So ... that was kind of decisive for Mitt Romney, wasn't it?
The bad news for Mittens, though, is that polling released today hints at the fact that he might not have it quite so easy in the near future. Three polls were released today, the Gallup national tracker, plus new polls in Ohio and Missouri (where PPP wisely polled both the caucuses and the primary because ... well ... Newt, y'know).
As it happens, Mitt leads in none of them. Though, in fairness to Mr. Florida, he is right on the cusp of the lead in virtually all of them (Missouri being the notable exception):
NATIONAL (Gallup Tracking): Gingrich 28, Romney 27, Santorum 17, Paul 13MISSOURI CAUCUS (PPP): Gingrich 30, Santorum 28, Romney 24, Paul 11
MISSOURI PRIMARY (PPP): Santorum 45, Romney 34, Paul 13
OHIO (PPP): Gingrich 26, Romney 25, Santorum 22, Paul 11
On the general election front, President Obama is still in the driver's seat, as the primary beneficiary of the fisticuffs on the Republican side:
NATIONAL (Daily Kos/SEIU/PPP): Obama d. Romney (46-42); Obama d. Gingrich (49-40)NATIONAL (Rasmussen Tracking): Obama d. Romney (47-42); Obama d. Gingrich (50-37)
(Cue wingnut heads exploding that the "librully biased" team of PPP, SEIU, and Daily Kos give Mitt and Newt more of a shot than their beloved Rasmussen!)
No big analysis tonight, folks, because Oregon is about to give us round #2 of the election fun. Democrats, and their candidate (Suzanne Bonamici) are hoping for a night that is about as suspenseful as Florida was for the GOP tonight.
More numbers, and more analysis, will be on deck tomorrow night.