JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Newt Gingrich is licking his wounds. A loss in Florida cost him some money and some momentum. But neither he, nor his supporters, are backing down.
Local campaign co-chair, Bert Raulston said, "Mathematically, this thing's wide open. It takes over 1100 delegates to become the nominee. And right now, the leading delegate holder has 87."
While Gingrich didn't win the state, he did well in North Florida. He won Clay, Baker, Nassau, and Putnam Counties. Raulston said, "Northeast Florida is typically one of the most reliably conservative parts of the state."
Political insider, Adam Hollingsworth, agreed. He said, "Newt Gingrich has a very specific appeal to the most conservative voters across Florida. And certainly, North Florida voters are among the most conservative in our state."
But Hollingsworth says campaigns are won in big cities. He says they're won with manpower, money, and a clear message that Gingrich wasn't able to convey during the Florida debates. He said, "Newt Gingrich just had a lackluster performance, frankly. And so Romney's message was much more powerful. And I think it translated into votes in the state."
Gingrich touts himself as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. He stood at a podium Tuesday night, defiant and determined. He says there are 46 states to go, and he's not giving up just yet.
