I don't think the first 3 states' results are all that indicative of a predicted winner of the nomination. In the other 3 states that already voted, anyone including Obama fans can go in and vote on the Republican primary ticket.

"Unlike the other early-vote states, Florida’s primary is closed meaning that only Republicans can cast ballots.

“We actually have Republicans choosing the Republican nominees,” said Brian Hughes, a veteran political operative and current Republican Party of Florida spokesman.

“A Cuban-American voter in South Florida and a Dixiecrat party switcher are vastly different people,” Hughes said. To be successful, the candidates have to communicate to them across 10 media markets and the vast geography of Florida while competing for more than 2 million votes. So winning that contest — winning Florida — means something.”

But even if Gingrich won Florida — and that’s a big if, considering Romney’s organization — his viability as a candidate who can go the distance is unclear. Gingrich’s name isn’t on ballots in some states such as Virginia.

That can be a killer for Gingrich and a plus for Romney if the election drags on because the nominee will ultimately be decided by the delegates won in each state’s election. It takes 1,144 to wrap up the nomination."

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/2...tt-romney.html