in Florida gives Romney an
edge next Tuesday, but when you look at it on a state by state
basis, he still has an uphill battle.
If McCain wins, he gets a windfall of money, earned media,
further boost in the national polls, and bragging rights of having
won three out of four of the most hotly contested primaries.
So what I think is that a McCain win here makes him the likely
nominee, whereas a Romney win means we have a dogfight on our
hands.