Mitt Romney scores big Florida primary win

Mr Romney said in a victory speech in Tampa that the primaries would not leave the party weakened

 

 

US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has won a clear victory in the Republican primary election in Florida, partial results indicate.

With 82% of votes counted after polling ended in Florida, Mr Romney has 47%, with rival Newt Gingrich on 32%.
Florida's primary is the biggest of the 2012 election season so far and saw a bitter TV ad battle from both men, as they seek to take on Barack Obama.
Exit polls indicated the economy was the key issue for a majority of voters.
Mr Romney and Mr Gingrich, plus Rick Santorum and Ron Paul, are seeking to become the Republican nominee and challenge Mr Obama in November's general election.
On results declared so far, Mr Santorum has polled 13% and Mr Paul 7%.
A victory for Mr Romney in the Sunshine State gives him his second win, after the New Hampshire primary, since the race began earlier this month with Iowa's caucuses.
It is worth 50 state delegates towards the total of 1,144 which a candidate needs to win the nomination.