The overwhelming consensus is that Mitt Romney will win a nice victory in tonight’s Florida Primary, but the question of by what margin still remains.  Polls close at 7 pm CST, so be sure to bookmark this page so you can updates from The Dysfunction Junction as the become available.  For instant updates, follow The Dysfunction Junction on Twitter (@TheDysJunction).

5:00- Not many polls out on the day of the Florida Primary, but the latest from Public Policy Polling shows Romney up 8 over Gingrich.  On the lower end of the margin for Romney, but in line with what the smaller margin I predicted for Romney earlier today.

5:10- First exit polls out and the shift in Florida is evident.  The exit polls show that 50% of seniors went for Romney, 35% went for Gingrich.  In the battle for the Hispanic vote, Romney wins again.  He landed 56% while Gingrich took in 29%.  I guess that Romney pandering worked out, huh?

5:30- While we wait on some news, Florida Democracy 2012 has some very interesting fast facts on the Florida electorate.  Makes for a very interesting read leading up the release of results.

5:40- More exit polls (Courtesy of Patterico’s Pontifications) show that Romney   comes in last with those who say picking a true conservative is the most important factor in the primaries.  No surprise there for RINOmney.

6:00- Precincts along the Florida peninsula have closed, so we should have some more exit polls very soon.  Still an hour to go until Central time zone panhandle precincts close.

6:05- Almost forgot!  Thanks again to Town Hall for this super cool results widget:

 

6:10- More exit polls out, with Tea Party supporters choosing Gingrich 46%-34% over Romney, but Romney still managing to finish over Gingrich in the question of who relates to them the most.  Puzzling considering Romney made over $20 million last year, despite saying he’s unemployed.

6:18- 15% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 50%
• Newt Gingrich- 28%
• Rick Santorum- 12%
• Ron Paul- 7%

6:23- 28% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 51%
• Newt Gingrich- 29%
• Rick Santorum- 12%
• Ron Paul- 7%

6:25- I’m no expert on Florida voting tendencies, but it’s fair to say that Mitt’s early lead will shrink some as the night wears on and the more conservative northern panhandle becomes more of a factor.  Of course, Governor Romney still seems poised to land a big win tonight.

6:30- 40% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 50%
• Newt Gingrich- 30%
• Rick Santorum- 12%
• Ron Paul- 7%

6:40- Just a little nugget of knowledge, Gingrich’s podium sign at his Florida Headquarters reads “46 States to Go.” He knows he isn’t going to win tonight, but he’s going to stick it out no matter what.  It’s gonna be a blood bath!

6:50- 49% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 48%
• Newt Gingrich- 31%
• Rick Santorum- 13%
• Ron Paul- 7%

7:00- With all of the precincts closed, it should only take networks about 1.56 seconds to call this one for Romney.  Why waste any time?

7:00.1- With that, Fox News projects Romney will win literally the nanosecond polls in the panhandle closed.

7:05- I would just like to let Floridians know that they passed up sending this to the nomination:

Yep.  That’s Newt Gingrich on a swing.

7:15- 63% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 47%
• Newt Gingrich- 31%
• Rick Santorum- 13%
• Ron Paul- 7%

7:30- All 34 of the Romneys (excepting Mitt) have taken the stage, with Ann Romney saying a few words of thanks to the crowded headquarters.

7:35- A well-charged RomneyBot takes the stage to talk up his big win.  Of course, he offers some congratulations to the others, saying that a tough primary makes the GOP nominee stronger.

7:40- In other news, be sure to stop over at The Other McCain’s always entertaining Florida coverage.

7:45- I’m not sure it’s my anti-Romney bias talking or what, but I’m fairly certain that Romney spoke from a teleprompter tonight.  Not the biggest crime to humanity by any means, but I’d still rather see Romney try to speak from the heart.  Or the hard drive, in his case.

7:55- Sarah Palin gives another not-endorsement endorsement of Newt Gingrich on Fox News, saying that if she were a Nevadan she would continue the process by voting for the best not-Romney, “which still appears to be Newt.”

8:00- Senator Rick Santorum takes the stage to congratulate Romney and ensure supporters that he’s in it for the long haul.  Santorum also said that the “GOP can do better” than the attacks that this race has resorted to.  Word.

8:10- Newt Gingrich takes the stage in Florida.  First thank his daughters, grandchildren, and everyone in Florida.  Newt addresses the “46 States to Go” posters, saying they were a screw you to the “elite media.”  Says that his campaign will be a campaign of the people, not a campaign of money and Wall Street donors.

8:20- Really a wonderful speech by Newt Gingrich.  He forcefully hit on Obama and his failed policies, had some subtle jabs on Romney, and did so all without a teleprompter.  Romney is probably going to win the nomination, but Gingrich is going to be a force until the final vote is cast.

8:30- 80% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 47%
• Newt Gingrich- 32%
• Rick Santorum- 13%
• Ron Paul- 7%

8:35- Ron Paul takes the stage at his Henderson, Nevada, Headquarters.  Despite a distant last place in Florida, Ron is just as energized as ever.  Reminds voters that he’s 3rd in delegates and THAT’S WHAT MATTERS.  Also mentions his strong ground game in Maine.  Paul’s performance in Maine could be a big spoiler for Romney.

10:00- 95% Reporting

• Mitt Romney- 46%
• Newt Gingrich- 32%
• Rick Santorum- 13%
• Ron Paul- 7%

10:05- Keep the streak alive!  Four correct primary/caucus predictions in a row.  I’m on fiyah.

10:30- I may not agree with her reasoning (and I certainly don’t endorse her vote), but Sunshine State Sarah, who fed the Mitt Madness, offered an interesting explanation regarding how a self-admitted “right wing-nut” could come to vote for Mitt Romney.  Strongly recommend.

2:00 AM- Yes, I’m awake.  Chemistry homework will do that to you.  With 100% reporting, the results are exactly what they were at 95%.  Congrats to Romney and his campaign for hard-bought win.

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