Romney Wins Delaware, Gingrich's Last Hope

Is tonight the night that knocks out Newt Gingrich once and for all? Mitt Romney has won Delaware, billed as Gingrich's last-gasp chance, as part of a five-state sweep, according to the Wall Street Journal. In addition to Delaware, Romney won Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. He all but accepted the GOP nomination at a rally in swing-state New Hampshire: "A better America starts tonight," he declared.

"After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and not a few long nights, I can say with confidence—and gratitude—that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility," he said, before focusing the speech on President Obama's handling of the economy. (Politico has the transcript.) Gingrich had promised to "reassess" his candidacy if he lost Delaware, but he did not drop out, at least for now. He told supporters that he would finish this week's campaigning and decide his next move, notes AP. Ron Paul has vowed to stay in no matter what. (More Mitt Romney 2012 stories.)