McCain victory speech: “Thank you, South Carolina, for bringing us across the finish line first in the first-in-the-South primary. It took us a while, but what’s eight years among friends?” Read full speech here. Watch video here.
On to Florida for Palmetto State victor — tells the AP post-win: “We’ve got a long way to go.”
Redemption and renewal — and some new challenges.
McCain camp: “I am confident that voters in Florida will make a similar decision…” Full statement here.
CNN election results (with 97% of precincts reporting):
McCain 33%, Huckabee 30%, Thompson 16%, Romney 15%, Paul 4%, Giuliani 2%.
HALPERIN’S TAKE: What’s next for McCain?
