Mitt Romney wins big in Florida primary

Mitt Romney in full voice after Florida primary

Mitt Romney used large amounts of cash and negative advertising to come in first in the Florida primary. American democracy has fallen a bit overnight. The lofty ideals of the Founding Fathers have been overshadowed by a need for political war chests and political warfare. Or put it another way, money and mudslinging win the day.

Of course, Mitt Romney did not have much to do or say to win. Newt Gingrich shot himself in the foot. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul were more or less ignored by the pundits, although the two candidates have preferred to focus on upcoming contests. No, Romney won because he didn't have much competition in Florida. That said, he hasn't exactly sparkled. Florida's economy isn't in that great a shape. More of the same will get it out of shape even more.

The BBC is rooting for Romney. I don't know what others think of the word "only" but the BBC says Newt Gingrich only managed 32%. Only? After all he's been saying about moon colonies, fidelity and tax gathering, I'd think 32% was very good. Only, eh? If only! Mitt got only 46%. Those big bucks stuffed into his war chest couldn't persuade more than half to vote for him. Only 54% voted against him. If one only puts the votes of Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul together, then Mitt Romney still has more against him than for him. His only hope is a continued split opposition.

Result -

Mitt Romney	774,492	46.24%
Newt Gingrich	533,038	31.93%
Rick Santorum	222,774	13.34%
Ron Paul	117,094	7.01%
Rick Perry	6,768	0.41%
John Huntsman	6,197	0.37%
Michele Bachmann	3,959	0.24%
Herman Cain	3,494	0.21%
Gary Johnson	1,196	0.07%

The total number of votes cast was 1,669,462. If one takes into account the votes for candidates who have withdrawn, adds them to the other non-Romney votes, then 894,970 voters did not support Mitt Romney. If only they had.

Posted in: Florida Primary,Mitt Romney,Newt Gingrich,Presidential Election 2012,Ron Paul