In a victory speech Romney criticized President Barack Obama and blamed him for the economic woes of the country.  He promised to repeal the president's health care reform, balance the budget, and usher the country into a new era of economic prosperity.

　　"This campaign is about more than replacing a president.  It's about saving the soul of America," said Romney. "President Obama and I have very different visions of America.  President Obama wants to grow government and continue to amass trillion-dollar deficits.  I will not just slow the growth of government.  I will cut the spending of government.  I will not just freeze government's share of the total economy.  I will reduce it.  And without raising taxes, I will finally get America to a balanced budget."

　　With nearly all the votes counted, the former Massachusetts governor won 46 percent of the Florida vote, far ahead of his closest rival, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who garnered 32 percent.  The Florida Republican primary came a little more than a week after Romney was soundly defeated by Gingrich in South Carolina's primary.

　　Strong debate performances and heavy advertising that attacked Gingrich helped Romney win in Florida.  In his speech, he told supporters he will change the direction of the country.

　　"If this election is a bidding war for who can promise the most goodies and the most benefits, then I'm not your president," said Romney. "You have that president today.  But if you want to make this election about restoring American greatness, then I hope you'll join us.  If you believe the disappointments of the last few years are a detour, and not our destiny, then I'm asking for your vote."

　　But Gingrich, who trailed in the polls for months last year only to surge to a big win in South Carolina, has vowed that his campaign will not end.

　　"And I think Florida did something very important, coming on top of South Carolina," said Gingrich. "It is now clear that this will be a two-person race between the conservative leader, Newt Gingrich, and the Massachusetts moderate.  And the voters of Florida really made that clear.  Now you will notice that a number of people are holding up a sign about 46 states to go.  We did this in part for the elite media, because the same people who said I was dead in June and July, and said I was gone after Iowa, who seemed totally quiet after the night of the South Carolina victory are now going to be back saying, 'What's he going to do?  What's he going to do?'  So I just want to reassure them tonight.  We are going to contest every place and we are going to win and we will be in Tampa as the nominee in August."