Click to play videoMiami: Sen John McCain defeated rival Mitt Romney in a close contest and Democrat Hillary Clinton too won the Florida Republican that gave momentum to their efforts to become the party's US presidential candidates.
The multimillionaire Massachussets Governor, Romney was focusing on economy, while Vietnam veteran McCain played the security card.
"In one week we'll have our national primary, I intend to win and to be the nominee for all of you," McCain said.
The win gave McCain a lift headed into the February 5 Super Tuesday contests, when nearly half the US states choose Democratic and Republican presidential candidates for the November general election.
The victory also blunted criticism that Republican support for the maverick Arizona senator was too weak for him to win a Republicans-only contest that excluded independent voters.
Florida's contest was limited to Republicans, unlike earlier states that allowed independents to participate.
"I wanna congratulate each of my opponents on a hard- fought campaign of here in Florida. I wanna congratulate Senator McCain. I spoke to Mitt Romney, and told him of my regard of him as well," Giuliani said.
Among the Democrats.. Hillary Clinton won the primary beating rival Barack Obama but its just a symbolic win and will have little impact on the Democratic presidential race.
Party delegates from Florida will not be allowed to participate in the national convention in November because of party sanctions.
The state delegates are being punished for going against the party schedule and holding polls today. Despite that, the turnout was high. Some reports said about 2.5 million voters cast ballots, and nearly 400,000 people cast early or absentee ballots ahead of the primary.
"I am thrilled to have had this vote of confidence that you have given me today and I promise you I will do everything I can to make sure not only are Florida Democratic delegates seated, but Florida is in the winning column for the Democrats in 2008," Hillary said.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
