Less than two hours after the presidential debate Wednesday night in Denver, here's how Florida leaders viewed the feisty Mitt Romney and rambling President Barack Obama in their first of three to-be-televised question-and-answer forums:
Florida Gov. Rick Scott
"Tonight, Floridians saw the clear choice we have in this election. We can choose the current path we are on under President Obama, of more government spending and job-killing policies from Washington, or Governor Romney's path of less taxes and regulation to support job creation.
"Only Governor Romney's path will help us leave future generations of Floridians with more opportunities to pursue their dreams."
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston
Mitt Romney might "love great schools," but his budget could cut $115 billion-plus from the Department of Education over a decade.
U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers
"Governor Romney demonstrated to the nation the remarkable difference between a president that fights for freedom and prosperity and one that believes government is the solution to all that ails us. Governor Romney laid out a specific vision and President Obama spoke in a malaise and blamed the past.
Governor Romney was strong and confident in tonights debate. He gave us hope that it is indeed morning in America once again. Tonight we saw the beginning of the end of the last failed four years and the dawn of the renewal of Americas promise and purpose.
Mitt Romney won tonights debate. In 34 days the nation will win when he is elected our next president.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush
Mitt Romney is substantive and dominating tonight.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry
"Many Americans have to be scratching their heads tonight wondering why President Obama hasn't already done some of the things he talked about tonight, like create jobs.
"The last thing Americans wanted to hear were the "aw shucks" excuses offered for why he's failed to do the job for which he was elected."
Florida Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa
At least when W. stumbled over words, he came off a likeable cowboy and not an arrogant and condescending law professor. This is embarrassing ...
Florida Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City
Round One. Judges ruling: Mitt Romney 10, Barack Obama 7 #romneyryan2012 #sayfie
Florida Rep. Dwight Bullard, D-Miami
Taking bets on how long it takes Governor Romney to shift his position on 75 percent of what he just said.
Chelsi P. Henry, Jacksonville, Florida GOP National Convention Delegate
Tonight, MittRomney explained his plans as president, while the pres created new plans in addition to his failed plans over the past four years.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater
"Mitt Romney was on fire! There is no doubt who won this #debate tonight. I can't wait to cast my vote and elect a leader."
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach
"I remember being in the Rick Perry spin room after a rough debate ... must be like how Team Obama feels about now ..."
Adam Smith, St. Petersburg Times political editor
Two words for Obama @ next debate: Red Bull.
Marc Caputo, Miami Herald
How I know Obama is losing: Dems are fuming that Romney's "getting away with it."
University of Florida Political Science Professor Dan Smith
Maybe it's just my twitter feed, but it's not flying nearly as fast as during the RNC and DNC convention keynotes.
Larry Sabato, political analyst
As you watch, remember: Average voter has no clue which numbers and assertions are true.
Ben White, Politicos Morning Money
Let's just come out and say it: This thing was extraordinarily boring.
Christopher Arnold, Port St. Lucie
Stage looks like it could fit a few more podiums. Can we get more candidates up there?
Poynter Institute, Poynter?@Poynter
"Jim Lehrer" is trending worldwide, as the moderator who lost tonight's debate on Twitter: http://journ.us/SrsAsI
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
