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Mitt Romney Wins Florida

By W. James Antle, III on 1.31.12 @ 8:35PM

What a long, strange trip it's been. Mitt Romney won a broad victory in New Hampshire, carrying nearly every demographic subcategory of the Republican primary electorate. Newt Gingrich responded with an equally broad win in South Carolina. Just nine days after Gingrich last led in the Sunshine State polls, Florida has delivered Romney another New Hampshire-like triumph.

Romney has beaten Gingrich by a solid, double-digit margin. He has won more votes than Gingrich and Rick Santorum combined. Florida has given Romney all 50 of its delegates (assuming the allocation isn't changed later). This now gives him the lead in the Associated Press' delegate count, though there is a long way to go.

This is the beginning of Romney's closing argument, where he tries to regain his aura of inevitability. Gingrich will need to come up with a strategy for remaining viable over the month of February, where he is not expected to win any primaries or caucuses, and desperate robocalls about Romney trying to deprive Holocaust survivors of kosher food probably won't cut it. Santorum will also have to see if he can gain any momentum based on Gingrich's defeat. Ron Paul effectively bypassed Florida, but one wonders if getting just 7 percent of the vote there -- his first single-digit showing of 2008 -- will have any impact on his caucus state supporters.

There are some chinks in Romney's armor. The strong combined Gingrich-Santorum showing in the Panhandle suggests Romney will continue to have problems in the South. Gingrich also carried voters who cared most about abortion, suggesting concerns remain about Romney's pro-life credentials.

View all comments (42) | Leave a comment

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 8:56PM

Prediction from the Antler: "Ron Paul will break into the double digits."

6.9 % with over 70% in. Those squeals are the sounds of Paulbots getting run over by Merkavas. Sweet, sweet music. (Sigh of infinite contentment.)

W. James Antle III| 1.31.12 @ 9:05PM

Yup, I got that one wrong. It was based on most major polls showing Paul at 10 percent or better in Florida. But I was right about the order of finish and the other predictions.

chuck| 1.31.12 @ 9:14PM

Good Lord, my mastiff could have told you is was going to be Romney, Gingrich, Santorum, then Paul!

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 9:19PM

Chuck:

but the paulbots are less intelligent than your finely bred, perfect coated mastiff, who no doubt adores his brilliant master.

Clint| 1.31.12 @ 11:39PM

The RINO-CINO Israel Firster Tool Job & His Girlfriend Are All Giddy & Bumpin' Heads Because The RINO-CINO Frontman,Mittens Romney Got 46.4 Percent Of The Florida GOP Primary Vote.

53.6 Percent Of The Florida Republican Primary Vote Was Against The RINO-CINO Frontman.Mittens Romney.

Now Add The Democrat Vote And Independent Vote And Tell Us How The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney Wins Without The GOP Insurgency Votes.

The Tea Party Rebellion Benefits From A Brokered Convention.

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 11:43PM

Ron Paul took 7%, genius. Santorum doesn't have the fortitude for the long run, much as I like him. Let's see what happens in Virginia. My prediction is VERRRY generous to Paul, as Virginia has a large Sharia population that will go for the guy who supports honor killings and child molestation---80% Mitt, 20% Paul.

Clint| 2.1.12 @ 12:19AM

Let's See What Happens In Nevada & Maine RINO-CINO Fake Conservative,Tool Job.

You're The RINO-CINO Israel Firster Fake Conservative Who Said He'll Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.

Wait Until The GOP Insurgency Gets Done Rippin' The Fur Off Your RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.

Top RINO-CINO Romney Campaign Donors List:

Goldman Sachs $367,200
Credit Suisse Group $203,750
Morgan Stanley $199,800
HIG Capital $186,500
Barclays $157,750
Kirkland & Ellis $132,100
Bank of America $126,500
PriceWaterhouseCoopers $118,250
EMC Corp $117,300
JPMorgan Chase & Co $112,250
The Villages $97,500
Vivint Inc $80,750
Marriott International $79,837
Sullivan & Cromwell $79,250
Bain Capital $74,500
UBS AG $73,750
Wells Fargo $61,500
Blackstone Group $59,800
Citigroup Inc $57,050
Bain & Co $52,500

Follow The RINO-CINO's Cronies Money Trail.

spike59| 2.1.12 @ 6:07AM

93.1 % of the Florida Primary vote was against the Tinfoil Hat Messiah, Faux Fiscal Conservative, and Imaginary Constitutionalist, Dr "the Birchers' and Stromfront's BFF" Ronpaul

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 9:17PM

Mr. Antle: of course you were. That wasn't really to taunt you---you know who it was to taunt. I can't help it---it's like a dog hearing "bone" or a boxer passing a speed bag. It's a source of infinite catharsis after a hard day of personality disorders and suicidal people.

I actually enjoy, very much, your columns, even when I disagree with them. You are much more of a gentleman than I, and your response to me proves it. (I do like the "Antler" nickname, but I won't use it if you don't like it.)

W. James Antle III| 1.31.12 @ 9:20PM

After many years, I have come to terms with the Antler nickname!

Clint| 1.31.12 @ 11:43PM

The RINO-CINO Israel Firster,Tool Job Thinks He Can Now Blow Plastic Phoney Kisses Around And Sucker The Rest Of The Republicans & Conservatives Into Voting For The RINO-CINO GOP Establishment Frontman, Mittens Romney.

We Are Being Set Up By The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 11:52PM

I'm not suckering anyone... I think Mitt will:
1) keep taxes stable, 2) not let Iran have a nuke if it doesn't have one by January 21st, 2013, 3) start the reform of entitlements, 4) sign a repeal bill on Obamacare if the Republican House and Senate present it to him, because he is not a politically suicidal guy.

Next week, I plan to go to my caucus and vote for Santorum, and support Cravaack. I may have my checkbook ready to drop a check on my local Republican party.

Unlike Clint, I happen to be sane. If Romney is the GOP nominee, I will financially support him, and vote for him. With all his MANY flaws, he is infinitely better than the first President I have truly and completely believed was not an American Patriot while in office, no matter how twisted (Clinton came closest to "traitor in office before Obama." Carter was just, like Obama, incredibly incompetent; however, his treason began AFTER office. Obama adds an extra dimension of evil to his incompetence---he pals around with terrorists and thugs who hate America, like Chavez.). Obama is a genuinely scary man; he is exceeded in scariness only by someone who calls Bradley Manning an "American hero."

(Speaking of Wikileaks---they have just released data putting the 7 remaining Jews in Baghdad in incredible danger.)

Clint| 2.1.12 @ 12:30AM

You're A Liar, RINO-CINO Fake Conservative,Tool Job.

You Are Now Fronting With Santorum, After You Said You'll Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney

You Ain't Sane, Screwball RINO-CINO Israel Firster Fanatic,Tool Job.

You're A Government Hire, Sorry-Assed, Bottom Of The Barrel Government Excuse For A Shrink, That They Sic On The Poor Patients.

Let's See Your RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Win Without The GOP Insurgency Vote, RINO-CINO ,Tool Job.

The Tea Party And The Rest Of The GOP Insurgency Benefits From A Brokered Convention

spike59| 2.2.12 @ 6:22AM

The Tea Party And The Rest Of The GOP Insurgency Benefits From A Brokered Convention

---------------------------------
except for "Drronpaul", who will remain, as always, a humorous asterisk in the history of Presidential politics

Bill| 1.31.12 @ 9:01PM

Romney wins in FL and gets the GOP nod. I got that! Here's a fact. Obama will have 4 more years. No thanks, FL! The "spoiler" did it again!
You don't like Gingrich, you get Obama! Damn FL!

m| 1.31.12 @ 9:07PM

It is going to be the race for Romney to lose in November if he is the nominee. The good news that Romney lost all the conservatives vote in Florida tonight.

Green| 1.31.12 @ 9:26PM

Romney won 47% and the rest added up to 52% on latest numbers. So anybody but Romney is still the majority. Exit polls show that of the Romney voters, over 35% say they want someone else. Romney seems to have the status quo Republican who are CINO's and proof is that he lost the true conservative vote in big way. You know, those folks who can now spot a republican trying to sound conservative.

spike59| 2.1.12 @ 6:09AM

"anybody but_____________ (fill in the name of any of Mitt's opponents)" is an even LARGER majority...like Newtie---2 out of 3 Florida Republicans reject him outright

Oldefarte| 1.31.12 @ 9:27PM

I really don't get it and please please would someone here SPLAIN IT TO ME? Ginguich discussed his challenging Cuba which I thought would excite the Hispanics. Ginguich is Catholic, of which the majority of Hispanics are also. Ginguich spoke of a charitable immigration solution. Ginguich is very demonstatably pro-Israel, and there is a sizable Jewish population in Florida. The Florida panhandle is conservatively Republican, and Newt is demonstatably more conservative than the others. And yet Romney wins Florida? Is the Obama/Axelrod/Chicago community organizing machine of Acorn already at work within the Sunshine State???????????

PCP Smoker| 1.31.12 @ 9:30PM

Maybe that's why he lost. Instead of worrying about pandering to each group, he could have explained and expounded on conservatism and first principles like the professor he is. It certainly would have been better than petty attacks and weird moon bases.

Oldefarte| 1.31.12 @ 9:34PM

Well he expounded on his conservatism in SC and won to its conservative population, so why didn't his ethnic conservatism agenda in Florida?????

PCP Smoker| 1.31.12 @ 9:41PM

I wouldn't buy the argument Cubans are hard core conservatives. R S McCain quoted a floridian supporting Mittens, she said: "I believe in his policies, he 's a republican, and he's a good man." With that type of voter, neither of us is right.

Oldefarte| 1.31.12 @ 9:31PM

PS: SHIRLEY, YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS? Well, don't call me 'Shirley', and I'm completely serious, okay???????

PCP Smoker| 1.31.12 @ 9:41PM

Love that movie. Like your screen name.

somnolence| 1.31.12 @ 9:28PM

Bill, there are pet canaries out there who can beat Obama in the fall. Wait until Mitt wraps Holder and the Catholic Church outrage over abortion around Obama's neck. BTW the President CAN repeal Obamacare no matter what some detractors say, simply by Executive fiat. Add that to a Senate which will be filibuster proof and it is a done deal. The fact that Mitt spelled all this out in debate to Santorum and Newt the other night tells me he WILL beat Obama on the healthcare issue, since he isn't afraid to bring it up and explain the differences. So, I really don't give a crap if you stay home or not. Something tells me Willard knows more about what is going to happen than you or me. Holder, 10% unemployment, favoritism toward unions like GE and GM are going to win the election for Romney. Gingrich WILL NOT have the money, his organization is second rate, he is an overstuffed, flatulent windbag who has favored mandates for over 20 years. The votes of the Old South won't mean diddly squat(Wallace won 6 states in the 1968 election-where did that get him?). The closest comparison I can think of for Gingrich is Pat Buchanan(a Richard Nixon Establishment Republican acolyte) running as challenger to the incumbent Bush in 1992. But now, Pat is speaking out about Newt's glaring frailties, soon to be an abyss from which he won't climb out of.

Oldefarte| 1.31.12 @ 9:41PM

It all depends upon if Mitt has the cahones to go tooth-n-nail after El Chosen One, which to date he's been luke-warm on. That is the issue. Newt has no problem in defining Barry Boy to a T, but Mitt appears squimish in the mold of McCain, Hillary etc [PC-ism run amock]. Chosen is amassing a political war chest the likes no one has ever seen [the source is another issue, with the Lincoln Bedroom due for another mattress no doubt], and if Mitt as nominee hold back playing nice, Chosen will beat him like a drum!!!!!!!!

Occam's Tool| 1.31.12 @ 11:58PM

As I've said before, in agreement with Oldefarte, I would start with finding out if there is anytruth to the gay men's club rumor. If there is, slam it to him.

Tie him to Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers. Repeat it, repeat it, showing dramatizations of a Dorhn built bomb exploding a cop and Obama posing for pictures with her. Tie him to that felon Rezko. Smear, smear, smear, without let up, without ceasing, without mercy, especially as everything I've just said (with the exception of the gay club situation) has been shown to be true. Pay people 10 million to get the gay men's club membership list, and 10 million to get the tape in the LA Times vault showing him toasting the pPlestinian terrorists. Smear, bite, claw, and hit, hit, hit. Obama specialized in low blows throughout his campaigns. Time to hit back, sans merci.

I hope Mitt is up to this. Otherwise, he will lose. Me, I'd authorize it and then go back to playing video games.

Bill| 1.31.12 @ 9:48PM

I'm DEVASTATED!
FL picked McCain over Giuliani in 2008, and Obama became the President. Romney bought FL, and Obama will have 4 more years! Also. GOP House is at stakes now, while Romney becomes the GOP nominee against Obama. Obama eyes for a landslide victory. Just watch!

PCP Smoker| 1.31.12 @ 9:28PM

Well, he never really lost the "aura of inevitability." Isn't that why NRO, Weekly Standard, YOU, and Tyrell were there for? Keep up the good work.

somnolence| 1.31.12 @ 9:59PM

I would never vote for anyone who wore a dress down Broadway like Giuliani did, even if he did clean up Times Square. But that isn't why Obama beat McCain, and that was 2008, 3 B.O. Romney is the most savvy pol out there now, and I won't use the k word; let's just say he will inflict mutilation upon Obama the likes of which has never been seen in American politics, exposing him for the fraud he has been for four years.

PCP Smoker| 1.31.12 @ 10:16PM

You are dreaming. Romney, McCain, GOP Establishment, WSJ, while adept at trashing conservatives, are incapable of criticizing liberals, let alone the First Black President. Has the WSJ ever criticize Obama as harsh as they have the Tea Party? Mutilation...only as redefined by Rinos.

Clint| 1.31.12 @ 11:45PM

We Are Being Set Up By The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

Rise Up GOP Insurgency !

Mike 3/505| 1.31.12 @ 10:22PM

Mr Antle,

"He has won more votes than Gingrich and Rick Santorum combined."

You may have to retract the above by tomorrow morning. The "spread" between Romney & Gingrich has been dropping all night. Even now, the Romney vs Gingrich/ Santorum difference is only 1 point.

Regards,

Mike

spike59| 2.1.12 @ 6:12AM

a retraction won't be necessary- mitt 46.8, newtie 31.7, santorum 13.3

mitt beats the combined total by 1.8%

Mike 3/505| 2.1.12 @ 8:56AM

I just saw....still and all....Mitt is still less than 50%. I think this still has a ways to go.

spike59| 2.2.12 @ 6:24AM

...and everyone else is stuck at WAY less than 40...

somnolence| 1.31.12 @ 10:41PM

PCP Smoker has added Crystal Meth to his mix if he thinks that Gingrich is ANYTHING BUT part of the Establishment. Newt only got 4% more of Evangelicals tonight 40-36 %. So more and more, it appears, people are starting to see through this old Washington hand's class warfare tactics.