Well, this is the day! Republicans from Florida will decide who they want as candidate for president! Most news commentators say that Romney is already the winner. What do you think? Can Gingrich rebound after Florida? Should Santorum quit the race? Is there any reason for Ron Paul to continue?

Just a little history: 
We know Florida has the reputation of being a key battleground state since the very controversial general election in November of 2000, when George W Bush tied Al Gore at 49%. Then, in 2008, Florida had the 5th narrowest margin of victory, with Obama winning over McCain 51%-48%. 

But that is the general election. Primary results in Florida are very important but not as decisive. It is true that McCain beat Romney 36%-31% and continued on to become the Republican nominee. Nevertheless, Obama did not win Florida in 2008. Hillary Clinton did (50%-33%). 

Regarding the candidates at the bottom of the polls: 
It has been said that Primaries do not select presidential candidates, they destroy hopefuls. The two "hopefuls," with very little chance of competing after Florida, are Santorum and Paul. They must take a hard look at their finances, family issues and long-term goals before continuing the race. Everyone agrees that Paul is not a possible candidate. Santorum still may have a chance because many of the Republicans don't seem to like the front-runners Romney and Gingrich! (Santorum may just surprise us all!) 

Regarding the front-runners: 
If Florida polls are right, it is 95% sure Romney will win today. Does this mean that he can win over the rest of the country? Can he, being a Mormon, win over the evangelicals? Can he win over Hispanics after "no Dream Act" declarations, for example? And the big question: Can he beat Obama? Some say that Florida is In some ways more like the rest of the US (and that the first states with a Primary or Caucus were not as good as samples). For this reason, I imagine, Senator Rubio just declared that the winner in Florida will be the Republican nominee. What do you think? I don't think the story is over today! 

Finally, what about Gingrich? I don't think the question is; "If Gingrich loses today is he out of the race?" The question is: "How does Gingrich regain momentum if he loses today?" It is amazing that though Hispanics like the Gingrich just and compassionate approach to immigration reform (except sending all the undocumented across the border to get "in line") … polls say the majority are supporting Romney because they think he can beat Obama. 

This is going to be an exciting day! Please stay with me. Tell me what you think! Give me your comments on Facebook. Follow me and write to me on Twitter: @HernandezJuan. 

Juan Hernandez
Follow me on Twitter: @HernandezJuan