US Republican hopefuls head south

Battle for Republican nomination moves to Florida with Gingrich hoping to capitalise on South Carolina win.

US Republican elections

Newt Gingrich’s victory in the South Carolina primary has left the race for the Republican US presidential nomination wide open.

The former House of Representatives speaker is citing a strong desire for economic growth, plus irritation at the “establishment”, particularly the media, as the reasons for his victory.

As the battle moves south to Florida, Gingrich will be looking to consolidate his win to prove he is a candidate who can beat Barack Obama in November’s election.

But Mitt Romney, the longtime frontrunner, has maintained his lead in Florida polls, and he still has cash and a strong campaign team to draw on as he seeks to reignite his campaign.

Al Jazeera’s John Terrett reports from Washington.

Source: Al Jazeera