By Bartholomew Sullivan and Melissa Holsman

Political experts said Tuesday night former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s huge money advantage was a major factor in his win in Florida

Kevin Wagner, Florida Atlantic University assistant professor of political science, said Florida was a “money game,” and with Romney outspending Gingrich three- or four-to-one, Romney won it.

Money will remain a major consideration and Gingrich will not be able to rely on contributions to his Super PAC for day-to-day campaign expenses, such as flying from place to place.

“It’s hard to see how (Gingrich) stays in long term,” he said.

Richard Evans, chair of the Martin County Newt Gingrich campaign, said Tuesday’s results were disappointing but were clearly “a function of being outspent three- or four-to-one.” He said “both sides” we responsible for the negative tone of the race in Florida but predicted that, “regardless of who wins, Republicans will rally to get rid of President Obama.”

“There were a number of decisive factors,” said Kevin Lanning, professor of psychology and political science at Florida Atlantic University’s Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter. “You could point to the money spent or the demographic difference between Florida and South Carolina or (former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt) Romney’s rebounding in the debates.