Romney back in front

Editorial

In a bruising presidential primary, Florida Republicans signaled they care more about winning the White House than defying the establishment.

Though state GOP voters have been rebellious of late, they went with the insider candidate in Mitt Romney by a sizable margin.

It was a sensible choice. Romney may be cautious, stiff and sometimes mutable on the issues, but the former governor also is well-financed, disciplined and smart. He's an astute businessman who understands that freedom leads to prosperity. His character is above reproach.

We worry that Romney's Massachusetts health-care plan will weaken his arguments against President Obama's massive entitlement expansion. But Romney makes clear he believes in federal restraint, in contrast to Obama's ceaseless activism.

Romney may instill confidence, but he has yet to inspire much passion. His triumph had the feeling that it was the result of voters making a rational choice, not mobilizing for a cause.

Romney spent more time attacking his most formidable opponent, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, than detailing his prescription for the country's revival.

He also comes out of the primary with his nice-guy halo somewhat tarnished; some say his tough campaign tactics will eventually hurt him. But it did not seem to bother Florida voters. He did well in most of the state and even won over many tea-party voters who love to defy expectations. Republicans understand that whoever is their nominee will need to be ready for a rough-and-tumble fall campaign.

Gingrich is not out of it, but the lopsided loss returns him to the long-shot role he seems to relish. The constant barrage of negative ads — one analysis found that 92 percent of all Florida primary ads were negative — obviously deflated the momentum Gingrich enjoyed after his surprise win in South Carolina.

Gingrich, in our view, offers the more imaginative plan to energize the economy and the nation. His proposed Social Security reforms and plans for a flat tax are bolder than anything Romney has suggested. But Gingrich's personal lapses obviously were a handicap.

To offset the constant TV advertising attacks, Gingrich needed a breakthrough. It never came. Gingrich, who had performed brilliantly in most of the previous debates, didn't rise above the competition in two lackluster, finger-pointing contests.

Florida, with its large and diverse population and troubled economy, was the first real test for the candidates. Romney came through with flying colors and used his victory speech to attack Obama.

There may be surprises to come in the primary season, but in Florida, Romney showed he has the toughness and widespread appeal needed for the November showdown.