John McCain won Florida’s Republican Presidential Primary and moved a giant step closer to capturing the Republican Presidential nomination. As of 9:15 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday night, Rasmussen Markets data suggests that McCain has an 82% chance of becoming the GOP nominee (current pricing: %).

See Rasmussen Markets data for Super Tuesday Primaries in both the Republican and Democratic races.

A look at the exit polling data shows just why McCain is considered potentially appealing as a general election candidate while at the same time giving some conservative Republicans heartburn. The Arizona Senator won among those who are generally dissatisfied with President Bush, those who say the economy is in poor shape, and those who only occasionally attend church services. He won among more moderate voters and among Latino voters. All of these demographic groups represent a larger share of the general election voting pool than they do among Republican Primary voters.

McCain was seen as the most electable candidate by 45% of Republican Primary voters in Florida today.

McCain’s victory in Florida is significant for several reasons. First, and foremost, because it was a closed primary in which only Republicans could vote. McCain’s earlier victories had come with the help of Independent voters and it was essential for the Arizona Senator to show that he could win among Republican voters.

Additionally, the Florida results have effectively knocked Rudy Giuliani out of the race. Reports are circulating that the former Mayor of New York City will leave the race and endorse McCain as early as tomorrow.

The McCain victory was also significant because it came despite many factors favoring former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. In addition to being a closed primary, it was a state where media advertising matters and Romney heavily outspent McCain. The economy was the top issue dominating the news and exit polling showed it to be the top issue on voters’ minds. While Romney maintained an upbeat public demeanor following his loss today, it is difficult to see where he will find better prospects for victory on Super Tuesday.

Rasmussen Markets data now gives McCain a % chance of winning the nomination. Mitt Romney is at %. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

See Rasmussen Markets data for Super Tuesday Primaries in both the Republican and Democratic races.