Romney makes victory speech at Florida primary

TAMPA BAY - Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney made his victory speech at the Tampa Convention Center - seemingly confident that the GOP nomination is already in hand.

"I stand ready to lead this party and to lead our nation," he said.

Romney walked onto the stage along with four of his five sons and his wife to accept a double digit victory over rival Newt Gingrich in Florida, and tell supporters he needs them to continue to back him up.

"Ours will be a united campaign," said Romney, addressing the divisive nature of recent attack ads between himself and Gingrich. Romney said he believes the fight will ultimately make the party stronger.

But Romney did not mention Gingrich by name at all in his speech, instead choosing to attack President Obama.

"Hope is a job and a paycheck - not a word on a faded bumper sticker," Romney said.

He also pledged a stronger military force under his administration: "I will insist on a military so powerful, no one will ever think of challenging it."

Amidst a standing room only crowd chanting "Go Mitt Go," Romney closed the speech, saying it's time to "fight for the America we love."

Romney has a long road yet to the Republican National Convention - his next stop on the campaign trail will be the Nevada Caucus on Saturday, February 4.