MORNING READ

The media heart Newt Gingrich
The Washington Post's Dana Milbank explains that despite Gingrich's protests, the news media actually enjoys — and needs — the campaign of the former House Speaker.

Romney to get Secret Service protection this week
The former governor's commanding win in Florida, coupled with increasing crowd sizes at his campaign events, will earn him a security detail on Thursday, ABC News reports.

Gingrich 'refuses to operate within reality'
The Huffington Post's Amanda Terkel found that the former Speaker's message was inconsistent with the hard blow he took in losing Florida.

Santorum tries to survive
National Review's Robert Costa talks with Rick Santorum about the candidate's plan to expand the campaign west and regain his momentum.

OTHER NEWS SOURCES

Romney wins big in Florida
The victory deals a stinging blow to Newt Gingich's presidential aspirations, The Hill's Josh Lederman and Niall Stanage report.

Missteps undermine White House counterprogramming effort
An awkward moment over unemployment and admission of drone strikes in Pakistan have left the president stumbling, rather than scoring points against opponents in the GOP primaries, The Hill's Amie Parnes and Jeremy Herb report.