QUICK TAKE: Romney Sets Sights on Obama After Florida Win

Updated: January 31, 2012 | 10:22 p.m.
January 31, 2012 | 8:42 p.m.

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney laughs as he speaks with a voter at his campaign office in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, during Florida's primary election day. (CHARLES DHARAPAK/AP)

Mitt Romney put the focus on President Obama after his decisive victory in the Florida primary.

“In another era of American crisis, Thomas Paine is reported to have said, 'lead, follow, or get out of the way,'” Romney said. “Mr. President, you were elected to lead. You chose to follow, and now, it's time for you to get out of the way.”

Romney blamed President Obama for the lackluster economy and persistent unemployment, and he argued that he can chart a better course.

“My leadership will end the Obama era and begin a new era of American prosperity,” Romney said.

Romney told cheering supporters that a drawn-out primary won’t weaken the Republican Party, or the eventual Republican nominee.

“A competitive primary does not divide us, it prepares us, and we will win,” he declared.

The former Massachusetts governor spoke before a flag-waving crowd at his Tampa headquarters. It was Romney’s second victory in a Republican nominating contest; he also won the New Hampshire primary.

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