Mitt Romney (Photo: Wikimedia)

Mitt Romney won tonight's Republican presidential primary in Florida, a victory that puts him in prime position to lock down his party's nomination. Fox News, NPR, CNN called the Sunshine State for Mr. Romney almost immediately after the last polls closed at 8 p.m. New York time.

After his victory in South Carolina, Mr. Romney's main opponent, Newt Gingrich, upset Mr. Romney's once ironclad lead in the Florida polls, but Mr. Romney got back on top after drubbing Mr. Gingrich in the most recent debate and dramatically outspending him on the airwaves.

With wins in Florida and New Hampshire and a second place finish in Iowa, Mr. Romney has a promising road to the finish line. The large Mormon population next state to vote, Nevada, is expected to swing it Mr. Romney's way when voters there caucus February 4. Three days later residents will head to the polls in Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, where Mr. Gingrich failed to get on the ballot.

Despite his relatively bleak primary prospects, Mr. Gingrich has vowed to wage an extended campaign.