DAY IN A NUTSHELL
John McCain wins Florida's Republican primary, beating Mitt Romney into second, and becoming a formidable favourite to win the party's nomination. Rudy Giuliani's poor third-place finish leads many to predict that he will shortly be withdrawing from the race. Hillary Clinton wins the - largely symbolic - Democratic contest in Florida.
Florida: background on primary
KEY QUOTES
"Thank you, Florida Republicans, for bringing a former Florida resident across the finish line first in - as I have been repeatedly reminded lately - an all Republican primary."
John McCain celebrates his victory.
"Obama, Hillary tie for delegates in Florida tonight with 0 each"
"Like most Americans I love competition. I don't back down from a principal fight, but there must always be a larger purpose."
Rudy Giuliani
"I am convinced that with this resounding vote, with the millions of Americans who will vote next Tuesday, we will send a clear message that America is back and we will take charge of our destiny once again."
Hillary Clinton
"Obama, Hillary tie for delegates in Florida tonight with 0 each."
Barack Obama campaign email
NUMBER NEWS
John McCain received 36% of the vote in Florida to Mitt Romney's 31%.
Rudy Giuliani trailed in third with 15%, only just ahead of Mike Huckabee on 14%.
In the Democratic contest, Hillary Clinton took 50%, to Barack Obama's 33% and John Edwards's 14%.
Turnout across both primaries was estimated at around three million, with some 1.4 million Democrats and 1.6 million Republicans casting ballots.
DAILY PICTURE
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