McCain Wins Florida, Rudy to Endorse Him

Posted by GottaLaff , Cliff Schecter's Blog at 4:26 AM on January 30, 2008.

(CNN) -- Sen. John McCain will win the Florida Republican primary, CNN projects based on election results and exit polling, edging out rival Mitt Romney.

With 55 percent of Republican precincts reporting, McCain held a 36-32 percent lead over Romney. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani trailed with 15 percent of the vote, followed closely by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee who held 13 percent.

Sen. Hillary Clinton will win the largely uncontested Democratic primary, CNN projected.

With about 54 percent of Democratic precincts reporting, Clinton had 51 percent of the vote. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was in second with 31 percent, and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards was in third with 15 percent.

The Democratic vote may have little impact on the presidential race, however, because the party's national leadership said it would not allow Florida's delegates to participate in the national convention because of a squabble over scheduling.

Republicans penalized the state as well, but took away only half of their 114 delegates.

"I am thrilled to have had this vote of confidence that you have given me today," Clinton told supporters. "I promise you I will do everything I can to make sure not only are Florida's Democratic delegates seated, but Florida is in the winning column for the Democrats in 2008." Video Watch how Clinton won in Florida »

Clinton has called on the Democratic Party to formally lift sanctions on the state.

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Per MSNBC's Keith, and Time, and Commenter David G.

Even with the ballots still being counted in Florida, The Page is reporting that Rudy Giuliani is ready to throw in the towel and endorse John McCain, possibly as early as tomorrow in California. A Rudy endorsement could seal the deal for McCain in the winner-take-all contests in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Super Tuesday. However, given Rudy's stands on abortion, guns and gay rights, his endorsement of McCain would also add some ballast to Romney's central argument going forward -- that of the two remaining contenders for the GOP nomination, he is the more conservative.

He's supposedly doing this within a couple of miles from where I work/live: Simi Valley. I'd like a little more distance, please.

UPDATE: Per Howard Fineman, they're trying to figure out how to choreograph it, for the most impact and benefits for everyone: When, where, will he change his mind..that kind of thing. They're campaigns are discussing it as I type this.

He says there's an unconscious alliance between McCain and Rev Huckee...and wonders if Huck would be his running mate.

Tagged as: mccain, giuliani, romney

GottaLaff is a regular blogger for Cliff Schecter's Blog