Mitt Romney clearly energized Florida Republicans with his feisty debate performance.  While we know Florida Democrats may not have the largest bench, they were still remarkably quiet in terms of their reaction to the debate.  State Republicans, on the other hand, were quick to praise Romney.

Here’s a roundup of the initial reaction to last night’s debate from Sunshine State political leaders:

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) “President Obama, his agenda, his failed record and his entire campaign of smearing Mitt Romney were exposed in the first debate.  This race will never be the same again.” (via USA Today editorial).

Gov. Rick Scott (R): “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 Gov. Romney’s path of less taxes and regulation to support job creation” (statement).

Republican Party of Florida chair 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” (statement).

Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R) on twitter: “Mitt Romney is substantive and dominating tonight”(via twitter).

GOP Senate candidate Connie Mack: Governor Romney was strong and confident in tonight’s debate. He gave us hope that it is indeed morning in America once again” (statement).

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz: “Obama laid out his vision for continuing to move America forward with an economy that grows from the middle out, not the top down.  We didn’t see the same specifics from Mitt Romney, and there’s one simple reason for that: if the American people knew the details on how Romney would accomplish his plans and policies” (statement).

Tags | Connie Mack, debate, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida Republicans, jeb bush, Lenny Curry, marco rubio, Mitt Romney, rick scott